Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP is recognised for its handling of natural resources negotiations for government agencies and state-owned entities including the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance. Eric Gilioli and Askar Moukhitdinov both head the energy and natural resources practice, with Gilioli noted for his involvement in major transactions relating to the exploration, development and production of oil and gas in Kazakhstan, while Moukhitdinov combines his expertise in corporate and dispute resolution matters to handle energy related transactions. Susan Maples, based in New York, has represented the Republic in a number of oil and gas negotiations and different arbitrations. Julien Hansen recently joined the firm from DLA Piper.

Led by Daniyar Toigonbaev, who is experienced in large-scale power, natural resources and subsoil use projects, Dentons serves as primary counsel for international clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors, as well as advising clients in uranium production and hard minerals exploration. The firm provides a full service on a wide range of areas, from performance of subsoil use contracts, to regulatory and compliance and oil and gas sales. Aigoul Kenjebayeva is well regarded for her representation of clients in the mining industry, and managing partner Birzhan Zharasbayev advises on renewable and green energy projects, as well as in relation to the model power purchase agreement used by Kazakh regulators. Nazym Bekturova is another key name.

GRATA International‘s expertise covers all aspects of matters relating to oil and gas, as well as mining, having represented a range of domestic and high-profile international companies. Team members work closely with legislators to improve investment in natural resources, with team head Almat Daumov a member of the Government Working Group on the Subsoil Use Code and the Mining Committee of the Presidium of the National Business Chamber (Atameken). Baizhan Bekzhanov oversees issues relating to the mining and oil sectors, while Yerbolat Yerkebulanov is experienced in advising clients on subsoil use, as well as regulated procurements within the oil and gas and mining sectors. Maxim Burak has significant expertise in energy based M&A transactions and due diligence within subsoil use.

Haller Lomax covers a broad range of services within energy, environmental and natural resources law including oil and gas projects and transactions. The firm has assisted clients in matters from wind power projects to advising international companies in the oil and gas sector on environmental regulation. Handling matters pertaining to the mining industry, co-head Timur Odilov has worked alongside mining firms and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to help refine the Subsoil Use Code. Founding partner Arman Bigazin also co-leads the team and regularly advises clients on transactional, regulatory and legislative matters, while Mikhail Abdulov is another key name.

Kinstellar LLP advises international clients active in the oil and gas, power, mining and renewables industry in work ranging from energy M&A, to environmental issues and energy litigation and arbitration. Almas Zhaiylgan leads the practice and assists clients on upstream exploration and production projects. In cross-border matters, managing partner Joel Benjamin focuses on major energy, infrastructure and mining projects, and deals with both transaction counterparties and regulators. Adlet Yerkinbayev specialises in transactional and corporate work that intersects with the mining and renewables sectors. Zhandaulet Sholanov joined from AEQUITAS in January 2025.

With coverage across the Middle East and working alongside teams in the US, London, Singapore, Beijing and Hong Kong, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is skilled in advising global and Kazakhstan-based clients within the oil and gas, power and mining industries on their project development and transaction based matters. Managing partner Aset Shyngyssov leads the energy and project development team in Almaty and has led in numerous innovative deals, including M&A within the oil and gas and infrastructure spaces, while Asem Bakenova focuses on infrastructure development and EPC/construction deals. Anna Kornilova recently joined from Kinstellar LLP and Bakhytzhan Kadyrov is a further key name.

SIGNUM Law Firm represents clients in large-scale cross-border M&A deals in the oil and gas industry, with the firm also advising lenders and investors in structuring financing for natural resources companies in high value matters. The team has capabilities in handling renewable energy assets, having secured financing for the first 1 Gigawatt wind plant in Kazakhstan, with team lead Sofiya Zhylkaidarova recognised as ‘the market benchmark for oil and gas as well as energy sector expertise’. Liza Zhumakhmetova advises oil and gas as well as natural resources clients on cross-border transactions often involving renewable energy and wastewater treatment. Ulan Stybayev and Nazym Argynbay are also key names.

Unicase Law Firm offers multidisciplinary expertise in operation, investment, planning and permitting issues relating to pioneering projects for clients in the Kazakh energy and natural resources sector. Within the renewables sector, Saniya Perzadayeva and Raushana Chaltabayeva advise domestic and international clients in a range of renewable energy projects including hydropower projects. Nurlan Kubenov has a strong track record within infrastructure, PPP and renewable energy projects including wind, solar, and energy storage initiatives across Central Asia. Ayana Unerbayeva specialises in the development, construction, operation, financing and acquisition of various energy projects, and Sanzhar Amangeldy‘s expertise extends to advising clients in the construction of power stations and roads. All partners mentioned lead the practice.

AEQUITAS is focused on handling matters pertaining to subsoil use including business structuring, asset acquisition and privatisation, with the team having a direct impact on amending the Kazakh legislation relating to the natural resources sector, including Olga Chentsova, who helped develop the Petroleum Law and Subsoil Law. Practice head Yelena Manayenko specialises in major transactions and projects relating to the production, processing, and transportation of oil and gas and mining production. Yekaterina Khamidullina was promoted to partner in February 2024.

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited is experienced in advising domestic and international clients in the power, mining and oil and gas sectors, handling matters ranging from licensing regulations, to subsoil use right transfers and EPC and EPCM contracts. The firm works closely with offices across the EU and US and has advised on the launch of the international renewable energy certificates system in Kazakhstan. Managing partner Azamat Kuatbekov leads the practice and is experienced in oil and gas and mining matters, and Alexander Korobeinikov heads the energy and RES practice and has assisted in projects in the alternative energy sectors. Alexander Korchagin and Nurgul Abdreyeva are other key names.

White & Case Kazakhstan LLP is active in handling a broad range of services for clients in the mining and oil and gas sectors, including cross-border transactions, M&A, dispute resolution and international arbitration. The team works closely with its global antitrust practice and economic sanctions team to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ service, with practice head Maxim Telemtayev specialising in commercial transactions in the energy sector. Zangar Nogaibay and Chingiz Kraibekov are further key names.

Deloitte TCF, LLP advises state and private companies and investors in a range of industry sectors, from energy and natural resources, to construction and agriculture. The team utilises its capabilities within other practice areas, including M&A and other transactions, to provide clients with a full service, as well as collaborating with the global firm network to advise on any matters requiring expertise in Kazakh law. Olessya Kirilovskaya leads the practice, and Dilbara Kozhamkulova and Aziza Khalikova are also key names.

KPMG Tax&Advisory LLC provides a multidisciplinary approach, cooperating with other departments covering consulting, audits, deal advisory and tax services for clients in the oil and gas sector and clients needing assistance with EPC contracts. Alexey Abramov leads the practice, and Azamat Gumarov is skilled in handling legal due diligence for companies engaged in subsoil use. Assel Kazbekova is another key name.

Salus Legal provides a broad range of services for government agencies and alternative energy providers, with the team experienced in the law surrounding subsoil use. Svetlana Shtopol leads the oil and gas and mining practice and is experienced in providing legal support in M&A and dispute resolution for mineral resources sector companies and for clients engaged in large-scale projects. Managing partner Kurmangazy Talzhanov and Almas Bektassov are key names.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners advises national and international clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors, with services including transaction support in connection with the acquisition of oil deposits, as well as tax advisory services and legal due diligence of subsoil use companies. Rustam Ospanov leads the practice and covers cross-border M&A in the transport and subsoil use industries.