The 4th edition of the Global Arbitration Review 100 (2011) features EPAM among the world’s leading specialist international arbitration firms. EPAM is the only Russian law firm recommended in the survey. Ilya Nikiforov, Evgeny Raschevsky and Victor Dumler are mentioned as the arbitration practice leaders. The report also highly commends Dimitry Afanasiev’s work for BP in its multibillion dollar tussle with its joint venture partner over shares in TNK-BP.

Ilya Nikiforov, Managing Partner of EPAM said: “Russia-related disputes are no longer a curiosity on the international commercial arbitration scene. Russian companies see a special value in using EPAM as a global coordinating counsel wherever the venue is in the world because we speak the same language in more than one sense: we share the same background, culture and traditions. We also act for international companies in national arbitration tribunals where the procedure is built upon process rules of the local courts. Western companies are traditionally hesitant to use arbitration in Russia because of the perceived flaws in the process. However, practice shows that those who were brave enough to step into this territory have fared much better than they expected”.

According to the report, “One of Russia’s leading commercial law firms, EPAM is also a significant player in the field of international arbitration. Over the years it has represented the Russian government as well as international businesses in major commercial disputes”.

Global Arbitration Review is the highly regarded international magazine focused on arbitration. GAR 100 is the worldwide rating of the law firms specialized in arbitration and litigation. It is based on independent analysis, carried out by GAR researchers, and expert opinions gathered from among General Counsel all over the world. Only a few of the most acknowledged law firms in every jurisdiction are included in the report.

EPAM strong International Arbitration and Litigation Practice is recognized for its work in Russia and abroad. Its arbitration professionals have appeared as counsel and/or experts in the ADR proceedings from Delhi to New York, including major houses ICC, SCC, and LCIA. The Firm has also acted in ad hoc arbitrations under UNCITRAL rules and has a special competence in the Moscow arbitration institution, The International Commercial Arbitration Court at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation (MKAS). EPAM is currently ranked in the top tier for disputes work in Russia by Chambers Global 2011 and other publications. Evgeny Raschevsky and his team recently advised the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the case initiated by Georgia against the Russian Federation before the International Court of Justice.