Mr. Abramov has worked for six years with a private law firm and for 11 years in the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce as senior advisor for International Trade and as director of the Good Governance Program. While with the government, he advised American businesses and the U.S. government on trade, investment, market access, intellectual property rights and commercial dispute resolution issues in Europe, Russia and the former Soviet Union, Asia and Latin America.

Mr. Abramov's practice focuses on international trade and investment and business transactions, government relations and corporate governance matters in a wide range of industries including oil and gas, mining, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, manufacturing, consumer products, and banking and financial services. He has advised government and private clients concerning mining, oil and gas, joint venture partnerships, and infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.

Mr. Abramov is recognized internationally for his work and expertise in corporate governance, business ethics and commercial dispute resolution. He is editor, author and co-author of three books, includingBusiness Ethics: A Manual for Managing a Responsible Business Enterprise in Emerging Market Economies, which has been published in seven languages and adapted for more than 25 countries as well as for the World Bank Institute. He has written numerous articles and is frequently invited to speak at international conferences on these issues. He also has been a lecturer at Stanford University Law School on ethics and corporate governance.

"Igor Abramov is a well-recognized international trade and business lawyer with significant experience in oil and gas, mining and other industries throughout the world," noted Dorsey & Whitney Managing Partner Ken Cutler. "Igor will help us expand our global business, government relations and corporate governance practices and further enhance Dorsey's focus on mining, oil and gas and other industries."

Mr. Abramov noted, "I am delighted to join a great team of lawyers who serve Dorsey's exceptional client base from all across the Firm. This is a great opportunity for me and for the clients I represent. Dorsey's global reach will enable me to more efficiently serve clients' needs around the world."

About Dorsey & Whitney LLP

Clients have relied on Dorsey since 1912 as a valued business partner. With locations across the United States and in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, Dorsey provides an integrated, proactive approach to its clients' legal and business needs. Dorsey represents a number of the world's most successful companies from a wide range of industries, including leaders in the financial services, life sciences, technology, agribusiness and energy sectors, as well as major non-profit and government entities.