As Russian troops gather at Ukraine's borders ahead of what many fear will escalate into a full-blown invasion, lawyers in both Ukraine and Russia say that for the moment they are still at their posts but contingency plans are being put in place for staff, and clients are preparing for the possibility of sanctions on Russia.

Tensions between the West and Russia have swelled since November, when Russia started deploying troops along the Ukrainian border, now numbering around 150,000, according to several reports. Despite assurances by the Kremlin that many troops have been withdrawn, politicians in the West remain doubtful.