Buoyed by high energy prices but hamstrung by corruption fears, Russia remains a key market – and challenge – for law firms. Rose Orlik reports

Rich in natural resources, state-owned super companies and oligarchs, Russia has traditionally been a tempting but tough nut for international businesses to crack. It provides a hub for many companies throughout Central and Eastern Europe and, while many European economies have stagnated, has proved relatively resilient throughout the downturn.