GRATA International has cemented its position as one of the leading firms in Central Asia and Caspian region, following the release of major international legal rating Chambers&Partners Asia-Pacific 2019. GRATA International has secured rankings in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

In Azerbaijan GRATA International’s team and its head, Ummi Jalilova, were both recognised as some of the leading practitioners in the country.

In Kazakhstan GRATA International has been noted by Chambers&Partners in all major practices:

- Corporate and Finance (Band 2)

- Dispute Resolution (Band 2)

- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3)

GRATA International’s Corporate and Finance team has been praised by the researchers and clients for its ability to provide domestic law insight on cross-border mandates. One source reports: "The firm has an intimate understanding of the local environment and issues that arise. They regularly act for international clients and are well versed in undertaking cross-border transactions.". Sources also note the team's client-focused approach to projects, with one highlighting "flexibility and readiness to go the extra mile for a client."

Shaimerden Chikanayev, Partner and Head of Banking & Finance department, was named among the leading lawyers in his practice. One source highlighted his approach, saying: "He works well in facilitating the international team's understanding of local law issues and coordinating with local authorities."

Chambers&Partners described GRATA International as a strong regional firm with expertise in contractual, regulatory and debt recovery disputes referring to the firm's Dispute Resolution practice. Liability and damages disputes, as well as domestic enforcement proceedings, are areas of further experience. Sources recognise the experience of the team as a key strength. One explains:"They are able to predict the next steps of the process and how the litigation procedures will playout, and can plan accordingly."

The head of GRATA Intrernational’s Dispute Resolution team, Bakhyt Tukulov, advances through the rankings this year. Clients are quick to highlight his comprehensive support in contentious matters, saying: "His advice was very useful and he's been very good at protecting us as much as possible." Another client adds: "He understands what we need commercially as well as legally."

GRATA International’s Energy&Natural resources practice received credit for its pragmatic approach to projects as a particular strength. One reports that the team has "a lot of experience and knowledge and they are focused on the needs of the client."

In Kyrgyzstan, GRATA International’s Bishkek team has climbed in the rankings and secured its position in Band 2. The researchers and clients have described the firm’s Kyrgyzstan office as robust, catering to a distinguished clientele of international corporate and financial institutions, regularly working in collaboration with overseas law firms. A source reports: "They provide clear and complete answers in a timely manner," adding that "if necessary, the firm provides answers regardless of whether it's weekdays or weekends."

Continuing the success of their colleagues, the Dushanbe office of GRATA International has also earned a position in Band 2 among the leading legal counsels in Tajikistan. As Chambers&Partners describes the team: a respected group that advises an array of international law firms and financial institutions on Tajik law issues from its offices in Dushanbe and Bishkek. Routinely handles inbound investments and project financing as well as day-to-day advisory work. Its roster of clients also includes payment system operators and money transfer companies as well as a growing number of companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

For the second consecutive year, GRATA International tops the Uzbekistan rankings with position in Band 1. The research team of Chambers & Partners noted the full-service scope of the Tashkent office of GRATA International: transactional work, assisting blue-chip international clients with corporate structuring, tax, employment and commercial matters. The team is also known for project financing and local law support, acting for international financial institutions and law firms as local counsel.

3 key partners of GRATA International in Uzbekistan have been named among the leading practitioners. Bakhodir Jabborov, head of Tashkent office, has been described as a "highly skilled lawyer with a wealth of expertise in Uzbek law," by an impressed client. He assists international clients in a variety of matters including local law, corporate governance and contractual issues as well as representing clients in contentious IP matters.

Nodir Yuldashev advises international corporate clients on local law aspects of cross-border projects, also acting on contentious litigation matters. One of the clients describes him as"professional with deep knowledge of law and practice."

Head of banking and finance Atabek Sharipov enters the rankings due to his increasing visibility and client feedback. He advises international clients on cross-border local law, secured transactions, tax and IP matters. He is praised for his focus on clients, with a source saying: "He is prompt and effective and focuses on the search for the most effective legal solutions in terms of customer interests."

Another success in the Chambers&Partners Asia-Pacific 2019 showcases GRATA International’s capabilities and highlights its position as of the leading law firms in the region.