EPAM has been top ranked by the most reputable legal guide Chambers Europe 2012 for 3 jurisdictions: Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
In Russia, EPAM has been recommended for 11 practice areas including Competition/Antitrust, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Energy & Natural Resources, Intellectual Property, PPP, Real Estate, Restructuring/Insolvency, Tax, and TMT.
The Firm is a top tier law firm in the Dispute Resolution category in Russia.
According to the guide the firm's resources extend to over 100 disputes lawyers, “making it the envy of other market players” while “the recent merger afforded it a privileged position in the CIS”. According to the clients, “amongst Russian firms there are not so many that marry an international with a local practice; this firm is one of them”.
St Petersburg-based Ilya Nikiforov, “a well-known personality on the international arbitration circuit”, is recommended in the Tier 1. According to sources, he “deserves his high ranking because he is an excellent academic and a very smart guy with lots of experience”.
Evgeny Raschevsky who heads the international arbitration department in Moscow “has won an impressive reputation in a relatively short space of time”.
Dimitry Afanasiev is “a high-profile figure in Moscow and commended for his rainmaking ability”, with interviewees noting he is “very savvy and well informed on how the Russian system works.”
Having recently joined the firm Ivan Smirnov is “predicted to make a big splash at his new firm, and brings many years of experience in the market”.
Dmitry Dyakin is a strong name in disputes. Climbing this year's rankings, he is “widely regarded as an excellent heavyweight lawyer".
The Firm is well regarded for PPP in Russia while Kirill Ratnikov is a top tier expert for this practice area. “A name synonymous with PPP work”, Kirill continues to be visible in Russia whilst “actively developing his profile in the CIS and Eastern Europe”. Clients admire his dedication and negotiation skills, describing him as a “perfect specialist.”
The largest Competition Practice in Moscow, EPA&P’s team “handles a significant number of matters simultaneously”, and “its reputation for high-quality advice attracts prominent local and international players”. “Before working with this firm, I never believed that an outside consultant could be as helpful, or as concerned, as an in-house counsel”, say clients.
Practice Partner Natalia Korosteleva is highlighted for her “exceptional management and negotiation skills”, and is described as having “very strong qualities when dealing with people and making connections.”
A giant player on the Russian market, EPA&P has exceptional industry knowledge and long-standing experience in the TMT. Clients note “the organised approach and depth of expertise” that attracts many of the largest Russian companies as well as numerous large international players.
The Firm’s Tax Practice has been recommended by Chambers Europe for the first time this year, mainly “for its dynamic and thorough service, as well as its client care and attention to detail”. This practice team provides vital support to the firm's well-established transactional and dispute resolution practices. Head of Practice Igor Schikow is an “extremely bright person who knows what our needs are and reacts very fast”.
EPA&P is highly recommended for M&A and Corporate work. The team has “deep experience in handling Russia's top businesses as well as state bodies, and has an increasingly international corporate practice”. The Firm’s team is also a favourite for international law firms requiring expert Russian law advice. Dimitry Afanasiev, one of the most prominent Russian lawyers in the market, is recommended in this category.
According to Chambers Europe the Firm “continues to be a leader amongst domestic outfits, and its Restructuring and Insolvency practice is no exception”. The large pool of commercial expertise and the support of a top-flight litigation practice put this extremely efficient and knowledgeable team in high demand.
Another practice area that enters the rankings for the first time is the Firm’s Intellectual Property Practice that earned some terrific client feedback “for its attention to detail, legislative knowledge and commercial nous”. Senior Associates Irina Stepanova (St Petersburg) and Pavel Sadovsky (Moscow) has gained individual recommendations as experts that “have developed a fine reputation amongst peers”.
The Firm’s Real Estate team works in close co-operation with other departments within the firm to provide clients with a tailored and comprehensive service. Yuri Savvin and Kirill Ratnikov are the two main contacts for this practice area.
EPA&P is also recognized for Energy & Natural Resources. According to the guide “the Firm offers impressive manpower, allowing it to advise on a diverse range of cases within the energy sector”. “Primarily focused on Russian matters, the firm also possesses English law capability and is taking steps to further internationalise the practice”.
EPA&P’s St Petersburg team is top ranked for its capabilities and experience in Dispute Resolution as well as in General Business Law category. Clients are enthusiastic about the service provided by the local team and point to its responsiveness and strong work ethic, as well as its ability to handle large and complex transactions.
The Firm “has the capacity to handle the largest and most complex of disputes”. Interviewees say “it is very strong, and this has already been proven by its international recognition.” Local Managing Partner Ilya Nikiforov is a highly regarded figure, both in Moscow and St Petersburg, and “wins praise for his management skills as well as his exceptional litigation and arbitration prowess”.
Elena Sokolova is a favourite with clients, who praise her “excellent communication skills and understanding of their business needs”. New to the rankings, Anna Kukli wins recognition from clients “for her excellent support in transactions”. She is “quick at finding solutions, accurate in her advice and very knowledgeable about Russian law and regulations.”
In Belarus, the Firm is also recommended for Dispute Resolution and General Business Law.
This growing firm earns recognition from market sources for its successful operation in Belarus. The team is considered to be well balanced and clients note its proactive approach. Partners Anna Rusetskaya and Dennis Turovets are described by clients as "focused and experienced practitioners who have a real enthusiasm for what they do."
New to the rankings, the firm is making its mark in dispute resolution, mostly on the back of its corporate/M&A instructions. Clients say "its advice is of high quality and it delivers the expected results". Local Managing Partner Dennis Turovets is recommended individually for dispute resolution work in Belarus.
In Ukraine, EP&AP is ranked for 7 practice areas including Banking & Finance, Capital Markets, Corporate/M&A, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, Restructuring/Insolvency, and Tax. 3 Kyiv-based partners are top tiered for the respective practice areas.
Thus, the guide recommends the Firm for Banking & Finance and Capital Markets while practice head Olga Khoroshylova is ranked in the first category for both practice areas.
A key player for banking, finance and capital markets matters, EPA&P has a long history of working at a high level and on governmental cases in Ukraine. The firm combines a thorough knowledge of local issues with an impressive international track record in acting for leading financial institutions, municipalities and large corporations. "The firm provides the international standard we usually expect to receive from magic circle firms", clients say.
Among the EPA&P’s experts clients also praise Tetyana Grischenko for being "extremely reliable and very knowledgeable."
EPA&P continues to provide top-drawer work in Corporate and M&A. The firm “has a strong client portfolio with a mix of high profile internationals and domestic heavyweights”. It is recommended for corporate restructuring and cross-border M&A, where its long track record and expertise are particularly evident.
Currently located in Washington, DC, former local managing partner Andrew Mac continues to be viewed as an excellent organiser who has “a very strong track record in Ukraine.” He enjoys an excellent reputation for his proficiency in cross-border transactions.
EPAM has a traditionally excellent Dispute Resolution Practice, with a strong track record in both arbitration and litigation. The firm has a great reputation for providing an international level of service and acts frequently as local counsel on multi-jurisdictional arbitration cases. Clients say “this is one of the top local firms both in Russia and Ukraine and it delivers an international level of service.”
Olexiy Reznikov moves into the top band in recognition of outstanding feedback from both peers and clients. “He is a very experienced lawyer with huge knowledge and expertise; definitely at the top of the market.”
Top tiered Serhii Sviriba continues to be viewed as one of the key authorities in the field. He has been very active representing Ukraine in a variety of ICSID investment disputes.
Dmytro Marchukov impresses peers with his dedication and hard work, and they highlight him as a promising young lawyer.
This firm maintains a solid presence on the Ukrainian Intellectual Property market, and sources highlight it as “a strong team working on interesting cases.” Taras Kyslyy is especially well known for his trade mark expertise.
EPA&P is rated for its long-standing local experience and excellent Restructuring Practice that provides full litigation support. The team is integrated into the banking and capital markets practices and clients regard it as a strong choice for cross-border mandates. Clients and peers recommend partner Olga Khoroshylova as a highly skilled practitioner with an excellent knack for providing solution-oriented advice in difficult situations.
The Firm continues to be one of Ukraine's best choices for Tax Law. The Kyiv office has a marked advantage on cross-border tax issues thanks to its membership of Taxand, a tax-focused international legal network. Highly experienced Vladimir Didenko is a top tiered expert and a key figure for tax law in Ukraine.
