The Chambers Guides list the top lawyers in 175 countries, providing independent rankings and editorial commentary.
Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.
Grata Law Firm
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/rankings36.aspx?fid=76198&solbar=1)
Kazakhstan
Corporate/Commercial (Firm Band 3)
"The Firm: This is the largest local law firm both within Kazakhstan and regionally, with more than 70 lawyers spanning its network of more than ten offices. Offering financial, corporate, taxation and IP services, the firm is best known for its close affiliation with the Kazakh government, making it “the place to go if you have problems with a state agency - it can navigate through the bureaucracy.” Providing a “solid local service,” the team also attracts referral work as local counsel from international sources and is popular with London-based banks and firms because of its reasonable rates.
The Lawyers: One of the firm’s senior partners, Aidar Sarymsakov concentrates on financial, corporate, commercial and investment rights in the spheres of natural resources, banking and energy. He has been involved in the creation of Kazakh legislation regarding the exploitation of minerals and the protection of investments.
Clients/Work Highlights: Shell Kazakhstan Development; Maersk Oil Kazakhstan; Nations Energy; EBRD and Kazkommertsbank".
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/resultseditorial.aspx?fid=76198&cid=143&pid=242&solbar=1&grouptype=1#76198 )
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/rankings36.aspx?fid=76198&solbar=1)
Kazakhstan
Corporate/Commercial (Firm Band 3)
"The Firm: This is the largest local law firm both within Kazakhstan and regionally, with more than 70 lawyers spanning its network of more than ten offices. Offering financial, corporate, taxation and IP services, the firm is best known for its close affiliation with the Kazakh government, making it “the place to go if you have problems with a state agency - it can navigate through the bureaucracy.” Providing a “solid local service,” the team also attracts referral work as local counsel from international sources and is popular with London-based banks and firms because of its reasonable rates.
The Lawyers: One of the firm’s senior partners, Aidar Sarymsakov concentrates on financial, corporate, commercial and investment rights in the spheres of natural resources, banking and energy. He has been involved in the creation of Kazakh legislation regarding the exploitation of minerals and the protection of investments.
Clients/Work Highlights: Shell Kazakhstan Development; Maersk Oil Kazakhstan; Nations Energy; EBRD and Kazkommertsbank".
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/resultseditorial.aspx?fid=76198&cid=143&pid=242&solbar=1&grouptype=1#76198 )
Aidar Sarymsakov (Band 3)
Uzbekistan
General Business Law (Firm Band 1)
"The Firm: This is “a young, proactive firm that thrives on getting results,” say clients. It is the largest foreign firm in Uzbekistan, with 12 lawyers who each concentrate on one of the firm’s three main areas: banking and finance, M&A and petroleum. In the banking sphere, the team represents international banks and a number of Russian clients moving into the Uzbekistan market. M&A work has centred mainly on the telecoms and oil and gas sectors, while the petroleum group has focused on production-sharing agreements and contract work, including contract dispute resolution. The team also has an of counsel litigator whose caseload includes a range of IP and trade mark disputes. Clients choose the firm because “it brings international standards to Uzbekistan,” and interviewees commend the lawyers for “guiding you right through a matter to find a sound solution, and delivering results quickly.”
The Lawyers: Head of the commercial group Umid Aripdjanov is “diligent and personable - a pleasure to do business with.” With expertise in oil and gas, corporate, securities and banking transactions, he wins credit as “a good communicator who can provide a quick turnaround at short notice.” Managing partner Zafar Malikov co-ordinates the firm’s regional network of five offices. He specialises in business and tax planning, structuring transactions and interaction with government authorities; clients say he is “a real star.” Head of the banking and finance group Sofiya Shaikhrazyieva was promoted to partner in May 2007. She takes the lead on a range of matters including mining law, corporate issues, secured finance and restructurings for clients such as VTB, EBRD and Lehman Brothers. Sources are impressed with her knowledge and excellent client service: “She knows the market intimately, responds quickly to requests and always delivers.”
Clients/Work Highlights: The team is conducting major legal due diligence on behalf of Russian company Gazprom and its German export subsidiary, ZMB. The petroleum team assisted Russian oil company SOYUZNEFTEGAS to negotiate and draft a production-sharing agreement envisioning USD450 million of investments. The group advised the EBRD on a secured credit agreement with local borrowers. Other clients include BNP Paribas Corporate Finance; the British embassy; PwC Uzbekistan and Eurasia Drilling Company".
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/resultseditorial.aspx?fid=76198&cid=148&pid=852&solbar=1&grouptype=1#76198 )
Umid Aripdjanov (Band 1)
Sofiya Shaikhrazyieva (Band 2)
Zafar Malikov (Band 2)
Uzbekistan
General Business Law (Firm Band 1)
"The Firm: This is “a young, proactive firm that thrives on getting results,” say clients. It is the largest foreign firm in Uzbekistan, with 12 lawyers who each concentrate on one of the firm’s three main areas: banking and finance, M&A and petroleum. In the banking sphere, the team represents international banks and a number of Russian clients moving into the Uzbekistan market. M&A work has centred mainly on the telecoms and oil and gas sectors, while the petroleum group has focused on production-sharing agreements and contract work, including contract dispute resolution. The team also has an of counsel litigator whose caseload includes a range of IP and trade mark disputes. Clients choose the firm because “it brings international standards to Uzbekistan,” and interviewees commend the lawyers for “guiding you right through a matter to find a sound solution, and delivering results quickly.”
The Lawyers: Head of the commercial group Umid Aripdjanov is “diligent and personable - a pleasure to do business with.” With expertise in oil and gas, corporate, securities and banking transactions, he wins credit as “a good communicator who can provide a quick turnaround at short notice.” Managing partner Zafar Malikov co-ordinates the firm’s regional network of five offices. He specialises in business and tax planning, structuring transactions and interaction with government authorities; clients say he is “a real star.” Head of the banking and finance group Sofiya Shaikhrazyieva was promoted to partner in May 2007. She takes the lead on a range of matters including mining law, corporate issues, secured finance and restructurings for clients such as VTB, EBRD and Lehman Brothers. Sources are impressed with her knowledge and excellent client service: “She knows the market intimately, responds quickly to requests and always delivers.”
Clients/Work Highlights: The team is conducting major legal due diligence on behalf of Russian company Gazprom and its German export subsidiary, ZMB. The petroleum team assisted Russian oil company SOYUZNEFTEGAS to negotiate and draft a production-sharing agreement envisioning USD450 million of investments. The group advised the EBRD on a secured credit agreement with local borrowers. Other clients include BNP Paribas Corporate Finance; the British embassy; PwC Uzbekistan and Eurasia Drilling Company".
(http://www.chambersandpartners.com/global/resultseditorial.aspx?fid=76198&cid=148&pid=852&solbar=1&grouptype=1#76198 )
Umid Aripdjanov (Band 1)
Sofiya Shaikhrazyieva (Band 2)
Zafar Malikov (Band 2)
