Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Dispute resolution

Boutique disputes firm ADL Disputes was launched in September 2024. The team handles international arbitration as well as domestic and cross-border litigation. Valikhan Shaikenov, Mukhit Yeleuov and Dina Berkaliyeva are the key names.
VCC LLP represents a range of international and Kazakh companies in arbitrations, settlement proceedings and negotiations in commercial, regulatory, tax and customs disputes. Kanat Shakov leads the practice.

Dispute resolution in Kazakhstan

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited focuses on international and local arbitration, as well as litigation proceedings for clients in key industry sectors including oil, gas, energy, telecoms, pharma, mining and infrastructure. The firm benefits from its inclusion in the firm’s global dispute resolution practice group, which provides IT platforms for clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings. The team is also well regarded for its expertise involving disputes with state authorities, including anti-monopoly and tax and customs. Managing partner Azamat Kuatbekov co-heads the team alongside Alexander Korobeinikov, with Kuatbekov skilled in litigation and arbitration matters, and Korobeinikov noted for his experience in high-value arbitration proceedings, including the first arbitration matter under the Arbitration Rules of the Astana International Financial Centre. Alissa Inshakova supports the main partners in litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Azamat Kuatbekov; Alexander Korobeinikov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Alissa Inshakova


Referenzen

‘Helpful team with superb English skills. Effective case handling and impressive results.’

‘Alexander Korobeinikov is a pleasure to work with and continues to deliver.’

‘The team cooperates very well, provides feedback quickly, and always responds via phone and messenger (not only in emails). Collects and sends original documents accurately.’

Kernmandanten

FoodMaster Trade


UPNK-PV


Lucent Petroleum


Alaygyr


TurboPre Services


Visa International


Maxam Kazakhstan


Blue Water Shipping


Baker Hughes Energy Services


Epiroc Central Asia


Eneverse Kunkuat


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Lucent Petroleum in construction litigation.
  • Represented UPNK in the first court proceedings on the application of monopsony pricing.

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP

Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP represents the Republic of Kazakhstan and its state-owned enterprises in international arbitrations, including in the oil and gas sector as well as uranium, gold and construction. Askar Moukhitdinov leads the dispute resolution practice and handles all disputes related to the oil and gas industries, as well as investor-state arbitrations involving the mining and other natural resources sectors, and Peter Wolrich, who is based in Paris, is a key figure in aiding the development of the ICC Rules of Arbitration and the Rules for Expertise and the Dispute Board Rules. Nurlan Mukhitdinov is part of the corporate and international arbitration groups and has been involved in several investor-state arbitrations under the rules of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL).

Praxisleiter:

Askar Moukhitdinov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Peter Wolrich; Nurlan Mukhitdinov


Referenzen

‘The practice is unique because of their exceptional blend of legal acumen and client-focused service. They stand out for their ability to not only understand the intricacies of our industry but also to integrate seamlessly with our internal teams. Their proactive approach to problem-solving and their commitment to staying ahead of legal and industry trends ensure that we receive tailored advice that is both practical and strategic. Their holistic approach means they don’t just address legal issues; they consider how these issues impact our broader business objectives.’

‘The individuals stand out due to their exceptional combination of expertise, dedication, and interpersonal skills. Each team member brings a unique blend of deep legal knowledge and practical experience, which allows them to address our needs with both precision and insight. What truly sets them apart is their commitment to understanding our business at a granular level, which enables them to provide highly tailored advice and solutions.’

Kernmandanten

Ministry of Justice of Kazakhstan


PSA


Kazatomprom


Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the Republic of Kazakhstan in a UNCITRAL arbitration commenced by a Canadian investor pursuant to the Bilateral Investment Treaty between Canada and the Soviet Union.

Dentons

Dentons assists clients in a broad range of disputes, from contractual and commercial litigation, to banking litigation, tax and customs, and insolvency cases. Team members represent clients from an array of industries in disputes against state authorities, especially with the rise of environmental disputes between subsoil users and the state due to administrative fines for excess emissions imposed by the environmental authorities. Daniyar Toigonbaev leads the practice and is focused on disputes with tax and other governmental authorities both in Kazakhstan and abroad. Victoria Simonova advises clients on a variety of dispute resolution matters involving the IP, corporate and employment areas, and Aigoul Kenjebayeva is active in providing independent opinions to assist international arbitral tribunals in understanding Kazakh law. Nazym Bekturova is another name to watch.

Praxisleiter:

Daniyar Toigonbaev


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Victoria Simonova; Nazym Bekturova; Aigoul Kenjebayeva


Referenzen

‘They are collaborative, professional and deliver good value for money.’

Kernmandanten

Karachaganak Petroleum Operating


North Caspian Operating Company


Kazzinc


Altyntau Kokshetau


RG Gold


KAZ Minerals Aktogay


KAZ Minerals Bozshakol


Vostokcvetmet (KAZ Minerals Group)


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented the operator of Karachaganak Petroleum Operating in a case against the Department of Industrial Safety which ended in a settlement where the state authority waived a number of significant claims against the client.
  • Aided Altyntau Kokshetau in an environmental dispute against the Department of Ecology.
  • Represented RG Gold in an environmental dispute against the Department of Ecology.

Kinstellar LLP

Kinstellar LLP specialises in a range of domestic and cross-border disputes, including commercial, construction, environmental and labour disputes. The team is active in representing clients before both the AIFC Court and the AIFC International Arbitration Centre, especially in sectors such as oil and gas and financial services. Dispute resolution department head Ardak Idayatova, who recently joined from AEQUITAS, focuses on commercial arbitration and litigation, and advises clients in foreign commercial arbitrations in connection with construction disputes arising out of different contracts based on FIDIC models. Farukh Iminov also recently joined the firm from AEQUITAS and is experienced in handling disputes with government agencies, and Dinara Nurgazy is a further key name.

Praxisleiter:

Ardak Idayatova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Dinara Nurgazy; Farukh Iminov; Nurbek Zhangaliyev


Kernmandanten

KSID


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised a client in connection with Supreme Court proceedings related to the invalidation of the sale of a company and 21 land plots.

Unicase Law Firm

The dispute resolution team at Unicase Law Firm is well regarded for its expertise in arbitration and litigation covering a range of industry sectors, including oil and gas, banking, transport and infrastructure. Managing partner Artem Timoshenko advises both domestic and international clients on arbitration and mediation, and also has a strong track record of enforcing foreign court decisions in Kazakhstan. Sanzhar Amangeldy is noted for his experience in the construction and technology industries, and supports Timoshenko in a variety of disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Artem Timoshenko; Sanzhar Amangeldy


Kernmandanten

Beineu Shymkent Gas Pipeline


NBTC LIMITED


Egoli Energy


Atlas Group


Expert RP


ICMD


Legrand


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Beineu-Shymkent Gas Pipeline in relation to a claim under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contract.
  • Represented NBTC Limited during the arbitration procedure against a Kazakhstan entity regarding the supply of almost 7,000 mining machines and the lost profit.
  • Representing the interests of a foreign investor, who carried out the construction of a large 150MW solar power plant in Kazakhstan, and protecting the interest on the claim from a state authority.

AEQUITAS

AEQUITAS is well regarded for its focus on cross-border litigation and commercial arbitration, with the firm routinely working alongside specialists from their respective jurisdictions on disputes. The team is led by Olga Chentsova, who is experienced in advising oil and mining clients in litigation and arbitration, and has also been active in representing clients in investment arbitrations and disputes under the rules of various arbitral bodies including UNCITRAL, SCC and ICC. Yuliya Chumachenko is another key name, along with Yekaterina Khamidullina, who was promoted to partner in February, and Kristina Mychka.

Praxisleiter:

Olga Chentsova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Yuliya Chumachenko; Yekaterina Khamidullina; Kristina Mychka


Referenzen

‘Aequitas is unique for its resolutive approach and high level of professionalism. The team’s qualifications and expertise ensure effective solutions and strong client outcomes. Compared to other firms, their dedication to addressing client needs and their collaborative spirit make them stand out. Overall, our experience working with them has been highly positive.’

‘Individuals I have worked with are notable for their expertise and dedication. They stand out from competitors because of their strong client focus and practical solutions. This has been particularly valuable in our collaboration.

‘Aequitas provided us with a precise and timely analysis of Kazakh legal profiles that we needed for an international arbitration.’

Kernmandanten

Quorumdebt Management Group


Highlight-Mandate


GRATA International

GRATA International is experienced in a broad range of litigation, from construction and commercial disputes, to employment matters and IP litigation. Practice head Askar Konysbayev focuses on commercial litigation, especially cases arising out of the restructuring process, as well as international and domestic arbitration. Zhandarbek Ramazan co-leads the practice, and Sukhrob Issakhanov stands out for his representation of international companies in the local courts and in Kazakh arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Askar Konysbayev; Assel Ilyassova


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Zhandarbek Ramazan; Sukhrob Issakhanov


Kernmandanten

Procter and Gamble Kazakhstan


ONGC Videsh, Kazakh Branch


Maersk Oil Kazakhstan, Kazakh Branch


OMV Petrom, Kazakh Branch


KazStroyService


Caspian Offshore and Marine Construction


Caspian Mainport Aktau


CNLC International Kazakhstan


Batys- Munay


Vostok Neft Services


Highlight-Mandate


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

Working closely with its connected teams of practitioners in London and the CIS, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP advises clients in disputes related to treaties between parties in Kazakhstan and the former Soviet states, as well as in cross-border enforcement and the resolution of corporate disputes. Recently, Bakhytzhan Kadyrov and Karina Mazhidenova have advised energy sector clients in cross-border arbitration and litigation. Managing partner Aset Shyngyssov heads the Kazakhstan practice and is involved in major disputes for clients in the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors.

Praxisleiter:

Aset Shyngyssov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Bakhytzhan Kadyrov; Asem Bakenova; Karina Mazhidenova


Highlight-Mandate


Reed Smith LLP

Noted for its ‘proactive approach in navigating challenging situations’, Reed Smith LLP‘s dispute resolution practice works together with the firm's London offering to provide a range of services related to domestic and cross-border litigation and arbitration. Lucy Winnington-Ingram leads the practice from London.

Praxisleiter:

Lucy Winnington-Ingram


Referenzen

‘Reed Smith LLP provides exceptional guidance on complex legal issues related to the transportation sector and international sanctions. Their expertise and proactive approach have been invaluable in navigating challenging situations. We highly recommend their services for anyone seeking knowledgeable and reliable legal support.’

‘The individuals possess a unique combination of practical experience and academic knowledge, allowing them to provide tailored solutions that address our specific needs. What differentiates them is their commitment to understanding our business and the challenges we face. They are proactive communicators, always keeping us informed and involved in the decision-making process. Their ability to anticipate potential legal issues before they arise has proven invaluable. We particularly value their integrity, responsiveness, and collaborative spirit. They take the time to explain complex legal concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for us to navigate our legal landscape. Overall, their dedication to our success and their strategic approach to problem-solving make them an indispensable partner.’

Highlight-Mandate


Salus Legal

Salus Legal provides a full service within dispute resolution for domestic and international clients in multiple industry sectors including transport and confectionary, covering all aspects of litigation, arbitration, adjudication, mediation and settlement negotiations. Dispute resolution team head Duman Akhmetov advises clients in arbitration, and is also experienced in IP litigation and the pre-trial settlement of disputes. Kurmangazy Talzhanov supports the team in international and local arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Duman Akhmetov


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Kurmangazy Talzhanov


Referenzen

‘Strong legal team, timely reporting and productive cooperation.’

‘Allegiance, loyalty and responsiveness.’

‘Clear communication and quick feedback with a clear result.’

Kernmandanten

Sitek Caspian


Goodrich Central Asia


pladis Kazakhstan


Highlight-Mandate


  • Representing Sitek Caspian in a dispute with the debtor providing construction and engineering services in the oil and gas sector.
  • Providing legal support and debt recovery services to Goodrich Central Asia.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners

Sayat Zholshy & Partners collaborates with other departments to provide clients with a full service within dispute resolution, handling cases ranging from corporate disputes to tax, antitrust, IP and investment disputes. Vitaliy Vodolazkin leads the practice and specialises in litigation in courts of all instances, while Yelena Tyureikina handles tax and customs disputes. Assel Sandybayeva has been involved in numerous arbitration and enforcement proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Vitaliy Vodolazkin


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Yelena Tyureikina; Assel Sandybayeva


Referenzen

‘Sayat Zholshy & Partners’ Dispute Resolution Team delivers very professional legal services. The team is especially visible in corporate, tax, customs and antitrust disputes. They are a good choice for the most complex cases. They know our industry and what we need.’

‘Vitaliy Vodolazkin is an excellent litigator. He is extremely intelligent and always has creative solutions for the most complex legal issues.’

‘The SZP Dispute Resolution Team has deep knowledge of Kazakh laws and non standard approaches in dispute resolution. Many of their lawyers have worked more than 10 years in the team. They know the specifics of our business. You can trust them.’

Kernmandanten

Perfetti van Melle


RG Brands Kazakhstan


Baiserke-Agro


La Moda


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Perfetti van Melle on an IP dispute in Kazakhstan.
  • Advised RG Brands Kazakhstan on tax and customs matters.

SIGNUM Law Firm

SIGNUM Law Firm continues to represent global clients in compliance and litigation, especially arising out of the international sanctions levied on Russia. The dispute resolution team has also been active in representing clients in a range of other disputes, from tax cases to administrative cases involving the state and authorities, contractual disputes and investment disputes, including investment arbitration. Senior partner Talgat Sariev leads the practice and handles all types of in-court disputes and arbitration proceedings involving Kazakh assets and parties.

Praxisleiter:

Talgat Sariev


Referenzen

‘The firm is superb for litigating disputes in the Kazakhstan courts. Some of the court rulings they obtained while litigating our cases in Kazakhstan could shape the court and market practice for years to come.’

‘Talgat Sariev, the firm’s Senior Partner, leads the litigation practice. Talgat offers us strategies towards resolving disputes,  focusing on the commercial and business interests at all times. He is an experienced litigator, providing outstanding guidance through the maze of the national courts system and practices. Talgal Sariev remains our first choice for complex dispute resolution in Kazakhstan.

Highlight-Mandate


TKS Disputes

Noted for operating in ‘a unique niche, providing comprehensive protection in disputes across a wide range of legal needs’, TKS Disputes is well regarded for its expertise in domestic and international litigation involving Kazakhstan, as well as international arbitration and post-Soviet law cases. Bakhyt Tukulov leads the practice.

Praxisleiter:

Bakhyt Tukulov


Referenzen

‘This practice operates in a unique niche, providing comprehensive protection in disputes across a wide range of legal needs. Their specialized expertise guarantees clients receive customized solutions that fully protect their interests in all types of disputes. They make the protection of rights in the dispute resolution process accessible for all.’

‘Bakhyt Tukulov personally oversees each case, ensuring that clients benefit from his extensive expertise and strategic guidance throughout the entire process.’

Kernmandanten

Cashdrive


JV Sine Midas Stroy & Todini Costruzioni Generali


Quorum Debt Management Group


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Cashdrive Ltd in a judicial review before the AIFC Court, challenging the Astana Financial Services Authority’s decision, impacting judicial review caselaw at the AIFC.
  • Acted for JV Sine Midas Stroy LLP & Todini Costruzioni Generali S.p.A. in an AIFC Court dispute over a highway construction project, establishing the finality of the Dispute Adjudication Board’s decision.
  • Advised Quorum Debt Management Group in a cross-border contract dispute before the Russian Commercial Court, involving Kazakh civil law issues.

Artyushenko & Partners Boutique Law Firm

Artyushenko & Partners Boutique Law Firm covers litigation and arbitration within the real estate and construction sectors, with practice head Andrey Artyushenko experienced in FIDIC and EPC contracts. The team works closely with other international firms on matters requiring expertise on Kazakh law. Gulnar Ospanova specialises in economic disputes related to major investment projects involving the banking sector, and Mikhail Zyablov is also a key name.

Praxisleiter:

Andrey Artyushenko


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Gulnar Ospanova; Mikhail Zyablov


Referenzen

‘Detailed discussion of all possible scenarios for the development of cases.’

‘Extensive practical experience and attention to detail.’

Kernmandanten

Fieldfisher


Eventos RC Eurasia


Pavlodar River Port JSC


Batys Transit JSC


Stadler Group


Motive group of companies


China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation


BK TESLA


Highlight-Mandate


  • Aided Motive Group with an acquisition by handling sixteen disputes in the Kazakhstan local civil, administrative and economical courts.
  • Provided advice to Fieldfisher’s client in Kazakhstan to prepare a position for an upcoming possible arbitration involving an oil and gas project against a foreign contractor.
  • Acted as legal counsel for a Serbian developer in a dispute against a local estate-owned company.

Centil Law

Centil Law has been active in both the local and international courts, covering a range of disputes relating to energy, construction, employment and insurance. Dispute practice head Dinara Jarmukhanova covers international dispute resolution and local litigation.

Praxisleiter:

Dinara Jarmukhanova


Referenzen

‘Good team who secured a good result. Contact was good. English language skills were exceptional.’

‘Dinara Jarmukhanova is really good to work with. Approachable and understanding of our requirements. She gets the job done.’

Highlight-Mandate


MG Partners

With offices in Almaty, Astana and Karaganda, MG Partners specialises in commercial and crypto based disputes, with members of the team being founders of Central Asian International Commercial Arbitration, which deals with commercial disputes based on the UNCITRAL arbitration rules. Managing partner Inna Ionova is experienced in general dispute resolution, with particular expertise in intellectual property law.

Praxisleiter:

Inna Ionova


Kernmandanten

Zavod Truyb PPU


MB “Lilacus” – Lithuania


Vostochnaya Burovaya Company


QMS Garant Stroy


Zhuldyz Kazakhstan


Polymerstroy-Kazakhstan


Highlight-Mandate


  • Assisted a client with debt recovery from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan in full for the equipment supplied by the client used in the treatment of COVID-19.
  • Provided full legal support at the pre-trial and trial stages of a claim for the recovery of debt under a contract against Kazakhstan Bank as assignee to protect the breach of certain provisions of the contract.
  • Represented a client’s interests in the dispute resolution procedure on the issue of indirect violation by the client of other people’s copyright.

Nazkhanov and Partners

Nazkhanov and Partners specialises in dispute resolution, assisting corporate entities and individual clients within civil, criminal and tax litigation. Tair Nazkhanov handles civil disputes, and Abzal Kassymzhanov is experienced in settling commercial disputes with state authorities. Both Kassymzhanov and Nazkhanov lead the practice alongside Oryngazy Jaboldinov, Nataliya Russakova, Darkhan Dyussembekov, Damir Zhamalov and Nikolay Reznikov.

Praxisleiter:

Tair Nazkhanov; Oryngazy Jaboldinov; Nataliya Russakova; Abzal Kassymzhanov; Darkhan Dyussembekov; Damir Zhamalov; Nikolay Reznikov


Kernmandanten

Stamkord


Tukym


Ilya Efimenko, “Paydala”


Kenzhekhan LLP


Highlight-Mandate


  • Represented Stamkord in a commercial dispute with a governmental organisation.
  • Advising Tukym in a commercial dispute in trial and on appeal.