GRATA International's success in Legal 500 EMEA 2020

The firm rises in the rankings released by Legal 500 and takes positions in eight jurisdictions – Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 

In Azerbaijan, a team headed by Ummi Jalilova was placed in Tier 3 for its expertise in legal matters related to employment, PPP projects, and corporate law. 

Dmitry Viltovsky, managing partner in GRATA's Minsk office, was recognised as one of the leading individuals in real estate and construction in Belarus. 

Meanwhile, GRATA's team in Tbilisi ranks in Tier 2 for dispute resolution practice in Georgia. The lawyers, headed by Irakli Kordzakhia and Sofia Roinishvili, were praised for their work in local courts and arbitration, as well as for handling disputes which have resulted in precedent-setting decisions by the Supreme Court of Georgia.

In commercial, corporate and M&A, practice led by Irakli Kordzakhia, Sofia Roinishvili and David Pataraia, was placed in Tier 3 and received acclaim for its work on corporate transactions, regulatory advice, employment law matters, licences, data protection and privacy issues as well as commercial transactions.

In Kazakhstan, GRATA International tops the country's rankings with Tier 1 positions in the following practices:

• Commercial, Corporate and M&A
• Energy and Natural Resources
• Real estate and Construction: including projects
• Tax and Customs

GRATA's corporate team, headed by Igor Lukin, makes a significant improvement over the last year's rankings and takes the leading position. The researchers gave special attention to the team's expertise in handling M&A projects for major international banks, investment firms and oil&gas corporations. 

In energy and natural resources practice, GRATA confirmed its position as one of the most experienced teams in Kazakhstan's oil&gas and mining sectors. Almat Daumov and Baizhan Bekzhanov were noted for their expertise in downstream and upstream oil&gas matters and 'strategic thinking' in handling complex mining M&A deals. Maxim Burak, who heads subsoil practice in GRATA's Astana office, was named as one of the Next Generation Partners for his expertise in subsoil use and corporate transactions. 

For the fourth consecutive year, GRATA's real estate and construction practice dominates the country's rankings. Head of the practice Yerzhan Yessimkhanov, was recognised as a Leading Individual. The researchers and clients commended the team for their work in advising global and local construction, infrastructure, telecoms, transport, and energy companies on complex projects in the region, including several major infrastructure projects developed in Kazakhstan. 

Once again, GRATA's tax and customs department maintain their top position in the rankings. The team was praised for assisting clients on a variety of complex issues, including tax and customs control issues and the protection of interests during disputes. Assel Ilyassova, head of the department, was identified among the best lawyers in the country and was recognised as a Leading Individual, 

GRATA International has secured Tier 2 positions in Kazakhstan rankings in the following practice areas:

• Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
• Dispute Resolution
• IP and TMT

Banking and finance team, headed by Shaimerden Chikanayev and Marina Kahiani, was praised for its expertise in advising development banks and international financial institutions on matters related to project finance and PPPs. 

Teams based in Almaty and Nur-Sultan earned their reputation during projects for key global players, such as Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and China Development Bank. One client notes: 'GRATA is one of a few teams one can fully rely on during a complex transaction. The team is well equipped to work under pressure and delivers high quality products.’ 

Described by clients as 'having an impressive amount of experience in litigations and arbitrations', GRATA's dispute resolution team was noted for its expertise in commercial and construction litigation. Bakhyt Tukulov, head of the department, received a special commendation from clients as a highly professional specialist. As one client notes: 'He gives practical oriented advice and is always ready to answer all questions which arise'. 

GRATA's IP and TMT teams, headed by Saule Akhmetova and Yerzhan Yessimkhanov, were acclaimed for their vast experience in assisting international companies with IP and TMT matters, such as trademarks, patents, the commercialisation of IP, customs issues, the protection of IP rights and IP due diligence.

In Kyrgyzstan, GRATA International leads rankings by taking a Tier 1 position. The team in Bishkek, headed by Kanat Seidaliev, gained recognition for its experience in advising major banking and finance clients, such as EBRD, CDB and IFC, as well as key telecom players, such as Huawei, ZTE and Vimpelcom.  Nurlan Kyshtobaev, praised as one of the Leading Individuals in the country, heads the banking and finance practice and has extensive experience in advising leading international law firms and financial institutions. Counsel Elvira Maratova and senior lawyer Iskender Batyrbekov were recognised as Rising Stars.

GRATA International's offices in St. Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don were identified among the best legal teams in Russia. 

In commercial, corporate and M&A regional rankings, GRATA's St. Petersburg corporate practice, headed by Vladimir Komarov and Oleg Shevtsiv, was placed in Tier 3. The team achieved recognition for its experience in general corporate matters, corporate structures, business strategies and investment issues. 

GRATA's maritime team, headed by Inna Makarova, was recognised among the leading transport practices in Russia. While primarily focusing on the shipping sector, the lawyers were also noted for other matters ranging from purchase and sale transactions to the registration of vessels, ship arrests and shipping-related litigation and arbitration.

In Tajikistan, GRATA International has kept its Tier 2 positions. GRATA's Dushanbe team, supported by their colleagues from Kyrgyzstan, is well-known for its expertise in the banking and finance sector. Kamoliddin Mukhamedov was recognised as one of the Leading Individuals. 

In Uzbekistan, one of the most dynamic economies of Central Asia, GRATA International has confirmed its leading positions and topped the country's rankings in Tier 1. The team in Tashkent received special praise for its work in natural resources, banking and finance, and construction. Bakhodir Jabborov, managing partner and director of Uzbekistan office, was named among the Leading Individuals in the country. Other partners of Tashkent team, Nodir Yuldashev and Atabek Sharipov were highly recommended for their projects in telecoms, construction, banking and finance.