GRATA International Maintains Leading Positions and Enhances Regional Influence in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026
GRATA International has demonstrated strong performance in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026 Guide, maintaining its rankings across key practices in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and improving its positions in several of them. This year, the Firm has also proudly expanded its presence in the Guide with new rankings in Mongolia and Turkmenistan, marking a significant milestone in the Firm’s regional recognition.
The Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide provides independent, in-depth insights and trusted recommendations on leading law firms and practitioners across the Asia-Pacific region, reaffirming GRATA International’s continued commitment to quality, expertise and consistent client service.
Azerbaijan: General Business Law – Band 3
GRATA International’s Baku office, ranked in Band 3, continues to stand out in the market for its strong capabilities in corporate, commercial, and banking matters. Clients highlight the team provide detailed and at the same time practical advice, clearly identifying risks and possible ways to mitigate them.
Ummi Jalilova, Managing Partner (Band 3) acts for multinationals and financial institutions across a broad range of corporate and project mandates, in addition to employment matters. Clients highlight her professionalism and efficiency:"It is always a pleasure to work with Ummi and her team due to her high competence, efficiency and desire to always give practical advice."
Kazakhstan:
Corporate and Finance – Band 2
Kazakhstan Corporate and Finance teams are highly regarded for their expertise in supporting high-value inbound project financing and providing regional insight across M&A, natural resources, and banking matters. Clients praise the team for its holistic approach: “GRATA are unique because they provide truly comprehensive support, covering every aspect of our needs without leaving any gaps.”
Shaimerden Chikanayev, Partner (Band 3) is noted for his work on asset acquisitions and project finance, regularly advising both domestic and multinational lenders. Clients describe him as “a customer-oriented partner.”
Marina Kahiani, Partner (Band 3) frequently handles transactional matters, including financing and licensing for regulatory activities. She is recognized as “a highly experienced legal counsel who works in an exceptionally smooth and efficient manner.”
Igor Lukin, Partner, (Band 4) advises on cross-border acquisitions, share transfers, market entry, and internal corporate restructuring in Kazakhstan. Clients value his “practical problem-solving skills and ability to communicate effectively with international clients”.
Dispute Resolution - Band 2
GRATA International’s Dispute Resolution practice is a preferred choice for international law firms seeking domestic representation or Kazakh law advice in international arbitration and litigation.
Askar Konysbayev has been promoted to Band 3 this year. He advises both domestic and international corporates on complex commercial disputes and provides guidance on Kazakh law in cross-border litigation and arbitration matters, including in the banking and construction sectors. Clients particularly commend his strategic insight and pragmatic approach to resolving challenging matters.
Energy & Natural Resources - Band 3
GRATA International’s Energy & Natural Resources team is active in M&A, joint ventures, and subsoil matters, providing results-oriented legal services. The team is recognized for its responsiveness to client needs, clear understanding of organizational objectives, and efficiency in addressing complex issues.
Almat Daumov (Band 4) leads the natural resources team, advising a broad range of major international clients. His expertise spans M&A, dispute resolution, and tax. Clients note: “Almat has a deep understanding of the industry and is fully invested in achieving the best outcomes for his clients.”
Baizhan Bekzhanov has advanced in the rankings to Band 3 this year, reflecting his strengthened profile in the market. He has extensive experience in corporate matters within the mining and oil sectors, including acquisitions and licensing. Clients highlight his judgment and reliability: “Baizhan’s incisive judgment has proved indispensable to us, which is why we trust him when it comes to making important decisions regarding complex legal matters.”
Kyrgyzstan: General Business Law - Band 1
GRATA International Kyrgyzstan is recognized for its broad expertise across Kyrgyz law, including corporate acquisitions, debt recovery, employment matters, intellectual property, data protection, and payment regulations. Clients highlight the firm’s understanding of business needs: “GRATA has a good understanding of our business objectives.”
The office is led by Nurlan Kyshtobayev, Partner (Band 1) together with Elvira Maratova, Partner (Band 3). Both are valued for their in-depth local knowledge and commitment to providing client-focused legal solutions.
Mongolia: General Business Law - Band 3
GRATA International Mongolia, recognized for its strong capabilities in the mining and energy sectors, makes its debut in the Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide. The firm advises clients on licensing, environmental compliance, and investment structuring, while also playing an active role in infrastructure projects. In addition, GRATA is engaged in technology, telecom, and industrial manufacturing matters, providing guidance on contractor arrangements, IP protection, and investment risk mitigation. Clients observe: “GRATA has a strong understanding of the Mongolian business environment and operates with agility.”
Tajikistan: General Business Law - Band 1
The Dushanbe office has a renowned group of lawyers who advise international law firms and financial organisations on Tajik law issues from its offices in Dushanbe and Bishkek. The law firm's roster of clients includes companies from the technology, telecoms and life science industries. The team also assists with banking, corporate, tax and labour matters..
Kamoliddin Mukhamedov, Partner (Band 1) is recognized for his expertise in finance transactions and is also highly skilled in advising on corporate and employment law matters in Tajikistan. Clients value his ability to simplify complex legal concepts.
Turkmenistan: General Business Law - Band 1
GRATA International Turkmenistan is recognized for its broad expertise in banking and finance, corporate and M&A, oil and gas, dispute resolution, and tax. Ashgabat's office appears in the Chambers Asia-Pacific for the first time this year, highlighting its growing influence in the market, reflecting its growing presence in the market. The team is particularly praised for navigating complex regulatory frameworks and delivering practical solutions in high-stakes matters involving international stakeholders and government authorities. “GRATA are excellent; their approach is truly cross-border.”
Ikbal Said Alauddin is also recognized for the first time this year, receiving a Spotlight distinction for his cross-border expertise in banking and finance, corporate/M&A, and dispute resolution. He advises multinational corporations and financial institutions on complex regulatory and transactional matters, earning praise for his strategic insight and client-focused approach.
Uzbekistan: General Business Law - Band 1
GRATA International’s Tashkent office maintains a Band 1 ranking, reflecting its strong reputation in transactional legal work across Uzbekistan. The team advises international clients on corporate structuring, tax, employment, and commercial matters, providing practical, business-oriented solutions with responsive and efficient service. Clients observe: “GRATA provides commercially practical legal solutions and maintains highly responsive and efficient communication.”
Bakhodir Jabborov, Managing Partner (Band 2) advises a diverse portfolio of domestic and international clients, including major corporations in oil and gas, mining, and consumer goods. Clients note: “He is one of the leading experts in the market, with broad experience assisting multinational clients.”
Nodir Yuldashev, Partner (Band 1) assists clients with high-value, cross-border corporate, energy, and real estate matters. Clients highlight his commercial insight and reliability: “Nodir is a wonderful lawyer. We always get high-quality, very detailed and timely support from him, and he consistently considers the commercial factors that matter.”
Atabek Sharipov, Partner (Band 3) is recognized for his expertise in cross-border finance transactions and also advises on energy, banking, and corporate matters. Clients value his clarity and approachability: “Atabek is knowledgeable, approachable, and provided clear, practical guidance that gave us confidence throughout the transaction.”
Dilorom Yuldasheva, Partner (“Up and Coming”) has notable experience in corporate and project mandates, including acquisitions, investments, and financing. Clients comment: “Dilorom is experienced, professional, and ensures we get timely and high-quality assistance."
GRATA International’s continued presence in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026 reflects the firm’s regional leadership and consistent dedication to client service.
