In the recently released Chambers Asia-Pacific 2021 Guide, GRATA International was as one of the leading firms in the region with ranked offices in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
In Azerbaijan, GRATA International's team in Baku was placed in Band 3 for its full-service capabilities with a strong reputation for corporate, commercial and banking work, and good relationship-building attributes.
Ummi Jalilova, director of Baku office, was featured among the leading lawyers in the country for her expertise in corporate and projects mandates. Clients described Ummi as a "very technical lawyer" and a "good relationship builder".
In Kazakhstan, GRATA International confirmed its rankings across all practice areas:
- Corporate and Finance (Band 2)
- Dispute Resolution (Band 3)
- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3)
GRATA International's Corporate and Finance team was praised for its expertise in local law, regulatory and due diligence support to international financial institutions involved in high-value inbound project financing. Clients noted team's efficiency as of its main strengths, one client stating: "I would highlight that they are efficient and provide a range of options that fit your needs best, considering the requisites we give them and our business interests. They are also quite flexible and good at delivering within given timeframes".
Shaimerden Chikanayev, head of Banking & Finance practice, was named among leading practitioners in the country. Clients valued Shaimerden for his focus on PPP and project finance mandates and described him as "very client-oriented".
Marina Kahiani, co-head of GRATA's Banking & Finance practice, has entered the rankings for the first time and was featured in the Up and Coming category as a result of positive feedback and involvement in the firm's key projects. Sources highlighted her dedication and client-oriented approach: "I thought her recommendations were extremely clear, sensible and justifiable".
GRATA International's Dispute Resolution team was noted for its experience in handling commercial disputes, including debt recovery, contractual disputes and regulatory cases. One client described the lawyers as "fast in expressing their opinion in respect of theoretical and practical issues".
Askar Konysbayev, head of Dispute Resolution practice, has joined the rankings for the first time as a result of increased visibility and positive feedback. Client's noted Askar's work ethic and dedication: "He is ready to work in any stressful situations."
GRATA International's Energy&Natural Resources practice was described by researchers as a "prominent regional firm regularly providing local law support to international clients active in the oil and gas and mining industries". Peers have acknowledged the firm's recent experience in construction projects, M&A mandates and regulatory support for East Asian energy companies and international firms.
Clients highly valued team's capabilities: "They have one of the biggest teams of lawyers and therefore usually address our requests quickly and with high performance." Another source added: "They are international in the way they work but at the same time good in the details of the Kazakh law. I think that they are involved in a lot of matters, so they have insight and knowledge of the law".
GRATA's Bishkek team has topped the rankings of Kyrgyzstan with Band 1 positions. Researchers described the firm as a well-established, market-leading, catering to a distinguished clientele of international corporations and financial institutions, regularly working in collaboration with overseas law firms. Sources gave high praise to firm's client approach: "The strengths of the firm's practice include their quick responses to customer requests, their willingness to be in constant contact with the client, and consulting not only from the point of view of the provisions of the law but also from the point of view of its practical application".
Kanat Seidaliev and Nurlan Kyshtobayev, partners of GRATA's Bishkek office, have been ranked among the best lawyers in Kyrgyzstan in Band 2.
Kanat was noted for his experience in cross-border PPP projects and project financing, as well as IP and data protection issues. A source described him as "well disciplined," adding: "He is well organised and responds quickly to our requests".
Nurlan is very well regarded in the market for his expertise across a range of banking and finance and corporate matters. Sources praised his high standard of work, reporting: "He understands what it means to perform at the best possible level to the standards of international law firms".
Sharing the success of their colleagues, GRATA International's Dushanbe team dominates the Tajikistan rankings with Band 1 positions. Sources highlighted team's holistic approach to projects, noting: "In terms of legal and financial analysis, including taxation issues, they are experienced and knowledgeable and can advise us whenever there is a new regulation coming".
Kamoliddin Mukhamedov enters the rankings for the first time following strong feedback from sources. "He is always on top of our projects," appreciates a client, who praises his "very good insights into the banking industry, which helps in proposing out-of-the-box solutions".
GRATA International was identified among the top firms in Uzbekistan. The researchers noted the firm's full-service capabilities and transactional work for major international clients. The team is well-known for its expertise in project financing and local law support, acting for international financial institutions and law firms as local counsel. Clients gave high praised to lawyers' flexibility and communication skills.
Three key partners of GRATA International were identified among the leading lawyers in Uzbekistan.
Bakhodir Jabborov, Managing Partner of Tashkent office, was described by clients as "very professional in coordinating various projects," adding: "He also incorporates our feedback". Bakhodir advises an impressive domestic and international clientele, including major corporations from the energy, TMT and consumer goods sectors.
Nodir Yuldashev was recognised for his non-contentious and contentious expertise, regularly assisting clients with high-value cross-border corporate and finance transactions. He also provides a skilful handing of joint ventures and various aspects of energy projects.
Atabek Sharipov is particularly well regarded for his handling of cross-border finance transactions, in addition to advising on insurance matters and contractual and corporate mandates. Atabek provides a "polished negotiating standpoint," according to an impressed client.
Cementing its success in Chambers Asia-Pacific, GRATA International confirms its leading positions in the region.
