The Moscow Advocates Chambers “Practika” began operating in succession to its predecessor Legal Bureau “Practika”. The Bureau was founded in 1994 and originated from the Moscow City Bar Association (MGKA), the oldest Russian bar association which members were committed professionals highly regarded all over our country. The Bureau was established by the MGKA with active participation of its lawyers A. I. Plyushchuk, V.V. Kolomin and A. A. Sletov. Continuing the MGKA's traditions, the Legal Bureau "Practika" had since 1994 followed the principles of giving preference to the quality of its legal aid over the number of its clients, as well as the principles of providing comprehensive legal services to a wide range of legal entities. In connection with those underlying principles, the Bureau had proved worthy of respect and confidence of its regular clients who had received its legal help and recommended its lawyers to their friends and business partners. In accordance with the provisions of a new law “On Lawyers” Activities and Law Practice in the Russian Federation”, the Legal Bureau “Practika” was transformed in 2003 into Advocates Chambers (Bar Association) “Practika” that follows the same principles. In December 2004, our Chambers celebrated its 10-year birthday.

The first Managing Director (Managing Partner) of the Bureau was Mr. Anatolyi Ivanovich Pliuschuk (1947-2002), one of the leading counsels of the Moscow City Bar Association. Though he started his legal practice in capacity of head of Arbiter Scientific and Consulting Legal Bureau, life called for him as a counsel. When practicing in the legal bureau, he implemented the main tenets that underlie lawyer’s practice in modern society – legality, independence, equality, and partnership. Mr. A.I. Pliuschuk succeeded in resolving problems facing individuals and legal entities in the difficult period of setting up Russian legal institutions, in conformity with new economic realities. Young lawyers who would become counsels or hold responsible offices in public and business entities seconded under his guidance in the Bureau. He provided legal support to construction of the educational buildings of K.E. Tsiolkovsky Russian State Technological University, Moscow State Linguistic University, office buildings in Petrovka and Nikoloyamskaya streets as well as Bernikovskaya Embankment. Recognition of his colleagues, gratitude of clients and disciples serve as well-deserved memory to A.I. Pliuschuk for his noble and fruitful efforts.

A member of the “Practika” Advocates Chambers who greatly contributed to its activities was lawyer Vladimir Andreyevich Podberyoznyi (1954-2005), a J. Candidate in International Air Law, an expert of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a judge of the court of arbitration at the Independent International Law Institute (NIMP), Deputy President of the NIMP, and an author of the book Flight without Landing (about a South Korean airliner, the flight KAL-007). He had a very useful impact on the development of our young counsels into professionals, was keen and understanding, and never refused to help his coworkers.

By the decision of the Moscow Foundation for Protection of the Consumers, our Advocates Chambers was awarded in 2004 a Diploma for active participation in forming a civilized consumer market in Russia.