Most Highly Regarde Firms: CIS 2010 - Oil & Gas
For resource-rich countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan, with established activity in the hydrocarbons sector, the oil and gas industries make a huge contribution to economic prosperity. Unsurprisingly these jurisdictions are home to most of the lawyers in this section; however, our research shows Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan are all seeing expansion in this part of the legal market and are also represented.
With five lawyers listed in four jurisdictions, Baker & McKenzie – CIS Limited is the strongest firm in this chapter. Alexey Frolov joined the firm’s Moscow office in 2000 from an international oil company and has advised numerous multinational natural resource companies in corporate transactions in Russia. Carol Patterson is managing partner of the Moscow office and is also “highly regarded” for her corporate work. Azamat Kuatbekov specialises in natural resources disputes and is “one of the leading names” in Kazakhstan. Svitlana Romanova is based in Ukraine and is well thought of for her dispute resolution and enforcement work. Daniel Matthews acts as the managing partner of the Baku office and specialises in cross-border finance transactions.
Three lawyers from Salans make the cut, including Baku managing partner James Hogan. With extensive experience of structuring, negotiating and implementing natural resources projects in the region on behalf of public and private clients, Hogan has developed an “incredible reputation”. Aigoul Kenjebayeva has been the managing partner of the Almaty office since it opened in 1994, during which time she has worked on numerous natural resources projects and foreign investments in Kazakhstan and the Caspian region. Also based in Almaty, Yuliya Mitrofanskaya specialises in dispute resolution.
Jennifer Josefson heads White & Case LLP’s CEE/CIS oil and gas group from the Moscow office and counts TNK-DP, Tyumen Oil Company and Hess Corporation among her recent clients. Marat Ibragimov has represented Tengizchevroil, KazMunaiGas Exploration Production and Telf AG in recent matters and is a “first-rate name” in Kazakhstan.
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP also fields two “top” lawyers in this section. Richard Wilkie is the partner in charge of the Moscow office and specialises in cross-border transactions and alliances for local and international energy companies. Fellow Muscovite Alexey Kondratchik is also recognised for his international projects on behalf of public and private entities.
Chadbourne & Parke LLP fields two lawyers from its Almaty office in this chapter. Kenneth Mack is managing partner of the office and has recently acted for the China National Petroleum Corporation in the negotiation of pipeline projects. Victor Mokrousov has also advised the CNPC and is considered a “great” practitioner in cross-border M&A.
The “excellent” Aydin Jebrailov of Macleod Dixon LLP advises energy companies in M&A and production sharing agreements and he is joined by Almaty managing partner and exploration, development and production “expert” Maxim Telemtayev.
Jonathan Hines is a “leading light” in the Moscow office of Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP, where he specialises in large-scale oil and gas development projects and transactions throughout the CIS. Aset Shyngyssov is managing partner of the Almaty office and specialises in transactional oil and gas work.
The “wonderful” Olga Chentsova of Aequitas in Kazakhstan advises major international and domestic oil companies on investments and contracts, environmental legislation and disputes. Natalya Braynina at the firm is also listed. Grata Law Firm fields managing partner and finance expert Rashid Gaissin in Kazakhstan and Umid Aripdjanov in Tashkent, where he heads the commercial law group.
Rashid Gaissin is a “world leader” for natural resources and corporate work according to peers and he represents the Kazakhstan office of Grata Law Firm here, while Umid Aripdjanov in Uzbekistan also ranks highly.
Denton Wilde Sapte LLP sees Moscow managing partner and CIS practice coordinator Doran Doeh earn plaudits for his energy and natural resources practice. Marla Valdez is also considered to be “among the best in the region” and is based in the Almaty office.
Ismail Askerov and Elchin Mammadov of MGB Law Offices are described as “two of the leaders in Azerbaijan” by one source, and both are prominent names in our overall listings.
Wicklow Corporate Services LLC’s Alum Bati is another “big name” in Azerbaijan while Aicholpon Jorupbekova of Kalikova & Associates emerges as the “best in Kyrgyzstan”.
Steven Wardlaw is the partner in charge of the Moscow office of Baker Botts LLP with extensive experience advising clients in the downstream and midstream energy sector across Europe, Asia and Middle East. Jacky Baudon of Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP is also based in Moscow and is known for his corporate transactions and joint venture work. John Sheedy represents Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in the Russian capital and is known as a “first class” transactional lawyer.
Christina Maciw represents the Ukraine office of CMS Cameron McKenna, where she is a “go-to name” for natural resources work. The “excellent” Olga Khoroshylova at Magisters is also listed in Kiev.