10 Most Influential Russian Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

12 min readJan 3, 2024

Exploring the rich history of Russia, one can’t overlook the contributions of its legal minds. This article delves into the lives and legacies of ten of the most influential Russian lawyers, whose work not only shaped the legal landscape of Russia but also left an indelible mark on its history.

Anatoly Sobchak (1937–2000)
Genrikh Yagoda (1891–1938)
Tamara Morshchakova (1936-present)
Pavel Krasheninnikov (1964-present)
Anatoly Koni (1844–1927)
Boris Akunin (1956-present)
Konstantin Pobedonostsev (1827–1907)
Roman Rudenko (1907–1981)
Igor Uporov (1965–present)
Sergei Sazonov (1860–1927)

1. Anatoly Sobchak (1937–2000)

Anatoly Sobchak, born on August 10, 1937, in Chita, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, grew up in a family deeply rooted in technical and financial professions. His father, Aleksander Antonovich, was a railroad engineer of Polish and Czech descent, and his mother, Nadezhda Andreyevna Litvinova, was an accountant of Russian and Ukrainian origin. Sobchak’s early life, including his move to Uzbekistan and later his education at Stavropol Law College and Leningrad State University, laid the foundation for his distinguished legal and political career.

As a legal scholar and educator, Sobchak’s contributions were significant. After graduating from Leningrad State University, he practiced law in Stavropol, returning to academia for graduate studies. His academic career spanned teaching law at various institutes to becoming a professor and head of the Department of Common Law in Socialist Economics at Leningrad State University. His popularity among students and mildly anti-government comments marked him as an influential figure in legal education, nurturing future leaders like Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev.

Sobchak’s political career was notable for his legal expertise. Elected to the Congress of People’s Deputies of the Soviet Union in 1989, he played a key role in legislative development during Perestroika. His involvement in drafting the Constitution of the Russian Federation, his tenure as the first democratically elected mayor of Saint Petersburg, and his contributions to legal reforms and civil rights, particularly through the Parliamentary Commission on the Tbilisi events, were major achievements. Sobchak’s legal perspective significantly influenced Russian politics and governance until his death on February 19, 2000.

2. Genrikh Yagoda (1891–1938)

Genrikh Yagoda, born Yenokh Gershevich Iyeguda on November 7, 1891, in Rybinsk, came from a Jewish family with his father being a jeweler and his mother a pharmacist’s assistant. His early life was marked by a revolutionary spirit, claiming active involvement in revolutionary activities from age 14. Yagoda’s education included a stint at St. Petersburg to work at the Putilov Steel Works and service in the army during World War I, where he was wounded in action.

In his political career, Yagoda rose quickly within the Soviet secret police, becoming the second deputy of the Cheka’s head, Felix Dzerzhinsky, in 1923 and later the deputy chief. His legal and administrative skills significantly influenced his career trajectory. Although not formally trained as a lawyer, Yagoda’s positions within the Soviet legal and security apparatus required a deep understanding of legal principles and practices, particularly in the context of state security and intelligence.

Yagoda’s most significant legal contributions were controversial and deeply entwined with the political repression of the Soviet Union. As the director of the NKVD from 1934 to 1936, he supervised key events of the Great Purge, including arrests, show trials, and executions of prominent Bolsheviks. His role in overseeing the construction of the White Sea–Baltic Canal using penal labor, resulting in thousands of deaths, was a grim testament to his legacy. Yagoda’s career ended with his arrest and execution on March 15, 1938, becoming a victim of the very political purges he once oversaw.

3. Tamara Morshchakova (1936-present)

Tamara Georgievna Morshchakova, born in Moscow on March 28, 1936, has had a distinguished career as a Soviet and Russian jurist. Growing up in Moscow, she would have been exposed to the profound changes in Russian society and law during the Soviet era. Her upbringing in the capital likely gave her unique insights into the legal system, setting the stage for her later contributions to Russian jurisprudence.

Morshchakova’s professional life was marked by her significant role as a Judge of the Russian Constitutional Court from 1991 to 2002, a period of critical importance in the post-Soviet restructuring of Russia’s legal framework. She was pivotal in developing many laws, including the 1993 Russian State Constitution. Her involvement in crafting the Law about the Constitutional Court of Russia illustrates her deep engagement with the foundational aspects of Russian legal reform.

In addition to her judicial work, Morshchakova’s contributions extend to international jurisprudence and human rights. Elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2018 as the Commissioner from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) within the International Commission of Jurists, she has made significant impacts beyond Russia. Morshchakova’s resignation from the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights in 2019, following the dismissal of key members, signaled her commitment to genuine human rights work. Her extensive publications on law and rights further attest to her profound influence on modern Russian legal thought.

4. Pavel Krasheninnikov (1964-present)

Pavel Vladimirovich Krasheninnikov, born on June 21, 1964, in Polevskoy, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Soviet Union, embarked on a career that would see him become a notable figure in Russian jurisprudence and politics. His early life in the Sverdlovsk region, an industrial heartland of the Soviet Union, might have shaped his perspectives on law and governance, laying a foundation for his future career in these fields.

Krasheninnikov’s major contribution to Russian law and politics commenced with his appointment as Justice Minister of Russia from 1998 to August 1999, serving under several cabinets, including those of Sergei Kiriyenko, Yevgeny Primakov, and Sergei Stepashin. His tenure as Justice Minister coincided with a significant political and economic transition in Russia, positioning him at the forefront of legal and judicial reforms during a crucial phase in the nation’s history.

Since 1999, Krasheninnikov has served as a State Duma Deputy. Initially representing the Union of Rightist Forces and joining United Russia, his legislative career has spanned over two decades, reflecting his enduring influence in Russian politics. However, his career has also been marked by controversy, as evidenced by the sanctions imposed on him by several countries, including Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, to the Russo-Ukrainian war. These sanctions highlight the complex interplay of law, politics, and international relations in Krasheninnikov’s career.

5. Anatoly Koni (1844–1927)

Anatoly Fedorovich Koni, born on February 9, 1844, was the son of the renowned dramatist Fyodor Koni. His upbringing in a culturally and intellectually rich environment, influenced by his father’s literary background, likely fostered his analytical and critical thinking skills. These skills would later be instrumental in his distinguished career as a jurist and legal reformer in the late Russian Empire.

Significant achievements and positions marked Koni’s legal career. He served as the prosecutor at the district court of Kharkiv from 1867, vice director of the Ministry of Justice from 1875, and presiding judge of the district court of Saint Petersburg from 1878. His tenure in these various legal positions and his role as a member of the State Council from 1907 underscored his influence in Russian jurisprudence. His involvement in high-profile cases, such as the investigation of the 1888 Borki train disaster and the trial of Vera Zasulich, demonstrated his legal acumen and commitment to justice.

Beyond his legal practice, Koni’s contributions to legal education and reform were profound. He was pivotal in liberalizing Russian criminal law, evident in the revised criminal code of 1903, and advocated for judicial independence and jury trials. His efforts led to the reduction of prison sentences and the establishment of facilities for juvenile offenders. After the October Revolution, Koni adapted to the changing political landscape, serving as a professor at Petrograd University until 1922 and engaging in public lectures until retirement. As a writer, he left a rich legacy of poems, literary criticism, and memoirs, reflecting his multifaceted career and intellectual prowess until his death on September 17, 1927.

6. Boris Akunin (1956-present)

Boris Akunin, the pen name of Grigori Chkhartishvili, born on May 20, 1956, in Zestaponi, is a celebrated Russian-Georgian writer known for his detective and historical fiction. Raised in a family with a Georgian father and a Jewish mother, he moved to Moscow in 1958. This multicultural upbringing, coupled with the rich literary environment of Moscow, likely shaped his imaginative and creative capabilities.

Chkhartishvili’s education at the Institute of Asian and African Countries of Moscow State University, specializing in Japan, influenced his career significantly. He worked as a translator from Japanese and English, bringing the works of prominent authors to Russian readers. His role as assistant to the editor-in-chief of the magazine Foreign Literature until October 2000 and his work on the 20-volume Anthology of Japanese Literature positioned him as an influential figure in Russian literary circles.

As Boris Akunin, Chkhartishvili achieved widespread acclaim for his series “The Adventures of Erast Fandorin,” among others. His novels, set in Imperial Russia, blend historical depth with mystery, earning him a reputation as a master of crime fiction. His critical and documentary works, particularly his commentary on political issues, demonstrate his engagement with contemporary societal themes. Akunin’s multifaceted career as a writer, translator, and critic, along with his stance on political issues, marks him as a significant contemporary literary figure.

7. Konstantin Pobedonostsev (1827–1907)

Konstantin Petrovich Pobedonostsev, born on November 30, 1827, was the son of Pyotr Vasilyevich Pobedonostsev, a literature professor at Moscow State University. His father’s academic background likely influenced his intellectual development from a young age. At 14, Pobedonostsev was sent to the Imperial School of Jurisprudence in St. Petersburg, a premier institution for civil service training. This education was foundational in shaping his legal mind and future career in the Russian legal system.

Pobedonostsev’s career in the legal field was marked by rapid advancement. After graduation, he served in the eighth Moscow department of the Senate, dealing with civil cases. His expertise in law led to his appointment as a teacher of civil law at Moscow State University, where he instructed Tsar Alexander II’s son, Nicholas, in the theory of law and administration. His move to St. Petersburg and close relationship with Tsarevich Alexander (later Tsar Alexander III) underscored his rising influence in Russian jurisprudence and politics.

As a jurist, Pobedonostsev held significant positions, including Chief Procurator of the Most Holy Synod, making him the operating head of the Russian Orthodox Church. His tenure as Chief Procurator during Alexander III’s reign marked him as one of Imperial Russia’s most influential men. Pobedonostsev’s legal work profoundly impacted Russian legal and political landscapes, including his role in the Manifesto on Unshakeable Autocracy and staunch conservative views. He remained a pivotal figure in Russian law and governance until his death on March 23, 1907.

8. Roman Rudenko (1907–1981)

Roman Andreyevich Rudenko, born on August 7, 1907, emerged as a significant figure in Soviet law and politics. Although not detailed in available sources, his upbringing and early life led him to a career where he played a pivotal role in some of the most consequential legal proceedings of the 20th century. His education and early career trajectory positioned him for a prominent role in the Soviet legal system.

As Procurator-General of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1944 to 1953, and subsequently of the entire Soviet Union, Rudenko’s legal career was marked by high-profile cases and significant political influence. Internationally, he is best known for his role as the chief prosecutor for the USSR at the Nuremberg Trials in 1946, where major Nazi war criminals were prosecuted. This role underscored his standing in international law and contribution to the post-World War II legal landscape.

Rudenko’s influence extended beyond Nuremberg. He was involved in numerous key legal events in Soviet history, including acting as a judge in the trial of Lavrentiy Beria, Stalin’s secret police chief, and serving as the chief prosecutor in the espionage trial of U-2 pilot Gary Powers in 1960. His involvement in devising strategies to handle the dissident movement within the USSR, including the proposal of “prophylactic” warnings, illustrates his significant yet controversial role in the Soviet legal system. Rudenko’s career in law and politics, intertwined with the broader narrative of Soviet history, ended with his death on January 23, 1981.

9. Igor Uporov (1965–present)

Igor Nikolaevich Uporov was born on September 4, 1965, in Tambov province, Russia. His early life saw him graduate from Irbit, Sverdlovsk Region, and work at the Irbit motorcycle plant. Uporov’s formative years included technical education at Sverdlovsk Polytechnical University and subsequent military service. His father’s information is not specified, but his upbringing in post-war Soviet Russia likely influenced his career choices and work ethic.

After his initial technical education, Uporov pursued a law degree from The Academy of Ministry of Internal Affairs, USSR, in Yekaterinburg City. His transition from a construction engineer to a legal professional was marked by service in various Department of Internal Affairs divisions in Nizhni Tagil from 1992 to 1997. This period honed his legal skills and laid the groundwork for his later achievements in the legal field.

Uporov’s legal career flourished after joining the Sverdlovsk Region Bar in 1999. His experience representing legal entities and citizens in various courts, including the Supreme Arbitration Court and the Civil Board of the Supreme Court of Russia, established him as a proficient advocate. His leadership as the head of the legal department of the regional center of the Ministry of Emergency Measures of Russia and subsequent retirement as a colonel demonstrate a career dedicated to legal service and public administration. Uporov serves as the President of the Ural-Siberian Bar Association, contributing significantly to the legal profession in Russia.

10. Sergei Sazonov (1860–1927)

Sergei Dmitryevich Sazonov, born on August 10, 1860, in Ryazan Governorate, rose to prominence in the Russian Empire as a distinguished statesman and diplomat. His early life in a family with academic roots, being the son of Dmitry Sazonov and Yermioniya Frederiks, and his education at the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum played a crucial role in shaping his career. His journey from serving in various embassies to becoming Assistant Foreign Minister in 1909 set the stage for his significant contributions to Russian foreign policy.

As Foreign Minister of Russia from 1910 to 1916, Sazonov’s tenure was marked by pivotal international events leading up to and during World War I. His diplomatic skill was evident in his efforts to manage complex international relations, particularly in the Balkans. Sazonov’s role in the Potsdam Agreement of 1911, where he worked on Russian-German interests in Iran and the Baghdad Railway, showcased his diplomatic acumen. However, his involvement in these events and their contribution to escalating tensions leading to World War I has been a subject of historical debate.

Sazonov’s influence extended to the Far East, notably through the 1912 Russian-Japanese agreement regarding Inner Mongolia and the 1916 Russian-Japanese defensive alliance. His strategies during World War I, especially in supporting Serbia and negotiating with Romania, were pivotal in shaping the war’s trajectory. His moderate stance in Balkan politics and efforts to isolate Austria-Hungary highlighted his diplomatic approach to complex international issues. Sazonov’s resignation in 1916, influenced by political dynamics within the Tsarist regime, marked the end of a significant chapter in his career as a key figure in Russian foreign affairs.