Following the release of Chambers Global 2020, one of the most reputable international legal directories identifying best legal experts across the globe, GRATA International solidifies its position as one of the leading law firms in Eastern Europe and Central Asia by entering rankings in six countries.
In Azerbaijan, the team of Baku office and its director, Ummi Jalilova, have both been noted by Chambers Global and ranked in Band 3. The researchers have praised the full-service offering of GRATA in Azerbaijan and have given individual credit to the team's dedication, commitment and care to its clients. Ummi Jalilova rose in the rankings this year, getting recognition for her handling of a broad range of corporate and administrative law issues. One source describes her as an "experienced, client-oriented and reliable" lawyer who is "always able to provide tailor-made advice and solutions".
Dmitry Viltovsky, managing partner and head of GRATA's M&A and corporate team in Minsk, enters the cohort of leading lawyers in Belarus with rankings in Band 3. The editorial team notes Dmitry's expertise in M&A and corporate mandates and his projects advising foreign companies on market entry to Belarus.
GRATA International achieves positions in all practice areas of rankings in Kazakhstan.
In the Corporate and Finance practice, teams lead by Shaimerden Chikanayev, Marina Kahiani and Igor Lukin, firmly stand in Band 2. The research team have given special praise to the team's impressive regional expertise in providing legal advice to international financial institutions in major project financing transactions.
Shaimerdern Chikanayev, partner and head of GRATA's Banking & Finance and PPP and Project Finance practices, advances to Band 3 in the rankings this year. Clients appreciate his expertise in PPP projects, where he regularly represents international financial institutions as lenders. One source highlights his negotiation skills, explaining: "He can demonstrate his argument in a very articulate and convincing manner". Another notes his client care, describing him as "flexible and clearly customer-oriented".
GRATA's Dispute Resolution team, noted for its expertise in commercial disputes, including debt recovery, contractual and shareholder disputes as well as regulatory cases, ranks in Band 2. The team was described by the researchers and clients as "a popular choice for international law firms requiring domestic representation or Kazakh law advice in international arbitrations".
Bakhyt Tukulov, partner and head of GRATA's Dispute Resolution practice, was identified among Kazakhstan's leading litigators and ranked in Band 2. Bakhyt was noted for his experience handling a vast spectrum of cases, and his involvement in cross-border litigation and arbitration, where he works as a Kazakh law expert. Sources describe him as "impressive as an expert and a litigator" and "an authority in dispute resolution".
In Energy & Natural Resources practice, GRATA's team lead by Almat Daumov holds rankings in Band 3. Identified by the researchers as "prominent regional firm regularly providing local law support to international clients active in the oil and gas and mining industries", the team was praised for its projects in construction, M&A, and regulatory support.
In the Kyrgyz Republic, GRATA's Bishkek team take positions in Band 2. The researchers note lawyers' initiative and their client-oriented approach. "They understand what we want and what we need," reports a source, going on to add: "We trust them to deal with any project because they are responsible and can quickly react".
Partners of Bishkek office, Kanat Seidaliev and Nurlan Kyshtobaev, have been named among the leading lawyers in the Kyrgyz Republic and enter the rankings in Band 3.
Kanat Seidaliev was praised for his experience in financing and corporate mandates, cross-border PPP projects and project financing. Kanat was also noted for this expertise in intellectual property and data protection issues, prompting sources to praise the breadth of his practice: "He stands out because he's familiar with various aspects of the law".
Nurlan Kyshtobaev enters the rankings and receives market recognition for his activity on banking and finance and corporate mandates., as well as financing and regulatory aspects of infrastructure and mining projects. By utilising his experience working in the UK, Russia and Canada, Nurlan advises foreign clients on establishing a business presence in the Kyrgyz Republic. A source notes: "His international background is a very good asset, and he provides insights to minimise risks".
With positions in Band 2, GRATA's team in Dushanbe, supported by their colleagues in Bishkek, is featured among the leading legal teams in Tajikistan. Particular praise was given for teams work in handling inbound investments and project financing as well as day-to-day advisory work. Described by clients as "responsive and very thorough", the team advises its clients, which include includes companies from the manufacturing, mining and pharmaceutical companies.
In addition to his recognition in the Kyrgyz Republic, Nurlan Kyshtobaev was also named among leading foreign-based lawyers with expertise on law issues in Tajikistan. Particular attention was given to his experience in infrastructure projects and capital markets.
GRATA International's team in Tashkent tops the Uzbekistan rankings for the third consecutive year with positions in Band 1. Chambers & Partners have given high praise to the team's full-service scope and expertise in corporate structuring, tax, employment, commercial, project financing, natural resources and telecommunications.
Three partners of GRATA International in Uzbekistan are named among the best practitioners in the country - Bakhodir Jabborov, Nodir Yuldashev and Atabek Sharipov.
Bakhodir Jabborov, managing partner and director of GRATA's office in Tashkent, was ranked in Band 2 for his experience and credibility in the market. Many local and international clients from the energy and technology sectors trust Bakhodir's expertise in corporate, contractual and commercial aspects of investments and projects in Uzbekistan.
Nodir Yuldashev was given praise as a well-respected practitioner and expert on cross-border transactions and corporate structuring. Clients note his commercial approach, adding: "He is responsive and supportive".
Atabek Sharipov received recognition for his substantial experience in the banking and finance sector, and expertise in cross-border project finance and secured lending mandates. One impressed client appreciates that Atabek has "a clear and concise understanding of what needs to be delivered," and adds: "He helps us identify issues and delivers solutions".
Building on its success in Chambers Global, GRATA International expands its position as the leading law firm in the region.
