Detroit-based law firm Miller Canfield and Kyiv-based Dictio Law Firm have announced a formal affiliation, effective immediately, to better assist clients in the present humanitarian crisis and in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.
In February, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in a bid to prevent its government from joining NATO, among other factors. After the invasion faltered in the first month, in which Russia failed to meet its goal of capturing Kyiv, Ukraine has been retaking some portions of its land along its eastern and southern borders in recent weeks.
To date, Russia’s invasion has led to thousands of deaths in Ukraine, the ruin of multiple cities, towns, and villages, and the displacement of more than 13 million people.
“This expansion into Ukraine is a strategic decision in an area that is important to Miller Canfield,” says Megan Norris, CEO of Miller Canfield. “With three offices in Poland, we have been providing aid and advice to many organizations working with Ukrainian refugees, including medical and charitable groups. An affiliation with a Ukrainian firm will help support and expand these efforts.”
The affiliation positions the firms to represent clients involved in all aspects of Ukraine’s massive reconstruction initiatives, especially those involving housing, industrial facilities, and infrastructure. Olena Shtohryn, managing partner at Dictio, specializes in construction and real estate law and advises the largest Ukrainian construction confederation.
“We have joined forces just in time to help clients navigate the challenges and opportunities created by the Ukrainian government’s United24 Recovery initiative. Many roads, bridges, utilities, schools, and housing projects need to be rebuilt,” says Shtohryn.
The affiliation is expected to benefit the clients of both firms as they prepare for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Miller Canfield’s international clients will gain access to Dictio’s extensive industry experience and deep understanding of the dynamic legal and institutional environment of contemporary Ukraine. Likewise, Dictio’s clients will benefit from Miller Canfield’s extensive worldwide legal and business networks.
“Rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure, housing stock, and health care facilities will be a massive undertaking, involving billions in foreign aid to Ukraine and the participation of American and European companies,” says Richard Walawender, a principal at Miller Canfield.
“To help clients navigate the opportunities, utilizing Olena’s experience in Ukraine and our Warsaw office’s niche in real estate development will be invaluable, especially as the U.S. government and the EU further develop their Ukrainian recovery plans.”
With more than 200 attorneys, Miller Canfield has 19 offices and affiliated locations in the U.S. including Michigan, New York, California, Ohio, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., and internationally in Canada, China, Poland, Mexico, and Qatar.
Dictio Law Firm is a Ukrainian boutique firm providing legal advice in all areas of business law, with a focus on real estate and construction, domestic and foreign direct investments, dispute resolution, and bankruptcy.
For more information, visit millercanfield.com and dictio.com.ua.
