Alexey Tarasov, a Houston-based lawyer, was honored in December by his Russian peers. The Guild of Russian Lawyers, under the chairmanship of Hasan Borisovich Mirzoev, awarded Tarasov the “Honorary Lawyer of Russia” insignia for his significant contribution to protecting the rights of Russian compatriots in the United States.
Established and registered in February 1998 by the Guild of Russian Lawyers with support from the Federal Union of Lawyers of Russia and other all-Russian lawyer associations, the “Honorary Lawyer of Russia” distinction is awarded to lawyers and individuals who have significantly contributed to the development of the Russian legal profession.
“It is a very high, and frankly, unexpected honor for me,” remarked Alexey Tarasov. He expressed particular appreciation for the recognition from his Russian colleagues, whom he regards as professionals of the highest caliber.
Tarasov established his law firm, Law Office of Alexey Tarasov, in Houston’s bustling business downtown five years ago, a bold move for a recent law graduate. Embodying the spirit of the saying “nothing ventured, nothing gained,” Tarasov now handles complex, high-profile cases defending Russians in the United States, such as the cases of businessman Viktor But and pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko.
“My first cases were about international adoption and child abduction,” Tarasov shared. He recounted his experience with several immigration cases, including preventing what seemed like inevitable deportations. A pivotal case in his career was that of Russian businessman Yegor Ch., imprisoned in Texas on false document charges. After spending over four years in harsh conditions, Tarasov managed to secure Yegor’s release in 2011 and return him to Russia.
“Our legal office is a family affair,” Tarasov continued. Both his father and fiancée, who hold legal degrees from Russia and the United States, work with him. He also mentioned collaboration with the law office of former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft on several cases. With modesty, Tarasov stated his firm’s readiness to offer top-notch service and expertise to clients, whether they are large Russian or American companies or Russian compatriots in the U.S.
Lev Goncharov, Russian Houston Today newspaper, January 9, 2016.
