20 April 2017
EPAM Retains Leadership in Key Categories in Chambers Europe 2017 for Russia and the CIS

EPAM keeps its top positions on the market according to newly released Chambers Europe 2017 having retained its leadership in key categories.

In Russia, EPAM is still the only law firm listed in the top Band 1 for Competition/Antitrust and in Band 1 for both federal and St Petersburg Dispute Resolution rankings. The Firm also gains top recommendations in Band 1 for Corporate Crime Dispute Resolution.

The Firm has been highly recommended for Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution: International, Employment, Intellectual property, TMT, Real Estate, Restructuring/Insolvency, Tax, Transportation: Shipping, Life Sciences, PPP, Energy and Natural Resources. It is also well positioned in the local category for St. Petersburg General Business Law.

For the second consecutive year EPAM’ Competition Law Practice remains the sole practice across Russia top ranked in Band 1"The largest team on the market" is highly regarded for appearing at the forefront of major complex cases. Clients highlight the team's creative and pragmatic approach to problem solving and its client-oriented approach: "None of the lawyers ever say 'that's impossible', they always suggest alternatives. They say 'perhaps we could do this to solve your problem'."

"Client-oriented" Partner and Practice Head Natalia Korosteleva retains her positions in the highest Band 1. The Guide consistently lauds her for a strategic and analytical approach to cases: "She's good when it comes to dealing with the details; she can develop a very good strategy on how to deal with the FAS and suggest practical steps to find the right approach."

"Definitely strong" Partner Anna Numerova advises significant domestic clients as well as major international companies on merger clearance and regulatory matters. Clients emphasise that Anna "has a good reputation and she always knows what's going on."

Counsel Evgeny Bolshakov represents clients in contentious antitrust matters before the FAS Russia and in court. According to the clients if "this is an area where there is no single answer to a question, you should be very smart to develop a better strategy, and that's exactly him."

The team advises Evraz, Pfizer, Sakhalin Energy, XPO Logistics among others. Practice's recent work highlights include representing Yandex in a high-profile case relating to Google's alleged abuse of dominance by pre-installing apps on Android devices before the FAS and in the resulting court appeals as well as advising Murmansk Trawler Fleet on an antitrust dispute with a state regulator regarding unfair distribution of fishing quotas.

The firm holds it position in the top Band 1 for Domestic Dispute Resolution, both in Russia and in St Petersburg. This year the Firm has also achieved the highest recognition in Corporate Crime Dispute Resolution and top recommendations for International Disputes category. The Guide also marks out "strong on talent, technically excellent and very hard-working" bankruptcy team which is recommended as a result of serious experience in bankruptcy cases and very solid litigation capacity. 

The largest disputes team on the market with "a very strong market presence, excellent reputation and a deep domestic litigation expertise" is matched by a highly regarded international arbitration team that also handles cross-border litigation. Clients enthuse about the technical skill and tenacity of the team: "We had a difficult case and they never gave up trying to see a way though to get us out of it."

The member of the Partners' Committee Dimitry Afanasiev, listed as Eminent Practitioner, lends his vast expertise to complex and high-value domestic disputes, offering strategic advice to major international corporations and notable state-owned Russian clients. 

Managing Partner Ilya Nikiforov, also recognised as Eminent Practitioner, is a long-standing figure in the market and is known for his international disputes practice and remarkable insight into Russian law aspects.

Partner and Head of White Collar Crime Practice Victoria Burkovskaya climbs to the very top of notable individuals ranking – she is listed in the Band 1"Quick, persuasive and excellent" Victoria is recognised as a leading figure in the criminal disputes being active on high-stake white-collar crime cases. Clients accentuate that "she delivers above the expectations in terms of her vision, work and involvement." Praising the Practice led by Victoria the Guide describes the team as a "market leader being involved in the highest quality work."

Partner and Co-Head of Litigation Practice Valery Eremenko maintains a broad practice focusing on complex domestic disputes. This year the Guide also marks out Valery in restructuring and insolvency category. He handles mandates from both major Russian companies and international clients who describe him as a lawyer "handling very difficult cases and making them seem simple for his clients."  

Partner and Co-Head of Litigation Practice Dmitry Dyakin who often acts for state-owned companies in international arbitration cases is praised for his "focus and drive and precise understanding of what he wants."

"Strategic" Partner and Head of International Arbitration and Litigation Practice Evgeny Raschevsky is acknowledged for handling both international arbitration and domestic litigation mandates.

“Up-and-coming” Partner Denis Arkhipov is highly recommended for his active involvement in domestic disputes. The Guide features his "dedication and tenacity" emphasising that "he tries to do everything for his clients."

Recent work highlights of the team includes advising the Russian Federation on an international arbitration case heard by the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce relating to a multimillion-dollar dispute with ExxonMobil,representing the Government of St Petersburg in a cancellation of a high-value PPP contract with Nevskaya Concession Company and representing Sistema's majority shareholder, Vladimir Yevtushenkov, in money laundering allegations.  

The Firm's M&A and Corporate Practice, comprising "experienced corporate law experts with terrific problem-solving skills,"  is recognised for being increasingly prominent on both domestic and international stages. One of the largest and professional teams on the market assists with complex restructurings and corporate governance issues, cross-border joint ventures and M&A deals. The team advises on the Russian aspects of global deals, and in-house UK law capacity. "They suggest not only technical but also commercially savvy solutions," clients state.

US and Russian-qualified Partner and Head of M&A and Corporate Practice Arkady Krasnikhin"a skilled negotiator and a good manager" is known for his advice on corporate and transactional matters and is described as "a strategist, trying to find solutions which will satisfy everyone."

UK-qualified Partner Robin Wittering focusing on the English law aspects of transactional mandates is also recommended." I would trust him implicitly," a client emphasises.

The Guide also marks out UK- and US-qualified Senior Associate Vyacheslav Yugai who is involved in the Firm's biggest deals. "He did the day-to-day drafting work and the quality was very good," clients point out.

Among the team's significant clients are Cisco Systems and CTC Media.

In St. Petersburg the Firm is also highly recommended for general business law matters. Clients note the team's client-friendly attitude and highlight that they "always get professional support" confirming that the lawyers "are always very pleasant to deal with." St. Petersburg Corporate Practice Head Elena Agaeva is acknowledged for being "smart and experienced".

Highly regarded in the sphere of contentious IP matters, the Firm’s Intellectual Property Practice advises both international and domestic clients on trade mark cases as well as counterfeiting matters, including criminal law aspects. The team is distinguished for its "clear and very useful responses."

The practice's expertise in TMT is also noted. Clients appreciate "the team's practical and to the point advice," highlighting its " terrific problem-solving skills."

Pavel Sadovsky, Counsel and Head of Intellectual Property / TMT Practice, is well known for his "quick and practical advice". Clients describe him as a "brilliant organiser with perfect knowledge of legislation and case law "

The Firm's expertise in employment law is also commended. The team is marked out for a strong employment disputes focus as well as an established advisory practice. "It's always easy and comfortable to speak with them. None of the lawyers ever says 'it's impossible,' they always suggest alternatives and eager to provide a reliable support within 24 hours," clients highlight.

Notable practitioner Anna Ivanova, who oversees the practice, lends her experience to a wide range of mandates, particularly in relation to litigious cases. "Her advice and support are effective. She is very good in negotiations and in the courtroom," clients acknowledge.

Banking & Finance and Capital Markets Practice is singled out as a team representing Russian banks as well as advising significant domestic corporates with regulatory issues and matters related to listings on the Moscow Stock Exchange. "They don't just consult, they offer solutions to solve the problems we face," clients say.

The team advised Agency for Housing and Mortgage Lending, Citibank, Credit Europe Bank, Housing Finance Bank, Bank Uralsib. Its recent work highlights contains advising Absolut Bank on the restructuring of two earlier securitisation transactions as well as assisting Soyuz Bank with the securitisation of a part of its mortgage portfolio by way of two tranches of bonds valued at RUB 3.6 bn. 

Partner and Practice Head Dmitriy Glazounov who combines "solid experience, a wide knowledge of the law and a business-oriented approach" advances through the rankings this year based on an "increasingly prominent role in the domestic market." Senior Associate Oleg Ushakov is noted for his "practical experience, client-oriented approach and very fast business response."

"Notable" Real Estate and Construction Practice which boasts a strong contentious capabilities, is also recommended. Partner Andrey Vorobyev and St. Petersburg based Managing Partner Ivan Smirnov are highly regarded on the market by clients and peers.

"A full-service" Tax Practice, highlighted for the team's "pragmatic approach," with sources mentioning their "know-how and solution-oriented thinking and practicable, well-structured advice."

"We like his outside-the-box thinking when it comes to problem solving and his personal approach to the client," clients comment on Counsel and Practice Head Sergey Kalinin.

The team acts for Immofinanz and Uralsib among others.

"Incredibly accurate in their advice, patient and very good at explaining things" Maritime Shipping / Transport Law Practice’s lawyers benefits from its overall strength in disputes and increasing visibility in maritime cases. The team assists with regulatory and competition matters and advises global container shipping and shipbuilding companies on a wide array of issues, including cargo claims, ship arrests, accidents and casualty-related insurance claims. Senior Associate Alexey Karchiomov is highly recommended.

Among the work highlights is advising a global insurance company on an claim related to a cargo ship loss, including a hearing before the Maritime Arbitration Commission in Russia.

In Ukraine, the Firm is highly recommended across twelve practices: Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Competition/Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution: Arbitration, Litigation and White Collar Crime, Employment, Intellectual Property, Real Estate, Restructuring/Insolvency, and Tax, with ten individual rankings. 

"Notable teamof Banking & Finance and Capital Markets Practices is traditionally highly ranked for its "solution-oriented approachappreciated by clients, saying "They are not just giving an opinion but actually suggesting the best route for the project development." 

Partner and Practice Head Roman Stepanenko is acknowledged as "a solid practitioner with vast experience in financing, project finance and capital markets deals, regularly acting on cross-border mandates.Clients appreciate his flexibility in adapting to emergency situations.

The Firm’s Competition/Antitrust is recommended as a "notable team popular with international clientsand "a strong choice for merger clearance matters. The Guide highlights its expertise across a range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, TMT and manufacturing.

Partner Oksana Ilchenko is referred to as a "well-rounded lawyer". The Guide notes her involvement in antitrust compliance and merger control filings, as well as experience in investigations.

Corporate and M&A Practice is recognised for being "well connected to the local reality". On a separate note, the Client highlight the level of partner involvement, saying: "The partners really know about the case."

Clients recommended Partner Oksana Ilchenko, who "is not only very good in terms of responses and client relationships but is also very effective in mobilising her colleagues."

International Arbitration Practice wins recognition in the highest Band 1 as "market-leading disputes practice with an excellent reputation in international arbitration.Clients highlight the team's market insight as its key strength, alongside its international outlook. On the individual side, the guide acknowledges Managing Partner Serhii Sviriba as "one of Ukraine's most prominent arbitration lawyerswith "very high reputation in Ukraine."

Partner Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi particularly highlighting his experience as a key strength: "He knows how to deal with a case and develop a strategy"; as well as his sports expertise, alongside general disputes. 

Domestic Litigation Practice, which "assists clients with a broad range of commercial disputes for major domestic clientele and international financial institutions", is praised for client-oriented approach: "They are dedicated to the client’s interests and overcome all obstacles.On the individual side, the guide acknowledges Partner Gleb Bialyi for domestic litigation projects, "lending his insight to financial disputes and disputes against state authorities.Sources highlight: "He is really good at seeing the whole picture."

Counsel Arsen Miliutin enters the rankings for "good experience, knowledge of law, integrity and he knows how to develop a successful case."

The Firm’s "notable" Criminal law Practice comes out with ranking among the strongest in Ukraine, covering "corporate investigations, tax evasion, anti-money laundering and compliance", as well as "alleged corruption cases".

Partner and Practice Head Sergiy Grebenyuk receives recognition for "his criminal litigation know-how."

"A well-reputed” Intellectual Property Practice earned acclaim for "commitment in solving issues."  The Guide highlights practice’s expertise in IP litigation, advice on IP aspects of transactions, as well as "notable experience in advising clients in the IT and pharmaceutical industries".

"A well-known name in the IP market" Practice Head Taras Kyslyy is "particularly noted for his track record of representing pharma companies".

Tax Practice is also well estimated as a "well-regarded tax litigation team", also assisting with tax advisory and regulatory matters.

Counsels Oleksandr Maydanyk and Arsen Miliutin are mentioned among notable practitioners.

The Firm’s EmploymentReal Estate and Restructuring/Insolvency teams have been ranked in "Other noted firms" category.

In Belarus, the Firm is recommended in all categories researched for the jurisdiction.

“Market-leading” team of Minsk Banking & Finance, Capital Markets Practice advises domestic and multinational financial institutions, assisting with international loans and project finance. The team is well known for its “dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for success."

“One of the best in the field”  Minsk office Managing Partner Dennis Turovets is recognised for his “ability to find creative solutions to clients’ problems.”

Partner Anna Rusetskaya who focuses on foreign investment support is also recommended.

"Commercially minded, quick to reply and practical" M&A and Corporate and Intellectual Property teams with a "responsiveness and solution-oriented approach" provide both local and international companies with a full-scope assistance with M&A, market entry, joint ventures and other investment projects and non-contentious IP advice.

Minsk office Managing Parnter Dennis Turovets leads the team on complex projects, attracting outstanding praise from clients. "He has very deep knowledge of local practice and comes up with creative solutions," clients acknowledge. “Extremely practical, commercial, client-focused and punctuate"  Partner Anna Rusetskaya has a broad practice covering a wide range of corporate and commercial matters.

"Client-focused" Litigation Practice team is recognised for its particular experience in representing clients in high-value debt recovery disputes and disputes with domestic state authorities as well as cross-border disputes. "Turning to EPAM I am fully confident that the lawyers will cope with any task requested by our company in spite of tight deadlines," clients endorse.  

Dennis Turovets is highly regarded for his active role in debt recovery and construction-related and customs disputes.

Chambers Europe covers 53 jurisdictions across Europe. The research identifies and ranks the most outstanding law firms and lawyers, through client feedback, research and market data.

Key contacts

Arkady Krasnikhin

Arkady Krasnikhin

Moscow, Limassol

Ilya Nikiforov

Ilya Nikiforov

Moscow, St. Petersburg

Anna Numerova

Anna Numerova

Moscow

Ivan Smirnov

Ivan Smirnov

St. Petersburg

Alexey Karchiomov

Alexey Karchiomov

St. Petersburg

Sergey Kalinin

Sergey Kalinin

Moscow, UAE, Limassol

Elena Agaeva

Elena Agaeva

St. Petersburg

Denis Arkhipov

Denis Arkhipov

Moscow, Limassol