GRATA International Strengthens Its Position in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Rankings

GRATA International Strengthens Its Position in Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 Rankings
The results of the prestigious Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 rankings have been released, reaffirming GRATA International as a leading law firm with a strong and growing presence across Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Armenia
Armenia has once again joined the ranks of ranked jurisdictions, with GRATA International securing a Tier 3 position in the recommended list of law firms. The firm is expertly led by Khoren Nasibyan, who combines significant experience in the banking, pharma and retail sectors with Armenian civil and commercial disputes. The firm further benefits from co-founder Nune Hayrapetyan, who offers expertise in M&A deals and advising on banking and finance projects. With strong cross-border capabilities in corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, litigation, and banking and finance, the firm has been praised for its “hands-on local presence with international-level service.” Each team member brings not only strong legal skills but also a proactive, solutions-driven mindset that sets them apart from competitors who may approach matters in a more formalistic or academic way", clients note.

Azerbaijan
The Baku office is ranked Tier 3, with clients highlighting consistent service quality across mandates of all sizes.

The corporate and M&A practice is led by Ummi Jalilova and Royal Ibrahimli, both recognised for their expertise in international finance, banking, and corporate structuring. Fidan Vakhabova leads a multidisciplinary practice covering competition, intellectual property, and labour law.

Clients  emphasise Ummi Jalilova has showed deep knowledge of the legislation and best practice at the market, always responds promptly and is delivering creative solutions for the business in line with local legislation.

China
GRATA International’s Beijing office has been recognized as a “Firm to Watch” in Corporate and M&A: foreign firms, Antitrust and Competition: foreign firms, and Projects and Energy: foreign firms. Under the leadership of Gulnur Nurkeeva, the team specializes in cross-border M&A and foreign direct investment, with a particular focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors. From Beijing, they advise Chinese investors entering the Kazakhstan market, securing antitrust clearances across energy, infrastructure, and natural resources projects.

Georgia
GRATA International’s Tbilisi office has strengthened its position in commercial, corporate law, and M&A, achieving a Tier 3 ranking under the leadership of Irakli Kordzakhia and Sofia Roinishvili.

The team is recognised for its client-focused approach, with feedback highlighting a “commendable work ethics and fantastic interpersonal and communication skills.”.

The dispute resolution practice has also secured a Tier 3 ranking, demonstrating particular strength in complex commercial, administrative, and tax disputes, as well as international arbitration.

Indonesia 

Leks&Co in association with GRATA   is ranked Tier 2 for Real Estate and Construction and Tier 4 for Dispute Resolution. The practice is led by Eddy Leks, a qualified arbitrator advising on both domestic and SEA matters, who heads a team active in hospitality, residential, energy, and private client sectors. He is supported by Ardelia Ignatius, who brings extensive construction and compliance expertise, and Fitri Nabilla Aulia, a recognised practitioner in land certification.

Clients highlight the team’s expertise, noting: “Firm appear well versed in domestic construction laws and regulations. The advice provided was always clear and comprehensive, yet concise and practical, with timely delivery even under tight deadlines.”

Kazakhstan
GRATA International Kazakhstan demonstrates outstanding performance, with five practice areas ranked Tier 1:

Commercial, corporate law and M&A
Energy and natural resources
Real estate and construction
Tax and customs
TMT and intellectual property

Igor Lukin,a partner in the corporate practice, has been recognised as a “Leading Partner.” Clients praise the team for providing “good commercial advice” and being “very responsive.” 

The Energy sector includes leading specialists Almat Daumov, Baizhan Bekzhanov, Yerbolat Yerkebulanov, and Maxim Burak, all recognised as Leading Individuals for their work on major energy projects. Clients commend the team as “a good local team to complement the overall legal effort.”

In real estate, construction, and TMT, Yerzhan Yessimkhanov is recognised as a “Leading Individual,” while Darya Zhanysbayeva is named a “Next Generation Partner.” Yerzhan Yessimkhanov heads the construction & infrastructure, real estate departments and is an advisor in nationally significant infrastructure projects. Darya Zhanysbayeva also works in the practice and offers commercial advice on energy projects.

The intellectual property practice, led by Timur Berekmoinov, also holds a leading position, with Timur recognised this year as a “Leading Individual.” The team is distinguished by its client-oriented approach, deep understanding of client needs and specifics, and strong expertise in market practices.

In tax and customs practice, Assel Ilyasova and Kanat Adilbekov are recognised as “Leading Individuals,” with Kamila Urazalina named a “Next Generation Partner.” The team offers expertise in Kazakhstan and international tax law. Practice head Assel Ilyassova assists in tax litigation and tax structuring, with particular aptitude in the oil and gas sector. Kanat Adilbekov is experienced in working on disputes with tax authorities.

The banking and finance sector is ranked Tier 2 under the leadership of Shaimerden Chikanayev and Marina Kahiani. Co-head Shaimerden Chikanayev, who is additionally recognised as a “Leading Individual,” offers services in cross-border lending matters and capital markets transactions. Fellow co-head Marina Kahiani is experienced in advising foreign and international banks and financial institutions in cross-border project finance and PPP matters. The team is praised for its efficiency, responsiveness, and ability to deliver practical, compliant solutions. Key members include Lola Abdukhalikova and Zarina Kabashova.

The dispute resolution practice also holds a Tier 2 ranking, led by Askar Konysbayev, who is additionally recognised as a “Leading Partner,” with Sukhrob Issakhanov ranked as a “Leading Associate.”

Mongolia
The Ulaanbaatar office has been ranked Tier 3, reaffirming GRATA International’s position as one of the leading law firms and trusted advisors in Mongolia. Led by Bolormaa Volodya,  firm is active in a wide spectrum of domestic and cross-border work. 

The team advises on compliance and regulatory matters, data protection, and a broad range of commercial issues. Clients note that “GRATA International’s team is distinguished by its deep knowledge of the Mongolian legal environment, consistent responsiveness, and personalised approach.”

Tajikistan
The Dushanbe office maintains its Tier 2 ranking, with Kamoliddin Mukhamedov recognised as a “Leading Individual, brings experience in corporate matters and dispute resolution.Kamoliddin jointly heads the practice with Kyrgyzstan-based Nurlan Kyshtobaev, who advises on corporate cases and infrastructure projects, and Elvira Maratova, also based in Kyrgyzstan, who is well versed in handling telecoms matters. Clients describe the team as highly professional, responsive, and solution-oriented.

Uzbekistan
The Tashkent office maintains a Tier 1 ranking, offering a full-service legal platform across corporate, finance, tax, dispute resolution, and intellectual property. Clients highly praise the quality of service and responsiveness, with special recognition given to Bakhodir Jabborov , who has been recognized as a "Leading Individual". Among the key specialists, Atabek Sharipov, a leading practitioner in banking and project finance, Nodir Yuldashev, an internationally experienced arbitrator overseeing disputes, have been recognized; Dilorom Yuldasheva, the head of M&A and corporate; and Irina Obukhova, leading the disputes team.

Clients highlight the team demonstrated a clear understanding of the requirements of clients in the finance and development sector, which is critical for transactions involving international standards and local compliance.’

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2026 results reinforce GRATA International’s strong regional footprint and its ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality legal services across key markets, while continuing to expand into new jurisdictions.