Legal 500 EMEA 2025 results: GRATA International strengthens its position and expands its presence
The results of the prestigious Legal 500 EMEA 2025 ranking have been released, confirming GRATA International’s position as a leading law firm with a strong presence in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, China and Uzbekistan. This year, Armenia joins the ranks of countries where GRATA International operates, with its Yerevan office earning a spot in the recommended list of law firms (Tier 3). This marks an important milestone and confirms the firm's commitment to providing quality legal services in new markets. Clients highly praised the professionalism of the team working in sectors such as construction, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, IT, mining, light industry, food, and banking. "Excellent work in a short time with very high quality," clients said.
Khoren Nasibyan, the head of the Armenian office, has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and in-depth knowledge in civil and commercial disputes. His clients emphasize his professionalism, noting: "Khoren Nasibyan is very mindful of the client’s expenses and is deeply involved in solving client issues." Nune Hayrapetyan, co-founder of the office, specializes in M&A, disputes, and construction law. The team has been commended for its high level of expertise, efficiency in solving client tasks, and providing top-quality services. "The team is highly professional and communicates effortlessly in Armenian, Russian, English, and even French, making them unique in the region," clients note.
Georgia. GRATA International’s commercial, corporate law, and M&A practice in Tbilisi maintains its leading position under the leadership of Irakli Kordzakhia and Sofia Roinishvili. Clients have praised the office for its "supportive and attentive team" and highlighted that "Irakli Kordzakhia is a professional focused on finding solutions." The dispute resolution team in Georgia has been recognized for representing clients in complex commercial, administrative, and tax disputes, with a particular emphasis on international arbitration, earning a Tier 2 ranking. GRATA International Казахстан
Azerbaijan. GRATA International’s Baku office has been recognized as one of the leading firms in Azerbaijan, securing a Tier 3 ranking. Clients highlight the team’s professionalism, engagement, and high level of client service: "They treat all clients the same—whether large or small companies. "GRATA has an excellent corporate practice." The firm covers a broad range of areas, from labor and migration law to corporate structuring. The firm has developed strong capabilities in dispute resolution, intellectual property, and antitrust regulation. Ummi Jalilova, head of the corporate law and M&A practice, has been recognized for confidently handling international financial deals and providing strategic expertise in corporate transformations. Co-head of the practice, Royal Ibrahimli, specializes in banking, financial law, taxes, and contractual relations, earning a reputation as a reliable and constructive partner. Fidan Vakhabova leads a diverse practice covering competition, intellectual property, and labor law. Clients note that "GRATA lawyers are results-oriented and demonstrate a high level of professionalism."
Kazakhstan. GRATA International Kazakhstan demonstrates impressive results with five practices achieving Tier 1 rankings. These include commercial, corporate law, 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 recognized as a "Leading Partner." Clients commend his deep knowledge, business acumen, and ability to explain complex legal issues in simple terms: "I would not hesitate to instruct Igor going forwards on any Kazakh M&A matters."
The energy sector, also ranked Tier 1, features Almat Daumov, Baizhan Bekzhanov, Yerbolat Yerkebulanov, and Maxim Burak, who are recognized as leading specialists in managing major upstream and downstream projects. Clients highlight the team’s professionalism and its ability to provide international support to clients outside Kazakhstan.
The real estate, construction, and TMT practices maintain their Tier 1 ranking. Yerzhan Yessimkhanov is recognized as a "Leading Individual," while Darya Zhanysbayeva is included in the "Next Generation Partners" category. Yerzhan Yessimkhanov leads practices and is one of the strongest partners in his fields, with extensive experience supporting infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, and is a published author on EPC contracts and real estate investments. He has experience advising clients in the telecommunications and transportation sectors, including the construction of Kazakhstan’s first 4G network and daily TMT operations. Darya Zhanysbayeva advises on projects related to the construction and operation of energy facilities and has been involved in a cross-border project related to the construction of a fiber-optic network for major telecommunications operators. Arsen Mir is another key contact within the departments.
The intellectual property practice, led by Timur Berekmoinov, continues to hold a Tier 1 position and remains active in areas such as trademarks, patents, copyrights, inventions, utility models, and industrial designs.
In the tax and customs practice, which also holds a Tier 1 ranking, Assel Ilyasova and Kanat Adilbekov are recognized as "Leading Individuals." Kamila Urazalina has been included in the "Next Generation Partners" category. Clients note the team’s clear, practical recommendations and quick response times: "The team works fast and is very responsive. Advice is practical and to the point."
In the banking and financial sector, the team, led by Shaimerden Chikanayev and Marina Kahiani, is ranked Tier 2 and has been praised for its efficiency and deep expertise: "The team quickly responds to inquiries and has deep knowledge in its field." The team has extensive experience in a wide range of services, including public-private partnerships (PPP), project finance, and energy and infrastructure deals in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian jurisdictions. Key members of the practice include Lola Abdukhalikova and Zarina Kabashova.
The dispute resolution practice remains ranked Tier 2, confirming its strong position in the market. Askar Konysbayev, the head of the dispute resolution practice, specializes in commercial litigation, particularly in restructuring cases, as well as international and domestic arbitration. Zhandarbek Ramazan, co-head of the practice, focuses on arbitration cases. Sukhrab Issakhanov stands out for successfully representing international companies in Kazakhstani courts and arbitration.
Uzbekistan. In Uzbekistan, GRATA International holds a Tier 1 ranking. The Tashkent office offers a full range of services, including project financing, corporate law, M&A, taxation, litigation, and intellectual property. The team works with clients across various sectors, including oil and gas, mining, hospitality, banking, construction, and technology. 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, and Nodir Yuldashev, an internationally experienced arbitrator overseeing disputes, have been recognized. Clients highlight the team’s broad expertise, focus on international investors, and reliable support in projects of any scale as its core strengths.
China. GRATA International’s Beijing representative has been ranked in the category of "Corporate Law and M&A: Foreign Firms," earning a place in the "Firms to Watch" category. Under the leadership of Gulnur Nurkeeva , the team has significant experience in cross-border M&A and foreign direct investments, with a focus on the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Tajikistan. GRATA International’s office in Dushanbe maintains its Tier 2 ranking in Tajikistan with the team recognized for its dedication and ability to handle unexpected issues. Kamoliddin Mukhamedov has been recognized as a "Leading Individual," with sources describing his team as "highly professional lawyers, always responsive and adaptable to the client’s schedule. They always strive to find solutions."
The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 results highlight GRATA International’s strength in the legal market and its commitment to ongoing development, including in new jurisdictions for the ranking.