Chambers&Partners has recently released its 2020 Asia-Pacific Guide, in which GRATA International has confirmed its status as one of the leading legal experts in Central Asia and Caspian region, with rankings in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
In Azerbaijan, GRATA International's team ranked in Band 3 for its full-service offering which proves a popular choice of counsel for clients operating across a diverse range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, aviation, banking and technology.
Ummi Jalilova, director of Baku office, rises in the rankings after winning praise for her handling of a broad range of corporate and administrative law mandates.
The clients have described GRATA's Azerbaijan practice as "very professional, experienced and smart team of lawyers working well under tight timelines".
In Kazakhstan, GRATA International confirmed its rankings across all practice areas:
- Corporate and Finance (Band 2)
- Dispute Resolution (Band 2)
- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3)
GRATA International's Corporate and Finance team has received high remarks from the researchers and clients for its impressive regional practice providing local law, regulatory and due diligence support to international financial institutions involved in high-value inbound project financing. Sources highlight the team's pragmatism as a key strength, saying: "They'll give us workable advice that we can take to negotiations".
Shaimerden Chikanayev, head of Banking & Finance practice, advances in the rankings this year. 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".
Chambers&Partners described GRATA International's Dispute Resolution team as a "strong regional firm with expertise in commercial disputes, including debt recovery, contractual and shareholder disputes as well as regulatory cases" and a "popular choice for international law firms requiring domestic representation or Kazakh law advice in international arbitrations".
Bakhyt Tukulov, head of Dispute Resolution practice, was noted for 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".
GRATA International's Energy&Natural Resources practice was recognised as a "prominent regional firm regularly providing local law support to international clients active in the oil and gas and mining industries". Researchers have acknowledged the firm's recent experience in construction projects, M&A mandates and regulatory support for East Asian energy companies and international firms.
Sources give credit to the team's supportive approach, noting: "they are very attentive to clients' needs. They provide precise advice and are also attuned to the commercial aspects of transactions".
In Kyrgyzstan, GRATA International secured positions in Band 2. The researchers and clients have noted the firm's expertise on Kyrgyz law issues relating to inbound investments and cross-border project finance transactions. Sources are impressed by the lawyers' initiative and 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".
Kanat Seidaliev and Nurlan Kyshtobayev, partners of GRATA's Bishkek office, have been ranked among the best lawyers in Kyrgyzstan.
A client describes Kanat Seidaliev as a "competent specialist who shows strong skills, expertise and vast experience". Researched have given credit to Kanat's experience in handling financing and corporate mandates, as well as cross-border PPP projects and project financing.
Nurlan Kyshtobaev enters the rankings owing to market recognition for his activity on banking and finance and corporate mandates in infrastructure and mining projects. Using his experience working in the UK, Russia and Canada, Nurlan advises foreign clients with establishing business entities in the Kyrgyz Republic. A source notes: "His international background is a very good asset, and he provides insights to minimise risks".
In Tajikistan, GRATA International's Dushanbe team was placed in Band 2. Researchers acknowledge the team's experience in working for international law firms and financial institutions. Clients praised team's attitude and dedication: "I really like how they handle work", reports a source, who highlights the firm's "international connections" and describes the team as "responsive and very thorough".
For the third consecutive year, GRATA International tops the Uzbekistan rankings, cementing its Band 1 position. The research team of Chambers & Partners noted the firm's full-service offering and recent projects for major international clients, such as blue-chip companies, financial institutions and law firms. Sources highlight the firm's team as an "excellent" and "top-notch", going on to describe the lawyers as "really very impressive and extremely user-friendly".
Three key partners of GRATA International were identified among the leading lawyers in Uzbekistan.
Bakhodir Jabborov, Managing Partner of Tashkent office, is praised by clients for his "experience and credibility in the market". He is sought after by domestic and multinational clients from the energy and technology sectors and typically handles the corporate, contractual and commercial aspects of investments and projects in Uzbekistan.
Nodir Yuldashev is recognised as a "well-reputed practitioner focusing on cross-border transactions and corporate structuring". He is also well placed to advise on the contractual, licensing and financing aspects of projects in the energy and TMT sectors. One source gives credit to his "commercial approach", adding: "he is responsive and supportive".
Atabek Sharipov is noted for his substantial experience in the banking and finance sector, and his expertise in cross-border project finance and secured lending mandates.
One impressed client appreciates that he has "a clear and concise understanding of what needs to be delivered", and adds: "he helps us identify issues and delivers solutions".
Continuing its success in Chambers Asia-Pacific, GRATA International reasserts its position as the leading law firm in the region.
