21 March 2016
EPAM Retains Top Positions in Chambers Global 2016

EPAM was once again recognised by one of the most reputable legal rankings - Chambers Global 2016. For the fifth consecutive year the Firm has been recommended for all key practice areas in each jurisdiction of its presence.

In Russia, Chambers Global highly recommends the Firm in Dispute Resolution, Corporate and M&A and Intellectual Property.

The Guide gives a top ranking to EPAM for its “exceptionally large” Dispute Resolution team offering “in-depth local litigation experience as well as market-leading international arbitration expertise” and notes instructions on cross-border litigation matters involving the UK and Asia.

The Guide also recommends EPAM as one of the largest Russian corporate firms with a “wealth of experience and a deep bench of lawyers covering all industry sectors.” Chambers highlights the Firm’s Corporate and M&A Practice, with its presence in the key CIS jurisdictions, for assisting government-owned Russian companies with the Russian aspects of cross-border deals and joint ventures.

Chambers highlights the member of the Partners' Committee Dimitry Afanasiev as a “key rainmaker” who provides “strategic advice on contentious and transactional issues.” Eminent practitioner Dimitry Afanasiev focuses on advising clients on strategic issues related to Russian and cross-border projects. "If there are major, important, complex issues to discuss we always involve him," clients say.

“Highly respected” Managing Partner Ilya Nikiforov, topping the individual rankings, "is one of the most recognised international arbitration experts in Russia and abroad." 

Partner Evgeny Raschevsky who splits his practice between international arbitration and litigation is singled out for his particular experience in cases involving energy and pharmaceutical companies and recently representing the Russian government in a number of high-profile litigation cases.

Partner Dmitry Dyakin is noted for his track record in international arbitration as well as disputes in local Russian courts. He is described as "truly outstanding and one of the best lawyers in Russia with strategic thinking second to none."

Partner Valery Eremenko specialising in complex Russian corporate litigation that involves multiple proceedings, including shareholder disputes is recognised for his “huge experience in corporate disputes and a very strong performance in court.”  The Guide also emphasises that Valery "is very well known in the market acting on big cases."

Partner Sergey Kovalev is praised for his prowess in Russian litigation, with a particular focus on bankruptcy-related proceedings. Chambers Global highlights his “in-depth knowledge and strategic approach.”

Partner Denis Arkhipov focusing on IP disputes and undertaking complex regional cases is singled out for "going in-depth into details and offering creative solutions."

US and Russian-qualified Partner Arkady Krasnikhin  focuses on advising major Russian and international clients on corporate and transactional issues.

UK-qualified Partner Robin Wittering assists clients with cross-border transactions and corporate issues. "What makes him so valuable is his experience in doing business in Russia," clients say, adding that "he is result-oriented and hands-on."

London-based US and UK-qualified Partner Allen Thomas is recognised for his assistance to international and Russian clients with cross-border joint venture projects and transactions and practical experience of doing business with Chinese clients.

In addition, the Firm’s Intellectual Property Practice, advising significant international clients on trade mark registration, transactional and regulatory issues, strengthened its position with a top 3 ranking amongst leading practices in Russia. The Practice acts as local counsel in cross-border contentious matters, benefiting from its “exceptional dispute resolution prowess.” Chambers acknowledges Practice Head Pavel Sadovsky who “knows the Russian IP legislation and judicial practice"  and recommends Pavel “for his lateral thinking and extremely attentive approach.” A registered patent attorney Pavel advises on IP rights enforcement, data protection and TMT regulatory matters.

In Ukraine Chambers Global ranks EPAM among the country’s top law firms across all practice areas researched for Ukraine: Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, and Dispute Resolution, with eight lawyers ranked as leaders in their field.

The Guide ranks the Firm’s Dispute Resolution Practice in the highest Band 1, acknowledging Managing Partner and Practice Head Serhii Sviriba for being ”one of the best-known international arbitration specialists in Ukraine.” Clients praise him for “strategic and management skills.”

The Guide also highlights Partner Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi as a specialist in international arbitration who also assists with related litigation cases, mentioning sports law as his additional area of expertise.

Recently made up Partner Gleb Bialyi is recommended for domestic litigation work, and additionally noted for his professional advice on international trade and customs law.”

The Guide also recommends Partner Sergiy Grebenyuk who is “in charge of the Firm's active white-collar crime practice.”

Banking & Finance Practice is also top ranked. Partner and Practice Head Roman Stepanenko is recommended for his expertise in “both banking and capital markets issues.” Clients say that “he understands western companies, and is very up-to-date about changes in banking regulations."

Corporate and M&A Practice is recognised on both local and international levels. Head of M&A and Corporate Practice Oksana Ilchenko is praised by clients for “solving a problem in a creative way.”

Among foreign experts, the Guide acknowledges Partner Ilona Zekely“an Austrian-qualified lawyer” based in Kyiv, as “a key contact” for German-speaking clients on investment and divestment in Ukraine, and Partner Andrew Mac, based in Washington, DC, who “regularly assists clients with contentious and corporate matters involving Ukraine.”

The Minsk office of EPAM is recognised in Corporate and Commercial and Dispute Resolution categories.

Managing partner  Dennis Turovets is ranked in Corporate/Commercial Band 1 and is praised by clients and peers as a “versatile lawyer” advising on transactional, banking and dispute resolution matters. "He has an excellent academic background and is great at analysing," clients say.

Dennis also adds significant points to Dispute Resolution Practice thanks to his "excellent understanding of Belarusian law.”  He is particularly “well versed” in matters concerning international clients operating in Belarus and specialises in disputes arising from tax and intellectual property issues.

Corporate and M&A Practice Partner Anna Rusetskaya is marked out for her assistance to clients with commercial and transactional issues. "She has been extraordinarily helpful in explaining issues that we're not used to having. Anna really understands how our business works and comes up with solutions and suggestions on how to do business our way in Belarus," clients comment.

Key contacts

Ilya Nikiforov

Ilya Nikiforov

Moscow, St. Petersburg

Arkady Krasnikhin

Arkady Krasnikhin

Moscow, Limassol

Denis Arkhipov

Denis Arkhipov

Moscow, Limassol