The professional excellence and expertise of GRATA International are confirmed by high positions in the 2024 edition of Chambers Asia-Pacific.
Following the recent release of Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024, a distinguished international legal directories identifying top legal experts in the region, GRATA International solidifies its position as one of the leading law firms of the region by securing rankings in five countries.
Chambers has also recognized 14 of the Firm's lawyers among the premier lawyers in the region.
Expertise in Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijani team under the leadership of its director Ummi Jalilova is ranked in Band 3.
The researchers have praised the office for being "extremely responsive and always able to meet tight deadlines” and stating that their “multitasking ability has always impressed” them.
Ummi Jalilova is recognized as a Band 3 lawyer for managing “multiple projects effectively” and for being “adaptable to new responsibilities”. “Her strong business acumen skills let her see not only the legal side of projects, but also from different angles”.
Excellence in Kazakhstan:
GRATA International maintains high positions across all practice areas of rankings in Kazakhstan:
- Corporate and Finance (Band 2)
- Dispute Resolution (Band 2)
- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3)
Corporate and Finance teams led by Shaimerden Chikanayev, Marina Kahiani, and Igor Lukin are praised for having “an impressive regional practice providing local law, regulatory and due diligence support to international financial institutions involved in high-value inbound project financing in Kazakhstan”. The researchers stress that GRATA is particularly active in the natural resources and banking sectors and has experience in advising international clients regarding M&A deals. GRATA International also remains a popular choice for private equity companies.
Clients also stated that the teams’ “advice is always on time and is accurate” and that "the firm was responsive, provided detailed analysis in English, and was helpful in providing risk-based advice while clarifying which aspects were clear or less clear under the relevant laws and regulations”.
Shaimerden Chikanayev is ranked in Band 3 and described by clients as “responsive, a great communicator, that provides on-point advice”.
Marina Kahiani is included in Band 4 for possessing “high-level knowledge of legal matters in the finance field and knows how to apply this in practice”.
Igor Lukin is also ranked in Band 4. Сlients highlight that "he is a very practical and solution-oriented lawyer and this is very valuable in a complex legislative environment".
GRATA Kazakhstan's Dispute Resolution team, recognized for its expertise in commercial disputes, including debt recovery, contractual and shareholder disputes as well as regulatory cases, ranks in Band 2.
The firm is praised for strong level of services and for providing “flawless execution”.
Askar Konysbayev, Partner at GRATA's Dispute Resolution practice, was identified among Kazakhstan's leading litigators, and was ranked in Band 4.
In Energy & Natural Resources practice, GRATA's team lead by Almat Daumov holds rankings in Band 3. Construction projects, M&A mandates and regulatory support are all areas of experience, including subsoil licensing issues. Clients laud the team for offering “an accurate assessment of all risks” and for providing “verified and well-founded information in terms of the law as well considering all alternative options”.
Baizhan Bekzhanov, Partner in Natural Resources team of GRATA International is also included in Band 4 for his “high professionalism, extensive work experience and ability to act effectively in a specific situation”.
Leadership in Kyrgyzstan:
In Kyrgyzstan, the GRATA International team in Bishkek deservely holds a place in Band 1 and remains a market-leading law firm in the Kyrgyz Republic, catering to a distinguished clientele of international corporates and financial institutions.
The office handles a wide range of Kyrgyz law issues, including IP, data protection and payment regulations and has additional areas of expertise in debt recovery, corporate acquisitions and employment law.
Clients praise the Bishkek team for being “highly responsive and efficient in providing advice”.
GRATA Partners Nurlan Kyshtobayev and Elvira Maratova are ranked in Band 1 and Band 3 respectively.
Continuing Success in Tajikistan:
GREAT International Dushanbe office maintains in Band 1. Impressed by GRATA International, a source appreciates “the team's significant knowledge, high degree of accountability, and willingness to go above and beyond were all on display when providing services”.
Partner Kamollidin Mukhamedov is included in Band 1. “He has a very good insight into the area which helps in proposing out-of-the-box solutions when needed”.
Senior Associate Bahodur Nurov is also noted by the ranking as an “Associate to watch”.
The law firm's roster of clients includes companies from the telecoms and life science industries. The team also assists with banking, corporate, tax and labour matters.
Preeminence in Uzbekistan:
In Uzbekistan, GRATA International has improved its ranking and now is holding a well-deserved place in Band 1.
The office specializes in transactional legal work in Uzbekistan, assisting international clients with corporate structuring, tax, employment and commercial matters. The team also handles project financing, with expertise in matters related to the exploration, extraction and transportation of natural resources, as well as work in the real estate and finance sectors.
Clients appreciate “high level of professionalism and a readiness to complete the work within tight timeframes” of our Tashkent team.
Partner, Nodir Yuldashev is ranked in Band 1. Clients highlight that “his strengths are providing an in-depth analysis for specific questions, on-time delivery of service and practical advice”.
Bakhodir Jabborov, Managing Partner, and Atabek Sharipov are in Band 2 and Band 3 respectively, both noted for a broad range of cross-border corporate and projects matters.
GRATA International continues to set high standards for quality and professionalism, solidifying its position as a leading law firm in the region, as recognized by Chambers and Partners 2024.