Chadbourne & Parke
US law firm Chadbourne & Parke’s presence in Almaty highlights the firm’s focus on emerging markets. Managing partner Kenneth Mack wields considerable clout in the energy area and has advised heavyweights such as Chevron and Shell in the last year.
Mack is acting for OAO Mechel in connection with the preparation of an IPO for six Kazakh mining companies on the London Stock Exchange. In a corporate transaction, Mak represented Roxi Petroleum regarding its sale of interests in Galazy & Company to LG International.
Sayat Zholshy & Partners
Sayat Zholshy & Partners is led by managing partner Vitaliy Vodolazkin and advises numerous high profile international clients. Although the firm is best known for its litigation capabilities, it advises clients on the full gamut of corporate and financial issues.
The firm prides itself on its status as an attorney firm rather than a limited liability partnership. It claims that its ‘attorney firm’ designation is essential to maintaining confidential communications with clients and greater security.
Signum Law Firm
Signum is one of the largest Kazakh firms, with representatives in Almaty, Astana, Atyrau, Aktau and Aktobe. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova wields considerable clout in the Kazakh legal market, and specialises advising oil and gas companies regarding sub-surface use.
The firm’s corporate practice has also been involved in some exciting transactions over the last year. For example, it advised Kazak-listed energy company Altius Holdings on the US$515 million acquisition of 100% of its shares by Korean National Oil Company. Altius Holdings owns four fields in Aktobe and Atyrau.