Sayat Kulzhabayev

Sayat Kulzhabayev
Overview
Experience
Astana, Kazakhstan
+7 701 727 9263
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Counsel with over 22 years of professional experience advising international corporations, quasi-state entities and private investors on complex legal and regulatory matters in Kazakhstan. Combines extensive Big Law background with long-term in-house leadership experience, including roles as Branch Director at GRATA and General Counsel of a multinational industrial group.

Recognized for deep expertise in corporate law, M&A, dispute resolution, regulatory compliance and major energy and EPC projects, combined with a strong understanding of client decision-making and risk management. Known for a pragmatic, business-oriented approach and ability to lead complex matters from structuring to dispute resolution.

 

Education:
1999 -2003, LL.B. in Law, Kazakh State Law University, Almaty (State Scholarship) 2007 -2011, B.A. in Economics, Karaganda University “Bolashak”, Karaganda
Languages:
EnglishRussianTurkishKazakh

Industries

Oil & Gas

Construction & Infrastructure

Industry & Trade

Practice areas

Restructuring & Insolvency

Dispute Resolution

Project Finance & Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

Corporate and M&A

Experience

Corporate & M&A

  • Advised foreign shareholders on acquisition and disposal of equity interests in Kazakh companies, covering structuring, due diligence, regulatory approvals and transaction closing.
  • Supported establishment and restructuring of joint ventures with international participation, including governance frameworks and shareholder arrangements.
  • Advised on post-acquisition corporate restructuring and reorganisation of group companies to align with regulatory and operational requirements.


Energy, EPC & Industrial Projects

  • Provided legal support to EPC contractors on oil & gas projects, including contract drafting, risk allocation and regulatory compliance.
  • Advised on industrial construction projects involving large-scale equipment installation, logistics and commissioning works.
  • Supported contractors and investors in navigating industrial safety, licensing and permitting requirements for major projects.


Dispute Resolution & Regulatory

  • Represented clients in administrative, tax, environmental, land and labour disputes before Kazakh courts and authorities.
  • Advised on strategies for handling government inspections and regulatory enforcement actions, achieving dispute avoidance or early resolution.
  • Supported clients in complex, multi-stakeholder disputes arising from construction, supply and services contracts.


Compliance & Governance

  • Assisted clients in developing and implementing compliance, anti-corruption and internal governance policies.
  • Advised boards and senior management on regulatory risk, directors’ duties and corporate governance matters.


Publications

  • Author of professional publications focusing on regulatory enforcement, government inspections, subsoil use, environmental compliance and dispute prevention in Kazakhstan, with an emphasis on practical guidance for businesses and investors.