Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

“Even among the firms in the top tier, Baker & McKenzie stands out,” says one market observer. “The firm has great experience on finance work in the country.” Managing partner Daniel Matthews is recommended in the market, with one competitor saying: “He is perfect in local law matters. A leading lawyer for sure.” A highlight matter, headed up by Matthews, has been the firm’s representation of Azerbaijan Methanol in the development and project financing of a methanol plant in the country. This transaction, which is yet to complete, has been valued at US$300 million. Partner Aykhan Asadov is recommended by peers, with one saying: “He’s a key individual at the firm and in the industry.” Bakers advises clients such as BNP Paribas, HSBC and Siemens. In addition to Matthews and Asadov, partner Natik Mamedov is also recommended.

MGB Law Offices has consolidated its position at the top of the rankings this year, with a peer saying: “We enjoy a healthy relationship with the firm, which has produced good work and has good people.” MGB is a “strong player in the oil and gas sector”, say peers and market observers. One notable transaction saw the firm act for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in the restructuring of the financing for a prominent iodine producer in Azerbaijan. Partner Ismail Askerov led the team on this matter, which is yet to complete. Peers recommend Askerov, with one saying: “He’s a leading individual at the firm.” Other notable clients of the firm include corporates such as AXA, BP and Macquarie, and law firms such as Allen & Overy. In addition to Askerov, partner Elchin Mammadov is highly regarded.

Omni Law Firm remains a “reputable firm”, says one peer. It is known for its work with regulators and government authorities. One competitor says: “The firm has a lot of success with government and state bodies, and is strong in finance matters.” A firm team, led by partners Roman Alloyarov and Ismail Zargarli, represented RBS on the domestic law aspects of its global disposal of project finance assets; specifically, the client’s participation in the financing of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan export pipeline. The total global deal value was £3 billion (US$4.81 billion), ith the domestic leg completing in the first quarter of 2011. Peers recommend the senior partners at the firm, with one noting: “All the key individuals there, namely Roman Alloyarov, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Ismail Zargarli, are deservedly highly rated in the country.”

“Salans is a very technically capable firm,” says one peer. Although it retains its tier two ranking this year, one competitor says: “Keep an eye out for this firm; it is going places over the next few years.” The elevation of Kamal Mamedazade to the global Salans partnership has strengthened the practice in Baku, with peers and clients identifying him as a “top lawyer”. The firm provides an outstanding full service offering to clients, with particular praise reserved for the firm’s banking work. Managing partner James Hogan is well respected in the market. “He has extensive experience in the region,” says one observer. “He is an approachable professional who provides advice of substance and value.” A highlight for the firm last year was its work for Turkish international bank YapiKredi Bank in a loan and security package to finance the construction of the Baku Hilton hotel complex. This transaction is valued at €86 million (US$121 million) and is yet to close. Partners Hogan and Mamedazade were both part of the team on this matter. Partner Vagif Ahmadov is also recommended.

BM International retains a considerable presence on deals in areas such as project finance, banking and energy. The firm has consolidated its position with support from peers and clients. Partner Farhad Mirzayev is highly regarded by the legal community, with a competitor saying: “He’s a superb lawyer and a leading light for the firm.” BM International advised BNP Paribas (Suisse) on a secured long term multimillion loan to Azerbaijan Railways for financing the purchase of transport and other equipment. This matter was an extension on an investment from 2008 for the restructuring of the entire railway system in Azerbaijan. The matter closed in December 2010 and involved a team comprising partners Mirzayev and Delara Israfilova. Other leading lawyers include Jamal Baghirov and Vadim Shneyer.