Many law students are drawn to legal studies with the hope of influencing public policy, but opportunities to conduct impactful legal research are often scarce. A group of Stanford Law School students, however, experienced firsthand the intersection of law and global policy through their involvement in the Policy Practicum: Regulating Legal Enablers of Russia’s War on Ukraine. This initiative supported Ukraine’s war effort by exploring U.S.-based policy solutions. The full journey from policy lab to policy land is documented in a Stanford Law School article.
Under the guidance of Professor Erik Jensen, the students spent two quarters developing a policy report addressing U.S. legal professionals who assist in evading sanctions. Their work was commissioned by the International Working Group on Russian Sanctions at Stanford’s Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, led by former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Professor Michael McFaul.
The students researched how lawyers, often inadvertently, help Russian oligarchs bypass sanctions to enter the U.S. financial system. Their comprehensive research covered various legal domains, from sanctions and anti-money laundering laws to legal ethics. This endeavor included interviewing experts from numerous fields and comparing global legal standards to formulate robust policy solutions.
A notable finding was the misuse of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality by some U.S. lawyers, which enables them to avoid reporting suspicious transactions, maintaining clients’ anonymity. This loophole allows legal professionals to remain ignorant of their clients’ true identities, which can result in facilitating financial activities that support Russia’s military efforts.
The students presented their policy recommendations, advocating for stricter regulation of legal conduct without compromising essential protections like attorney-client privilege. These recommendations were intended to maximize cooperation among various U.S. authorities, including Congress, the Treasury, and state bar associations.
The culmination of their effort was a meticulously crafted report, shared with policymakers in Washington, D.C. This engagement revealed a growing concern among lawmakers and highlighted the broader implications of their findings on issues such as money laundering and drug trafficking. The discussions also broached concerns about the impact on small legal practices and financial intermediaries, including cryptocurrency platforms.
In sum, the Stanford Law students’ mission was not merely an academic venture but a significant contribution towards effective policy-making, emphasizing the critical role of legal professionals in maintaining ethical practices. Their detailed account underscores the importance of rigorous research and the active involvement of lawyers in shaping policies that address contemporary global challenges.
For a comprehensive overview, read the full Stanford Law School article, From Policy Lab to Policy Land.