The international firm issued a statement to ‘clarify an apparent misunderstanding’ about the creation of Birch Legal.

On its website, Birch Legal says: ‘Our entire team is continuing its work in our Moscow and St Petersburg offices without any interruption.’

Eversheds says there has been a ‘misunderstanding’ and issued this statement: ‘Our international clients with legal needs in Russia will be able to instruct Birch Legal, the new firm launched by our former Russian partners, should they wish to do so.

“Birch Legal joins our group of 200+ relationship firms around the world which provide support to our clients which have legal needs in jurisdictions where we do not have offices.

‘For clarity, Birch Legal is not part of Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP and nor do we have any financial interest in Birch Legal. Should clients choose to instruct any of our relationship firms, including Birch Legal, we do not benefit financially.’