David Goldberg is the general secretary of the Anglo-Russian Law Association and partner at White & Case LLP. Julia Zagonek is a senior associate at White & Case LLP in the International Arbitration Group.

What was the aim of Russia Law Week and how important are events like this for promoting transparency in the Russian legal system? 
     
Many practitioners in London deal with matters involving Russian parties and Russian law, hence the interest in the Russian legal system is significant. In order for the interaction between the English practitioners and their Russian counterparts to be successful, it is important to have the opportunity to exchange information and views on the recent developments in the Russian law and practice and about the future reforms.  This is why the Russian Law Week generated such interest here in London.  Events like these help to facilitate understanding of the issues and concerns facing lawyers in both jurisdictions, and of both the Russian and the English legal systems for those who deal with cross-border issues.