Noted for the team’s ‘diverse expertise covers a wide range of issues in energy and natural resources,’ Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP handles large natural resource negotiations and arbitrations for numerous government agencies and state-owned entities including the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Finance, alongside advising on upstream oil and gas matters, uranium and gold. Askar Moukhitdinov is the managing partner for the Almaty and Astana offices, and is focused on all aspects of the energy industry, including the development of Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry. Eric Gilioli is recognised for his work on transactions relating to the exploration, development and production of oil and gas, whereas Susan Maples deals with energy disputes and negotiations. Nurlan Mukhitdinov is a name to watch.

Dentons is a leading firm in the energy and natural resources practice area in Kazakhstan, serving as primary counsel for clients in the oil and gas, uranium and solid mineral mining sectors. The firm offers a one-stop shop service for its clients, representing them before a variety of agencies including government and state level, courts and arbitral proceedings. The team is also present on matters dealing with subsoil use licenses and contracts, and protecting clients interests. Daniyar Toigonbaev leads the team and is experienced in large-scale projects within power and natural resources. Aigoul Kenjebayeva represents clients within the mining industry, whereas Birzhan Zharasbayev ‘s expertise includes construction and real estate, renewable and green energy projects. Nazym Bekturova is noted for her advisory work to major mining companies.

GRATA International is renowned for its expertise in the natural resources sector, having represented foreign investors in oil, gas and uranium alongside support to foreign investors in the mining industry. The team is specialised to handle matters with government authorities, including the Ministry of Energy and Ministry of Industry. Almat Daumov is the head of the natural resources team and has experience in advising investors, whereas Yerbolat Yerkebulanov deals with subsoil use, EPC contracts and regulated procurements within the oil and gas and mining sectors. Baizhan Bekzhanov handles all matters related to the mining industry, with experience originating out of his work as a legal counsel for a large uranium company in Kazakhstan.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP fields an experienced energy and natural resources team that is supported by lawyers in London, US, Singapore and Hong Kong, with a track record in innovative transactions in the energy sector in Kazakhstan and elsewhere in Central Asia. The team advises clients in project development and finance within the oil and gas, mining and power industry. Aset Shyngyssov leads the team and handles M&A, financing and dispute resolution for significant clients in the oil and gas sector, while Asem Bakenova is engaged in complex energy projects and is noted for ‘valuable advice on EPC related matters.’

Noted for their ‘specialist team with an excellent understanding of oil and gas legislation in Kazakhstan,’ SIGNUM Law Firm handles work for international investors and project developers with the firm advising on all aspects of the energy trade, including projects within oil and gas in transactions in the region. Liza Zhumakhmetova , Sofiya Zhylkaidarova and Abylkhair Nakipov  jointly lead the practice, while Nazym Argynbay specialises in subsoil use, alongside providing full legal support for major oil and gas companies.

Unicase Law Firm offers extensive industry knowledge and multidisciplinary expertise to advise clients through the whole lifecycle of energy and natural resources projects, from planning and permitting to raising project finance to the construction, commissioning and operational phases of large-scale projects. The team offer services within natural resources and renewables, and has been involved in amending and drafting national legislation and improving the regulatory framework. Founding member and partner Saniya Perzadayeva  is well regarded for her industry expertise in energy and renewables, while Raushana Chaltabayeva advises in energy and infrastructure project development within Central Asia. Nurlan Kubenov has a track record in advising clients in cross-border mandates involving clients in renewable energy and oil and gas.

Led by Yelena Manayenko, AEQUITAS specialise on a range of issues across its subsoil use practice, having advised clients on business structuring, asset acquisition and privatisation. The team has participated in negotiations on mineral-exploration and production contracts between investors and the Kazakh government, alongside assisting in international arbitrations and Kazakh courts to settle disputes over matters related to the activities of mining and processing companies.  Almagul Agadil advises major transnational companies in transactions involving oil and gas companies, whereas Zhandaulet Sholanov is experienced in projects dealing with subsoil use, energy issues and renewable energy.

Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited serves foreign and domestic clients in making investments within the Kazakh region, with knowledge about local laws combined with experience of cross-border transactions in industries including mining, power, oil and gas. In terms of mining, the team have engaged in advice and support on transactions with major mining companies and its affiliates. Azamat Kuatbekov is the managing partner of the firm and has extensive experience in participating in oil, gas and mining matters, alongside Alexander Korobeinikov heads the energy practice in the Almaty office, and has assisted clients in small and mid-size projects in the alternative energy sectors. Alexander Korchagin and Nurgul Abdreyeva are both names to watch.

Haller Lomax covers a full spectrum of energy, environmental and natural resources law, with expertise in mining projects and transactions, with the firm handling complex matters relating to wind power and construction. Timur Odilov is a co-founding partner and has worked closely with the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources alongside major mining companies to craft new mining legislation, such as the development of Subsoil Use Code 2017. Arman Bigazin, also a co-founding partner, specialises in energy, construction and environmental law, who offers advice to energy companies seeking to enter the national market, while Mikhail Abdulov is experienced in oil and gas and mining matters.

Sayat Zholshy & Partners provides legal support for energy clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors, including the suppliers of technologies and equipment and the providers of transportation services to the businesses operating in this sector. Rustam Ospanov  has extensive experience in tax law and tax dispute work in connection with transportation of oil and petroleum products by railways, as well as the operation of railway infrastructure and provision of railway maintenance services.

Led by Maxim Telemtayev, White & Case Kazakhstan LLP advises clients on oil and gas, including cross-border transactions and M&A related matters for energy clients. The firm combines its industry experts with product specialists to offer clients a one stop shop service, pairing energy and natural resources with their corporate and M&A, project development and finance, capital markets and disputes practice areas. Zangar Nogaibay is recognised for his work for clients in a wide variety of energy areas, including mining, transportation, geophysical and uranium, while Adil Nurmaganbetov focuses on energy and natural resources mandates. Since publication, Semion Issyk left the firm.

Led by Olessya Kirilovskaya, Deloitte TCF, LLP has experience advising domestic and international clients in a range of sectors including energy and resources, construction and mining, with the team working closely with its tax and corporate finance team to offer a 'one-stop shop' service for clients. Assel Assubayeva  has experience in privatisation projects, while Aigerim Yerzhan has participated in various audits of oil and gas operations and clarifications on subsoil use issues.

Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP handle a wide variety of matters for clients in the energy sector including decarbonisation, cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, alongside mining, oil and gas and power. The team is able to offer advice to clients on cross-border issues, alongside offering a synergised practice, offering tax advisory services alongside their energy work. Erlan Dosymbekov is the managing partner in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, while Dinara Tanasheva specialises in subsoil use rights and litigation. Gauhar Kudaibergenova has joined as a director from SIGNUM Law Firm and is experienced in advising clients in the mining, oil and gas sectors.

Integrites offers a range of legal services for national government agencies, departments and private clients in the energy and natural resources sector. Svetlana Shtopol co-leads the practice with Kurmangazy Talzhanov, with Shtopol having over ten years experience in the field of subsoil use and project management in the mining sector, whereas Talzhanov advises clients on mining and energy law alongside M&A related to energy companies. Senior associate Chengis Yessupov joined the firm from Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP in April 2023.

KPMG Tax&Advisory LLC provides a multi-disciplinary approach in cooperation with other KPMG service lines in tax, deal advisory and management consulting to offer a one-stop shop solution for clients in relation to EPC contract matters, drafting and construction for power plants and gas processing plants. The firm has also engaged in renewable energy projects, having advised on the construction and operation of wind power plants. Alexey Abramov leads the practice, while Yekaterina Kuzmina has experience in due-diligence projects support for companies in the oil and gas sector. Satzhan Mukatayev is focused on providing legal advice for companies operating in the renewable energy and oil and gas sectors. Since publication, Imanbayev Bakdaulet left the firm.