This week, law firms have been busy announcing they will be dropping certain Russian clients. Sidley Austin, which advised on the first Hong Kong initial public offering by a Russian business back in 2010, said it is ending its relationship with a Russian bank. Baker McKenzie, Allen & Overy and Linklaters have all said they will be reviewing their existing relationships with Russian clients, which may result in the demise of some commercial engagements.

This gave me pause. It’s not the first time I’ve wondered about ethical decision-making at law firms—a perennial issue in the legal world that becomes public every now and again.