In the rankings, released by Chambers & Partners, GRATA International has confirmed its standing as one of the leading firms in Central Asia and Caspian region. Teams in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan received ratings across major practice areas.
In Azerbaijan, GRATA International's team and its director Ummi Jalilova were both placed in Band 3 as major practitioners in General Business Law. The researched notes team's full-service capabilities, with a strong reputation for corporate, commercial and banking work. One client is impressed with GRATA's "timely delivery and attention to detail and good knowledge of local regulations and applicable foreign agreements."
In Kazakhstan, GRATA International was ranked in all major practices:
- Corporate and Finance (Band 2)
- Dispute Resolution (Band 2)
- Energy & Natural Resources (Band 3)
GRATA's Corporate and Finance team was noted for its impressive regional practice providing local law, regulatory and due diligence support to international financial institutions involved in high-value inbound project financing in Kazakhstan. Clients highlight team's "integrated" approach and "practical and pragmatic solutions." Two key partners of Banking & Finance team, Shaimerden Chikanayev and Marina Kahiani were listed among leading practitioners and ranked in Band 3 and Band 4 respectively.
In the Dispute Resolution practice, GRATA International was described by Chambers&Partners as a strong regional firm with expertise in commercial, regulatory and debt recovery disputes. Sources recognise teams: "prompt and responsive approach, personal attention to the client, and quick understanding of the relevant facts giving rise to a dispute." Askar Konysbayev, head of the Dispute Resolution practice, was ranked in "Up and Coming"category.
GRATA's Energy&Natural resources practice received credit for its expertise and capabilities in assisting international clients active in the oil and gas and mining industries in Kazakhstan. One reports that "GRATA International does a strong job in understanding and giving concise advice, which is helpful for us".
In Kyrgyzstan, GRATA's Bishkek team has confirmed its Band 1 position. Chambers described the team as a well-established, market-leading law firm in the Kyrgyz Republic, catering to a distinguished clientele of international corporates and financial institutions. A client praised GRATA International's ability to "solve difficult legal issues," and notes the firm's "high level of client service." Key partners of Bishkek office, Nurlan Kyshtobaev and Elvira Maratova were selected as some of the best lawyers in the country and ranked in Band 1 and "Up and Coming" respectively.
GRATA's Dushanbe office continued the success of their colleagues and retained its Band 1 ratings in Tajikistan. has also enjoyed a position in Band 2 among the leading legal counsels in Tajikistan. Researchers described the team as a renowned group of lawyers who advise international law firms and financial organisations on Tajik law issues. A special note was given to team's ability "solve difficult legal issues," and "high level of client service." Kamoliddin Mukhamedov was identified as one of the leading experts in the country and was ranked in Band 1.
In Uzbekistan, GRATA received Band 2 rating. The research team of Chambers & Partners noted the full-service scope of the Tashkent office of GRATA International: corporate structuring, tax, employment and commercial matters. Sources noted the lawyers at GRATA International "have long experience of handling and solving complex business-related matters."
3 key partners of GRATA Uzbekistan were selected among country's top experts. Bakhodir Jabborov, Tashkent office managing partner, was ranked in Band 2 along with his colleague Nodir Yuldashev. Atabek Sharipov, focusing on banking & finance mandates, was placed in Band 3.
Consistent recognition from Chambers&Partners Asia-Pacific rankings cement GRATA International's position as of the leading law firms in the region.