Russian civil procedure does not make legal representation mandatory for forensic accounting conducted in asset investigation proceedings. A foreign creditor may formally participate without a lawyer. In practice, however, an unrepresented party faces procedural disadvantages that can materially affect the recovery outcome.
Under Russian procedural law, court-ordered forensic accounting is an expert examination conducted under the court's supervision, available in both civil and commercial proceedings before Russian arbitrazh courts and general jurisdiction courts. The court selects and instructs the expert; parties may propose questions and review the resulting report. None of these steps require a qualified legal representative as a precondition of participation.
The absence of a formal requirement does not eliminate practical risk. Expert reports in Russian asset investigations are often technically dense and determinative of recovery outcomes. Challenging an expert's methodology or proposing supplementary questions requires procedural precision that Russian courts generally expect from qualified counsel. Foreign creditors who instruct the firm's Asset Tracing & Recovery practice [/practices/asset-tracing-recovery/] before the examination stage are better placed to shape the scope of the inquiry.
For a foreign creditor anticipating an asset investigation in Russia, early instruction of Russian legal counsel is the practical priority. Counsel retained before the forensic accounting stage is initiated can frame the questions put to the expert, monitor the process, and preserve grounds for challenge. See also: Supreme Court Enforcement Trends: Forensic Accounting in Asset Cases [/insights/atr-lu-019-supreme-court-enforcement-trend-forensic-acco/].
To discuss a Russian asset investigation matter — make an enquiry: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp/Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76
About Vetrov & Partners
Vetrov & Partners is a Russian boutique law firm established in 2009, recognised by Pravo-300 for eight consecutive years. The firm's Asset Tracing & Recovery practice advises foreign creditors and institutional investors on enforcement, forensic evidence strategy, and distressed asset recovery across Russian courts. Enquiries: info@vetrovpartners.com | WhatsApp / Telegram: +7 (983) 510-38-76 | t.me/vitvetcom
— Elizaveta Razina Senior Lawyer, Practice Lead — IP Enforcement, Vetrov & Partners vetrovpartners.com/razina/
Elizaveta Razina leads the firm's intellectual property practice, representing foreign trademark owners in infringement proceedings before Russian state courts and the IP Court. She has been with the firm since 2012 and holds a degree from Novosibirsk State University (2013).
This publication is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice under Russian or any other applicable law. The information herein should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional legal counsel tailored to your specific circumstances. Vetrov & Partners is a Russian-qualified law firm. For matters governed by foreign law or requiring local admission in another jurisdiction, we collaborate with trusted counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. For advice regarding your particular situation, please contact info@vetrovpartners.com.