Magisters’ founding partner leaves firm for public office

Oleg Riabokon, who helped set up the firm in 1997, is planning to run for public office in Ukraine. He is the third partner to leave the firm to do so.

Riabokon said he is entering politics because he wants to see Ukraine become a more democratic country.

He added: “It’s with great passion and purpose that I’ve taken a decision to enter the world of politics.

“It’s my ambition to establish our country as one firmly based on democratic principles and to enable change in Ukrainian society focusing on our most important asset – our people.

“I want Ukrainians to be able to make lifestyle choices in a free and fair society.”

Riabokon, who had been managing partner of Magisters, stood down from his management role earlier this year and installed a strategic council of partners to oversee the running of the firm.

Andrew Mac, partner and head of the firm’s commercial practice, said: “The council was aware a number of months ago that Oleg wanted to leave the firm and to move into public service life in the future.

“He has the support and admiration of all the partners on the council.”

The council is made up of Mac, Moscow arbitration and litigation head Dmitry Dyakin, Kiev capital markets head Olga Khoroshylova, Kiev tax partner Oleh Marchenko, Kiev-based litigation co-head Alexey Reznikov and international litigation head Serhii Sviriba.