Monthly Archives: May 2022

International Law

By Matt Reynolds

May 18, 2022, 10:48 am CDT

Moscow's Red Square with the Kremlin, left, and St. Basil's Cathedral. Image from Shutterstock.

With pressure mounting on Western companies after Russias invasion of Ukraine, some law firms realized they needed to do more than just part ways with clients and decided to wind down operations in the country altogether.

The mass exodus has included the corporate giants McDonalds, Starbucks, Netflix and Google, who have either announced they would leave or suspend business. But at least 25 international law firms have also said they plan to hit the off-ramp.

Many of those firms announced they would close their Russia offices and exit the country. In March, Allen & Overy said it was winding down its Moscow office and would try to place 55 of its colleagues in other offices. Morgan Lewis announced that it would cease operations, and lawyers working in Moscow would be shifted to other regions.

But othersincluding giants Dentons, DLA Piper, Baker McKenzie and Clifford Chanceare taking a different approach.

In April, Clifford Chance said it was closing its office in Moscow and shifting all its Russian work to a new independent firm, Bortkevicha & Partners, which will be led by the managing partner of Clifford Chances office in Moscow. It said it also planned to relocate other members of its team to the new firm but says redundancies are expected.

And in March, Dentons announced it would spin off its Moscow and St. Petersburg offices into an independent firm. In a statement, the firms global CEO Elliott Portnoy said the exit was orchestrated with the firms Russian colleagues to meet its legal and ethical obligations. DLA Piper and Baker McKenzie also left stand-alone firms behind.

We have enjoyed more than 30 years of collaboration and friendship with our colleagues in Russia who bear no responsibility for this crisis nor for the circumstances that have led to this decision, Portnoy said in prepared remarks. Our hope is that at a future time we will be able to come back together when it is lawfully and practically possible to do so. Portnoy declined a request for an interview.

But as the war rages in Ukraine and the West has ramped up economic sanctions and export controls, Oliver M. Krischik, a trade law attorney with the Washington, D.C., firm GKG Law, says many businesses are likely focused in the short term on compliance rather than eyeing a potential return.

Its hard to predict what any type of reentry would look like, even under ideal circumstances, Krischik says.

Then there are Russian countersanctions and threats to penalize companies that have exited. In a May advisory to its clients, the law firm Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher warned international companies and firms leaving Russia to expect more in the way of economic retaliation.

Proposed countermeasures against exiting companies have been outlined in a proposed bill that could allow the government to take control of their assets and nationalize their property.

Moreover, allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses create a moral and ethical incentive for global companies and firms, says Josh Gerben, a trademark attorney and founder and principal of the firm Gerben Perrott in D.C. Its possible firms and companies may not contemplate a return until there is regime change, he says.

Theres an understanding that if you do business with Russia, you are turning your back on the atrocities that are happening, Gerben says. That is a really difficult place for companies to be if theyre going to be doing business in that country going forward.

Law firms also have to factor in the colleagues they are leaving behind who are just caught up in the war, explains Andrea Al-Attar, a solo practitioner and former enforcement officer in the Enforcement Division of the Office of Foreign Assets Control and former section chief of its Licensing Division.

At the end of the day, a company is based on relationships. Rebuilding those relationships can be one of the most difficult aspects, Al-Attar says.

In April, Dentons spokeswoman Astrid Egerton-Vernon said that the firms two Russian offices will remain part of the Dentons Europe Region until they become an independent firm.

Following the separation, the teams in Moscow and St. Petersburg will continue to serve the legal needs of clients in Russia under a new name and brand. We will collaborate on client work as permitted by applicable sanctions and internal policies, Egerton-Vernon wrote.

Baker McKenzie spokesman John McGuinness said in an April 19 email that its firms spinoff is an ongoing process. It has 130 lawyers working in its Moscow and St. Petersburg offices.

In a statement, DLA Piper said after 17 years in Russia, it was winding down its operations and closing its offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Our intention is to transfer the Russian business to our team there, the firm said on March 14.

All three law firms are organized as Swiss vereins. Under the verein business model, law firms typically have several partnerships or member firms within the broader partnership. And unlike a financially integrated model, such as an LLP, partnerships and member firms in a verein have regulatory and financial independence.

Kristin Stark is principal at Fairfax Associates, which is based in D.C., California and London, and advises law firms on organizational strategy and structure. She says the Swiss verein model offers several advantages to firms that are spinning off.

For the firm to spin off a partnership, theres already a governance model for that partnership that has its own profit model and partnership agreement. It makes that cutting of ties much cleaner than when youre in a financially integrated partnership, Stark says.

Parting ways under a verein can be less unsettling for a firms employees and lawyers than breaking up a financially integrated partnership, which Stark likens to a divorce. And the model would allow those left behind to preserve positive relationships with the larger partnership, she says.

In theory, that could make it easier for firms to reunite. And that flexibility is one of the reasons why vereins have grown so rapidly, Stark says. She adds the model means firms dont take on as much structural and financial risk in countries or regions of the world where there is economic and political instability.

But regardless of a law firms organizational structure, exiting from any country and leaving an independent firm behind is an incredibly complicated exercise, Stark adds, and there are downsides to any split.

Stark says one reason is because of the uncertainty it creates for clients. Given the circumstances, she believes they will be understanding. But the transition can be fraught, especially if an international law firm is leaving behind pending cases and clients used to working under one team and brand.

Exiting Russia will shift firms global strategies, and some could be considering whether or not to return, Stark says.

Its too early to determine whether or not thats even a possibility, Stark adds. I think firms are uncertain about what the future holds.

Uliana Kozeychuk, an associate at Littler Mendelson based in Irvine, California, advises clients on Russian employment law issues. She says that under Russian law, law firms doing business in the country must register as either a field office of a foreign legal entity or register as a stand-alone Russian legal entity.

Kozeychuk says that from an employment law standpoint, exiting is complicated because of strictly mandated notice and severance requirements tied to redundancies and layoffs. In addition, registering a new Russian legal entity or a Russian limited liability company can be a drawn-out process that can take up to two years, she says.

But for firms that might be contemplating a return, the path back to the country should be simpler, Kozeychuk believes.

Im sure Russia would welcome them back with open arms because of extra tax revenue and jobs for Russian citizens. As much as theres hostility now, I cant imagine anybody being denied an opportunity to come back to Russia and do business there, Kozeychuk says.

But as allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses stack up, will law firms ever have the appetite to do business in the country again?

Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for leadership studies & Lester Crown professor in the practice of management at Yale School of Management, has been working with a team of researchers to track 1,000 companies, including law firms, that have curtailed operations in the country.

Several surveys suggest that Gen-Zers and Millennials are more likely to demand corporate social responsibility as consumers and employees. And Sonnenfeld says the managing partners hes been talking to say younger lawyers have been vocal about the need to leave.

It is their internal constituency of young lawyers that makes a big difference. That seems to be whats driving it, Sonnenfeld says.

If they werent already deterred before, they will certainly be deterred now, Gerben adds. There arent going to be many U.S. companies that would even consider entering Russia, because they saw what happened, and they dont know when itll happen again, and theyre not going to be willing to take that risk.

View post:

Lights Out: Is there a way back for international law firms in Russia? - ABA Journal

Operating under the brand name, Exclusive Leasing and Finance Private Limited", an NBFC, the company focuses on lending credit to low-income households residing in the Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and towns. The enterprise conducts its business through the registered office in New Delhi and associate branches in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Ghaziabad, New Delhi & Faridabad.

From the Founders Precinct

In the words of Mr Vijay Bhandari, the towns and rural entrepreneurship can be the nostrum for alleviating the problems of poverty, economic disparity and unemployment. All that shall end by offering a chance by lending necessary funds.

The Financial Products on offer

Wholesale Funding

The wholesale funding gets offered to other NBFCs and financial institutions in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The intent is to uplift the lower-middle-class people unable to avail of the necessary funds from banks or vice versa. These women have the potential to garner financial independence and growth capabilities. The company aims to tap this lending gap.

Co-Lending/Business Correspondence

EZ Capital offers two-wheeler loans and MSME loans, along with north-based traditional lenders. The former caters to the transportation requirements and the latter to the business-side dynamics.

The crux of this service is to enable us to disburse the agreed percentage of the loan amounts to other NBFCs and assist them. The objective? These NBFCs can now lend effortlessly to women entrepreneurs. The impetus for two-wheeler vehicles was served by the social distancing norms and limited options for public transportation.

Loan against Property

In remote regions where banks do not have an extensive reach, EZ capital has stepped up to provide loans against exceptional houses to encourage small-scale businesswomen in the rural areas to elevate their lifestyles and aspirations.

The company believes that doing is what separates aspirations from reality. And women who possess that potential can now benefit from our heightened sense of responsibility and passion.

What sets EZ Capital apart?

With women breaking the bulwark in gaining financial independence, EZ Capital starts by getting to know the customers and their financial needs. Caring for customers stands at the pinnacle of relationships for the team at EZ capital.

Women entrepreneurs can now secure quick and easy loans through easy documentation and processing, dedicated relationship management, value-added services and door-step documentation. With this, rural womenpreneurs need not fret!

Their experts have devised a transparent, cash-flow based lending model that offers attractive interest rates and repayment terms. Plus, women can make easy monthly instalments via electronic clearing and even apply for loan insurance.

The crux of the service renderings is to make lending an easy and convenient task for women.

In leveraging the Atma Nirbhar sentiment

The term Atma Nirbhar means self-reliant. But, to attain that, a wave of encouragement and motivation is paramount. So, this is where the partnership with Dhanvarsha Finvest Limited (DFL) comes to the rescue for businesswomen. With this, womenpreneurs can now apply for the Mahila Udyog Working Capital Loan. Easy and convenient documentation and favourable lending terms are the holy grail for women-led rural businesses.

What matters

While To Care is an appreciation of the truth, To Do Right represents the act of integrity. The latter involves serving women entrepreneurs with honesty, transparency and fairness. In the call for courage, businesswomen can now get a unique identity and transform the same into strength with the help of EZ Capital.

EZ Gold Loan with EZ for women Empowerment

EZ Capital giving Gold loan on easy documentation to women entrepreneurs those who want to start a new venture or expand their working business.

EZ is also giving special ROI to women entrepreneurs and concession on other charges.

Gold loan schemes from EZ to women is specifically provide financial support for women who want to grow and contribute towards growth of countrys economy.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same.

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Ez Capital becoming The Bridge Between Womenpreneurs And The Capital Market | Mint - Mint

Through the program, which will be facilitated by Generac Grid Services, PosiGen's solar customers in Connecticut will be able to obtain a Generac PWRcell battery and Generac PWRmanager load management system to pair with existing solar panels, to provide power to customers' homes when the grid goes down. Additionally, when tied to the grid and not providing backup power to the home, the PWRcell battery can be configured to provide up to 18kWh of usable energy back to the grid to help manage peak demand. Generac Grid Services will manage and optimize each battery's contribution to the grid, using its Concerto distributed energy resource control platform.

"Over the last few years, PosiGen has served thousands of low- and moderate-income homeowners in Connecticut, providing rooftop solar and energy efficiency measures to help them save money and upgrade the comfort and efficiency of their homes," said Tom Neyhart, CEO of PosiGen. "But resiliency via battery backup has historically been out of reach. Now, in partnership with Generac, we can deliver a truly holistic package that will support this traditionally underserved population when weather events disrupt the grid, while also delivering tremendous ongoing value to the grid as a whole."

Generac Grid Services and PosiGen intend to replicate the program across the country where there are favorable incentive structures and a strong interest in helping low- to moderate-income customers gain power resiliency.

"This is an exciting new model that brings all the right players together to provide an outstanding experience for customers of modest means," said Bud Vos, president of Generac Grid Services. "Our goal is that many more people in our region will experience the comfort and peace of mind that comes with having a resilient and clean source of power."

Generac Grid Services works with utilities to develop effective energy storage solution (ESS) programs that provide the incentives required to support this unique offer, potentially including both including upfront and performance-based incentives and integration with existing programs. In this pilot, Generac will work with the Connecticut Energy Storage Solutions program, a state program that helps customers install energy storage at their home or business.

Additionally, Generac Grid Services and PosiGen will work jointly to raise customer awareness of the program. In particular, PosiGen anticipates offering this new solution to its entire installed base of customers across the state of Connecticut, with an immediate focus on those living in underserved cities and towns, while incorporating the product going forward as a recommended option for every new solar system it installs in the state.

About Generac Grid ServicesGenerac Grid Servicesis a subsidiary of Generac Power Systems (NYSE: GNRC), a leading designer and manufacturer of energy technology solutions and other power products. Generac Grid Services is working to change the way the world generates and uses electricity. From turnkey solar + storage solutions, to backup generators, additional distributed energy resources and virtual power plant software, Generac Grid Services is helping to accelerate the world's transition to a cleaner, more reliable power grid. Via the company's energy-balancing platform, power generation and storage products that might otherwise sit idle are now able to be dispatched and orchestrated as part of a distributed energy solution, thereby generating value for the home or business owner, while also delivering value to the energy grid.

About PosiGenHeadquartered inNewOrleans, PosiGen is the nation's leading residential solar, energy efficiency, and energy education provider for low-to-moderate income families. PosiGen has more than 19,000 residential customers, over 460 direct employees and supports more than 150 employees through its contractors inLouisiana,Mississippi,Connecticut,New Jersey,Pennsylvania,New York, andFlorida. PosiGen's unique services and products make solar energy affordable to homeowners of all income levels, and offer individuals, families, and businesses the opportunity to achieve greater financial autonomy and energy independence by lowering their utility bills. To learn moreaboutPosiGen, please visitwww.posigen.com.

SOURCE Generac Grid Services; PosiGen

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Generac Grid Services, PosiGen Announce a First-of-its-Kind Program to Expand Access to Clean Energy for Low- to Moderate- Income Residents - PR...