Russia vs Lawyers

The job of lawyer has become truly dangerous in Russia. More than three hundred lawyers have been killed over the past two decades. Half of these cases remain unsolved. Lauded filmmaker Masha Novikova follows human rights lawyers in their daily life, capturing their hopes and doubts. 
 
‘As long as we don’t leave, there’s still some hope,’ one of the portrayed lawyers says in Russia vs Lawyers. However, it is increasingly difficult for them. Previously, government repression was mainly aimed at their clients. If lawyers were attacked, it was usually considered ‘collateral’. But more and more it seems that lawyers are becoming the main targets themselves. Especially the small minority that still take on human rights or corruption cases. 
 
Nowadays, most Russian lawyers simply do their best to stay out of trouble. But a tiny minority, scattered across the country, refuses to give in to the regime and continues to fight for their clients’ rights despite all the risks. This documentary tells the stories of these extraordinary professionals, simultaneously painting the complex picture of Russian society today.