CHAMBERS ASIA PACIFIC 2019 RANKINGS
Chambers and Partners has issued its updated rankings of Kazakhstan’s leading law firms for 2019.
CORPORATE & FINANCE - Band 2
What the team is known for
Leading domestic firm, assisting international clients on local law issues affecting cross-border mandates as well as representing domestic clients in local projects. Experienced in project financing, corporate and financial restructurings and M&A projects. Particularly well regarded for domestic corporate and regulatory advice. Its domestic market position makes it a popular choice for many international law firms seeking local law advice in Kazakhstan.
Strengths
The firm is widely regarded as a leading domestic practice, with one source reporting: „If I'm asked to name a local firm which is the best in terms of quality, I'd pick them.“
Work highlights
Provided due diligence support to Knauf Gips Kapchagay related to a proposed acquisition.
Notable practitioners
Yelena Pestereva advances through the rankings this year. Sources appreciate her client-oriented approach to corporate mandates, one interviewee finding her „very responsive in her explanations"and another noting she is „attentive and reliable.“
DISPUTE RESOLUTION - Band 2
What the team is known for
Market-leading domestic team representing clients in a broad range of commercial disputes, including contractual and debt recovery cases as well as IP and domestic enforcement work. The team is also frequently engaged to provide Kazakh law expertise in international arbitrations. Regularly acts for international and domestic clients from the natural resources, manufacturing, construction and pharmaceutical sectors.
Strengths
Sources are quick to note the firm's service-oriented approach to mandates. One describes the team as „responsible, accurate, client-oriented and very pleasant to communicate with.“
Work highlights
Acted for Swiss pharmaceutical company Cilag on a debt recovery dispute against a Kazakh entity.
Notable practitioners
Counsel Violetta Kim is a highly respected figure in the market who offers a wealth of litigation experience. She lends her considerable expertise to domestic clients involved in contractual disputes.
Managing partner Olga Chentsova advises international and domestic corporates on commercial disputes. She also provides Kazakh law expertise in international arbitrations, as well as acting as an arbitrator.
Practice head Valikhan Shaikenov acts on domestic disputes as well as international arbitrations. Sources highlight his client-focused approach, with one describing him as „diligent and responsive.“ His legislative insight is also noted as a strength.
ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES - Band 4
What the team is known for
Established domestic practice, well versed in subsoil-related regulatory issues. Also advises international corporates on additional domestic regulatory and due diligence mandates. Offers corporate structuring and domestic law support to leading international oil and gas corporates. Acts as co-counsel to international law firms on cross-border mandates.
Strengths
Commentators confirm that it is „a very well-established firm“ that handles „good-quality work.“
Work highlights
Provided regulatory law advice to Chevron Munaigas regarding the recently updated subsoil use code in Kazakhstan.
Notable practitioners
Managing partner Olga Chentsova is widely recognised for her regulatory insight and market knowledge. As one impressed source explains, „if there are any legal developments or legislative developments she's always involved.“
Natalya Braynina oversees the practice, lending her support to international clients involved in cross-border mandates. Corporate structuring, transactional mandates and projects due diligence are all areas of experience.