Ratings and Awards
Chambers Europe
Competition / Antitrust (Band 2)
What the team is known for
Active in competition disputes and investigations, and provides clients with a range of support covering commercial activities such as acquisition clearances. Represents clients before the FAS including its regional offices.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The antitrust team is proactive and was able to address the problem we had from a new angle."
Notable practitioners
Head of the anti-monopoly regulation group Elena Sokolovskaya handles a range of competition issues, including compliance. She also draws on her experience working for the FAS, with one client commenting: "She could tell us a lot about how the FAS works in practice."
Newly ranked Oxana Migitko heads the firm's commercial practice group and advises on a range of competition-related matters including vertical and horizontal agreements as well as abuse of dominance and unfair competition issues. An appreciative client remarked: "She demonstrated a rare blend of thoroughness and creativity as well as offering a clear vision on how to handle the most complicated matters."
Significant clients
Johnson & Johnson, Novo Nordisk, Novartis, Roche.
Ranked Lawyers
Elena Sokolovskaya (Band 4)
Oksana Migitko (Up and Coming)
Corporate / M&A: High-end Capability (Band 4)
What the team is known for
Large corporate practice with a growing reputation for M&A. Experienced in the natural resources, food production and services sectors. Widely recognised for its exceptional tax practice.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The lawyers give very pragmatic advice on local specifics."
"Detailed analysis and client-oriented."
Notable practitioners
Practice head Vladimir Sokov is described by clients as "very knowledgeable of corporate law." He has significant experience of the life sciences sector.
Significant clients
Gazprom, JTI, Volkswagen Group, Coca-Cola, Mosenergo.
Ranked Lawyers
Vladimir Sokov (Band 5)
Dispute Resolution: Domestic (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Unanimously respected for its expertise in the area of tax litigation. Also acts on corporate conflicts and shareholder disputes as well as debt collection matters. Assists on matters related to the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"I would refer a client to the firm. I know that the client will have control over what needs to be done; a case won't just be driven by the lawyers' opinions."
"Definitely recommended for tax disputes."
Acted for Fujitsu in regards to recognition and enforcement in Russia of an award issued by the German arbitration court.
Notable practitioners
Yuri Vorobyev co-heads the dispute resolution and mediation practice and is the key point of contact for clients.
Significant clients
Nike, Sitroniks, Citibank, Thomson Reuters, Johnson & Johnson.
Employment (Band 2)
What the team is known for
Balanced practice, spanning offices in Moscow, St Petersburg and Krasnoyarsk, offering advice on contentious matters and day-to-day support on employment issues. Handles dismissals, compliance, migration and data protection issues, and benefits from the firm's exceptional tax capabilities.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The team works very quickly and is ready to help at any time under any circumstances. It's also ready to negotiate with counterparties when it is possible."
Notable practitioners
Recently made partner, practice head Julia Borozdna is well liked by clients, who say: "She has strong experience and a broad view of employment issues."
Significant clients
Renault, DHL International, Electrolux, Gazprom.
Ranked Lawyers
Julia Borozdna (Band 2)
Intellectual Property (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Broad practice covering commercial work, providing administrative assistance and handling contentious matters in both trade marks and patents. Noted for its in-house academic expertise.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The advice is customer-oriented and creative."
Notable practitioners
Valentina Orlova focuses on IP consultancy instructions including providing legal opinions and acting as a technical expert. Orlova is also a recognised academic in this area, frequently assisting with the drafting of IP legislation. "She knows how Rospatent works inside out," a source confirms.
Significant clients
Reckitt Benckiser, FIFA, Metro, JTI, Citibank.
Ranked Lawyers
Valentina Orlova (Band 2)
Life Sciences (Band 2)
What the team is known for
Advises international pharmaceutical companies as well as large Russian distributors on regulatory and commercial issues. Other areas of expertise include competition and dispute resolution advice, as well as tax and customs. Also known for its clinical trials advice.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"It has strong knowledge of Russian healthcare law."
"I like the efficiency and the commercial mindset of the team."
Notable practitioners
Corporate/M&A partner Vladimir Sokov is well-regarded for his knowledge of the life sciences sector. "He really understands the sector," clients say.
Senior associate Sergey Klimenko focuses on regulatory advice and is noted for his practical knowledge of clinical trials.
Significant clients
Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, R-Pharm.
Ranked Lawyers
Sergey Klimenko (Associates to watch)
Vladimir Sokov (Band 2)
Real Estate (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Works with multiple developers and manufacturers in relation to M&A, construction and reconstruction, and lease agreements. Noted for its strength on related taxation issues, and also recommended for dispute resolution.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Not only were the lawyers on top of their subject, but they were also extremely client-oriented. They provided exactly the level of content that was required and were really proactive in giving us more than we had asked for."
"My impression of the firm continues to be very good in terms of its professionalism, flexibility and understanding of its client's needs."
"They respond quickly to all requests and offer wise opinions on questions that arise."
Notable practitioners
The key contact person is Natalia Stenina.
Significant clients
O1 Properties, Alrosa, Center Transportnoy Logistiki, Moscow City Government, FIFA/Russia 2018 Organising Committee.
Restructuring/Insolvency (Recognised Practitioner)
Tax (Band 1)
What the team is known for
Expansive team widely regarded as a market leader for tax litigation work in Russia. Also frequently handles consultancy work including transactional tax structuring and transfer pricing, benefiting from expertise gained in its role advising lawmakers on amendments to Russian tax legislation.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The lawyers dig deep to find issues that play a role in the mandate."
"The team is flexible and understands clients' needs."
Notable practitioners
Described by sources as a "guru of tax litigation," Sergey Pepeliaev enjoys a stellar reputation for his unrivalled expertise in Russian tax law, and continues to actively participate in contentious tax cases.
Rustem Ahmetshin acts on tax litigation mandates, particularly those with cross-border aspects, focusing on clients in the pharmaceutical sector. Clients describe him as "a well-known local expert with strong experience on the Russian market who always delivers what we need."
Valentina Akimova is active on tax consultancy work. Her practice covers questions regarding transfer pricing and VAT, while she also represents clients in court.
Andrey Nikonov advises key clients in the oil and gas sector, as well as financial institutions, focusing on litigious tax mandates. Market commentators describe him as a "strong lawyer."
St Petersburg practice head Sergey Sosnovsky is one of the leading tax experts in north-west Russia, actively representing clients in tax disputes before the courts.
Significant clients
Russian Ministry of Energy, BAT, JTI, Zara, METRO Group.
Ranked Lawyers
Sergey G Pepeliaev (Star Individuals)
Rustem Ahmetshin (Band 2)
Valentina Akimova (Band 3)
Andrey Nikonov (Band 3)
Sergey Sosnovsky (Band 3)
TMT (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Broad-ranging practice active on behalf of technology and telecoms companies. Notable areas of expertise include licensing, regulatory and tax-related issues.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"The firm has a great reputation in terms of both its analysis of governing law and the tenor of its advice, as well as its thorough preparation."
Notable practitioners
Department head Natalia Ivaschenko concentrates on assisting telecoms clients with tax-related and regulatory matters. Sources report that she is "very experienced" and commend her "clear and straightforward" approach.
Significant clients
VimpelCom, Nokia Siemens Networks.
Ranked Lawyers
Natalia Ivashchenko (Band 2)
St. Petersburg
Dispute Resolution (Band 2)
What the team is known for
Best known for supporting the firm's commercial practice on contentious issues, particularly in tax disputes. Handles contentious real estate, employment and antitrust cases, and offers notable advice on consumer complaints.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"Strong expertise and negotiation skills."
Notable practitioners
Sergey Spasennov is widely recognised for his knowledge of contentious commercial matters, particularly tax cases. He also offers advice on real estate and construction disputes, and employment cases.
Significant clients
Heineken, Citibank.
Ranked Lawyers
Sergey Spasennov (Band 3)
General Business Law (Band 3)
What the team is known for
Supports clients with ongoing commercial questions as well as assisting with M&A and group restructuring. The practice also includes advising on employment, real estate and construction matters. Outstanding tax practice lends assistance with major assignments. Acts for large Russian and foreign clients in the automotive, oil and gas and manufacturing industries.
Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)
"It is client-oriented, has a realistic approach and is determined to find the best solution."
Notable practitioners
Sergey Sosnovsky leads the tax practice and advises domestic and international clients on various matters, including structuring, VAT and regional investment benefits. He also handles contentious tax cases.
Corporate partner Sergey Spasennov oversees key projects and has wide experience ranging from M&A to corporate restructuring and infrastructure projects. Commercial litigation forms another aspect of his practice.
Significant clients
Heineken, Mertens House.
Ranked Lawyers
Sergey Sosnovsky (Band 3)
Sergey Spasennov (Band 3)