“Exceptionally large team offering market-leading international arbitration expertise. … Clients benefit from its sector-specific expertise.”

“Dimitry Afanasiev is the firm's key rainmaker.”

“Highly respected” Ilya Nikiforov “is a highly recognised international arbitration expert in Russia and abroad."

Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow) “is truly outstanding and one of the best lawyers in Russia. His strategic thinking is second to none."

“Evgeniy Raschevsky (Moscow) divides his time between international arbitration and litigation. He has particular experience in cases involving energy and pharmaceutical companies.”

“Serhii Sviriba (Kyiv) is one of the best-known international arbitration specialists in Ukraine.” He is noted for “strategic and management skills”.

“Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) acts on international arbitration cases and also assists with related litigation cases. Sports law is an additional area of expertise.”

“Dennis Turovets (Minsk) is a versatile lawyer advising on transactional, banking and dispute resolution matters.” "He has an excellent academic background and is great at analyzing."

“Prominent for its deep bench of disputes lawyers covering the full range of contentious issues.”

"Handles a lot of high-profile cases and also can do large volumes of work."

"I value its speed and hands-on attitude."

“Co-founder Dimitry Afanasiev is regarded as the firm's key rainmaker, acting as a strategic adviser on significant business matters.”

“Managing partner Ilya Nikiforov is widely recognised as one of the leading international arbitration specialists in the market. In addition to his work as a counsel, he also acts as an arbitrator.” "Smart, energetic and diligent lawyer."

“Evgeniy Raschevsky (Moscow) … is widely recognised for his international arbitration expertise”.

Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow) “is hands-on and a good communicator. He is prepared to listen and gets to the bottom line of issues". "He is entrepreneurial and creative, and has a winning attitude."

St. Petersburg team is “exceptionally strong in international arbitration matters.”

"I like this team for its prompt and specific answers, in-depth knowledge, and attention to detail."

"Straight to the point and practical advice - these lawyers are real experts, and form a cohesive team."

In Ukraine the firm is a “market leader for high-value and complex international arbitration cases.”

"Strong lateral thinkers and expert litigators - the lawyers know the court system and are effective at anticipating risk."

"Great at coming up with strategic advice and implementing it."

“Managing partner in Ukraine Serhii Sviriba is valued as a great strategist”. "Affable, helpful and proactive - one of those people who make things happen."

Counsel Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is "a strong lawyer who knows the law inside out."

“Wealth of knowledge, strategic advice and commercial outlook.”

“Well-regarded” Evgeny Raschevsky (Moscow) is a Leading Individual.

Dmitry Dyakin’s (Moscow) “strategic skills and knowledge are extraordinary”.

In Ukraine the “knowledgeable and responsive” team provides “excellent service”.

The “relentless” Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) and Oleksandr Volkov (Kyiv) “have great skill before the courts”.

Counsel Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is “top class”.

Serhii Sviriba (Kyiv) is a Leading Individual.

“Co-founder Dimitry Afanasiev is regarded as the firm's key rainmaker, acting as a strategic adviser on significant business matters. He is recognised for his experience in the field of dispute resolution, notably in litigation.”

“Managing partner Ilya Nikiforov is widely recognised as one of the leading international arbitration specialists in the market. In addition to his work as a counsel, he also acts as an arbitrator.” A "smart, energetic and diligent lawyer."

“Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow) divides his time between international arbitration cases and domestic disputes.” "He is hands-on and a good communicator. He is prepared to listen and gets to the bottom line of issues." "He is entrepreneurial and creative, and has a winning attitude."

“Evgeny Raschevsky (Moscow) specialises in large corporate disputes that include a number of proceedings in Russian and foreign courts. He is also widely recognised for his international arbitration expertise.”

“Managing partner and department head [in Ukraine] Serhii Sviriba is valued as a great strategist.” He is "affable, helpful and proactive - one of those people who make things happen."

“Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) is co-head of the arbitration practice and head of the sports law practice. He advised football player Cristobal Marquez Crespo on a dispute regarding the termination of his employment contract.”

“Counsel Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is named as "a strong lawyer who knows the law inside out." His practice principally focuses on bankruptcy and insolvency matters, including asset recovery.”

“Dennis Turovets (Minsk) is known for his international experience and acts on disputes for clients across the wider CIS region.”

“EPAM [..] has emerged as one of the leading local corporate law brands. Its Сhairman, Dimitry Afanasiev […] has strong connections with the Russian state and various home-grown corporations and foreign entities.”

The firm “employed highly innovative approaches, cross-linking various international precedents to achieve one of the first recognitions of a foreign judgment in the jurisdiction”.

The Firm “was very impressive in collecting evidence, managing 100-plus separate smaller cases at the same time, and speaking before the court.”

“Names to know at the firm are Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow), Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv), Ilya Nikiforov (St. Petersburg), Robin Wittering (Moscow), Evgeny Raschevsky (Moscow), “outstanding” Sergey Kovalev (Moscow), and Dennis Turovets (Minsk)."

"Nikiforov was reportedly the first-ever arbitrator from Russia selected for an SIAC panel… and in January was made a vice-chair of the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR – the first Russian or CIS practitioner to be appointed to a post in the commission.”

“Serhii Sviriba (Kyiv) “creates a well-defined and well-executed strategy”.

Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is singled out for his “cross-examination skills”.

“Kyiv associate Oleksandr Volkov was admitted to practise in New York, while Moscow associate Olga Vishnevskaya gained an LLM in International Dispute Settlement in Geneva.”

“A first-rate litigation offering in both Moscow and St Petersburg, with a deep bench and a wide range of disputes experience. Acts on bankruptcy, insurance, contractual and white-collar crime matters, as well as on a number of international arbitrations.”

“Stands out as one of the most substantial and experienced teams in the market. Offers an impressive depth and breadth of advisers, who are skilled in handling arbitration, litigation and corporate crime mandates.”

"The team demonstrates a very high level of analysis and creativity."

"I would definitely recommend the team for both international arbitration and dispute resolution matters."

"The lawyers really know what they are talking about and they are very effective."

“Managing partner Ilya Nikiforov is one of the best-known litigation and arbitration specialists in the market. His stellar reputation extends to both international and domestic matters. He is particularly skilled at handling IP/IT matters, and has extensive Russian law expertise. He was recently appointed to the Arbitration Committee of the International Bar Association and the Eurasia Committee of the American Bar Association.”

“Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow) routinely handles both real estate and corporate disputes, and is recommended by a variety of sources. He has 12 years of arbitration and litigation experience, and leads many of the firm's most substantial mandates.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky (Moscow) advises on international litigation and arbitration. As head of the international litigation practice, he has co-ordinated matters in a wide range of jurisdictions and represented clients before the ICJ.”

“Up-and-comer Alexander Vaneev (Moscow) leads teams advising on cross-border arbitration matters.”

In Ukraine the firm has “one of the strongest disputes practices in the Commonwealth of Independent States, and possessing huge experience in investment treaty and commercial arbitrations.”

“It is extremely effective, great at analysing and great at rooting out facts and evidence.”

“Serhii Sviriba (Kyiv) heads the arbitration side of the disputes practice, as well as the Kyiv office itself.” “He is very well plugged into the local market, and knows the nuances extremely well,” according to commentators.”

“Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) is one of the top sports arbitration experts in the market. Sources suggest he is a “great guy and a very reliable lawyer.”

“Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is “phenomenally dedicated, hard-working and organised,” say sources. He has significant experience of cross-border disputes.”

In Belarus the team “advises on disputes in multiple jurisdictions, including Russia and Ukraine, as well as handling cross-border mandates. Represents national and international companies, banks and other financial institutions.”

In Russia “the firm has a sizeable team, which “can handle litigation of any volume and complexity”. Evgeny Raschevsky (Moscow) is “determined and highly organized”, and Ilya Nikiforov in St Petersburg is also recommended.”

In Ukraine the firm is “efficient, impressive, and excellent at strategy”. The “insightful” Serhii Sviriba, the “hardworking and highly efficient” Oleksii Reznikov, the “bright, very creative” Dmytro Marchukov and the “excellent, responsive” Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi are recommended.

“Ilya Nikiforov is one of the best-known litigation and arbitration specialists in the market. His stellar reputation extends to both international and domestic matters. He is particularly skilled at handling IP/IT matters, and has extensive Russian law expertise.”

“Dmitry Dyakin (Moscow) routinely handles both real estate and corporate disputes, and is recommended by a variety of sources. He has 12 years of arbitration and litigation experience, and leads many of the firm's most substantial mandates.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky (Moscow) advises on international litigation and arbitration. As head of the international litigation practice, he has co-ordinated matters in a wide range of jurisdictions and represented clients before the ICJ.”

“Up-and-comer Alexander Vaneev (Moscow) leads teams advising on cross-border arbitration matters.”

“Serhii Sviriba heads up the arbitration side of the disputes practice, as well as the Kyiv office itself. "He is very well plugged into the local market, and knows the nuances extremely well," according to commentators.”

“Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) is one of the top sports arbitration experts in the market. Sources suggest he is "a great guy and a very reliable lawyer."

“Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is "phenomenally dedicated, hard-working and organised," say sources. He has significant experience of cross-border disputes.”

“Dennis Turovets (Minsk) is lauded by peers for his ability to handle mandates in an efficient manner, whilst clients praise his flexible approach to projects”.  

“EPAM [..] has emerged as one of the leading local corporate law brands. Its Сhairman, Dimitry Afanasiev […] has strong connections with the Russian state and various home-grown corporations and foreign entities.”

“Names to know at the firm are Dmitry Dyakin, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Ilya Nikiforov, Evgeny Raschevsky and Dennis Turovets. Nikiforov was reportedly the first-ever arbitrator from Russia selected for a SIAC panel. He’s also the vice chair of the Russian Arbitration Association, a newly formed arbitral institution in Moscow that hopes to improve Russia’s stature as a seat.”

“Reflecting the dominance of English and US law in Russian commercial contracts the firm has built up a team of English and US experts as well.”

“There’s also Serhii Sviriba, who serves as the head of the arbitration commission of Ukraine and of Ukraine’s national committee for the ICC.”

"This Russian firm is a dominant force in the market due to its top-level corporate and disputes practices."

“Market observers unanimously agree this firm fields one of the most impressive disputes practice in the CIS.” The firm’s “international arbitration practice is one of the finest” in Russia.

“One of the best.”

“I would put them right at the top.”

“Evgeny Raschevsky heads the international litigation group at the firm [in Moscow] and is recognised for his work in both litigation and arbitration. He has considerable experience handling cross-border disputes, and has particular knowledge of the energy sector.”

“Excellence in dispute resolution has long been a staple of the practice, and its seven-strong St. Petersburg team is amongst the best in Russia. Its knowledge of court procedure and practice is second to none, and clients further benefit from the group's notable connections.”

“It communicated the strategy really well, and accurately assessed where the challenges were going to be.”

“Ilya Nikiforov heads the [St. Petersburg] office and is widely acknowledged to be amongst the top disputes lawyers in the country. He is particularly well known for his work in international arbitration, and clients highlight his strategic thinking as a key asset, suggesting he is “very much a chess player.”

In Ukraine the firm’s “sizeable disputes team devotes a significant part of its time to cross-border litigation, often involving several CIS jurisdictions. The group also continues to advise on several investment arbitration cases, in which it represents the government of Ukraine. Commercial litigation remains an important part of the practice, usually involving disputes with tax and customs authorities.”

"It was flexible and understood our business."

“Managing partner [in Kyiv] and experienced arbitration specialist Serhii Sviriba leads on a number of international arbitration cases. Sources describe him as a "savvy and smart practitioner."

“Partner Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi (Kyiv) enters the rankings following extensive praise from sources. He is described as a "deal-driven and dedicated" lawyer, and often advises on sports arbitration cases.”

“Associate-to-watch Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) is recommended as a highly active disputes practitioner.”

The firm “continues its expansion in the Belarusian disputes market, and has recently secured instructions from prominent international clients.”

"The lawyers can handle complicated matters and it's easy to communicate with them."

“Dennis Turovets (Minsk) rises in the rankings following impressive client feedback. He represents prominent domestic and regional clients in litigation and arbitration proceedings.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky (Moscow) heads the international litigation group at the firm and is recognised for his work in both litigation and arbitration. He has considerable experience handling cross-border disputes, and has particular knowledge of the energy sector.”

“Dimitry Afanasiev is one of the most high-profile Russian lawyers on the market, and is an important figure in the practice. He is highly regarded for his management and rainmaking skills.”

“Ilya Nikiforov (St Petersburg) has an excellent reputation for his litigation work. Undoubtedly the best known contentious lawyer at the firm, he wins praise from all corners of the market for his highly detailed and business-oriented advice.”

“Managing partner [in Ukraine] and experienced arbitration specialist Serhii Sviriba leads on a number of international arbitration cases.”

The firm “can easily be compared with international law firms in terms of its level of service and efficiency.”

“The firm’s huge team in Moscow and St Petersburg litigates in Russia’s highest courts and in international courts of arbitration. Evgeny Raschevsky leads in major international cases, and is recommended.”

The firm “is “still strong in dispute resolution”, and is acting in six ongoing international arbitrations for the State of Ukraine. Its outstanding litigators Serhii Sviriba and Oleksii Reznikov are recommended for cross-border disputes.”

“EPAM [..] has emerged as one of the leading local corporate law brands. ... Dimitry Afanasiev […] has strong connections with the Russian state and various home-grown corporations and foreign entities.”

“Names to know at the firm are Dmitry Dyakin, Victor Dumler, Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi, Ilya Nikiforov, Evgeny Raschevsky and Dennis Turovets. Last year, Nikiforov became the first arbitrator from Russia ever selected for a SIAC panel.”

“There’s also Serhii Sviriba, who serves as the head of the arbitration commission of Ukraine’s national committee for the ICC.”

“This firm's resources extend to over 100 disputes lawyers, making it the envy of other market players. … Its long experience in handling governmental cases is also a real pull-factor for many of the firm's prominent clientele.”

“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 is a well-known personality on the international arbitration circuit. According to sources, he deserves his high ranking because he is “an excellent academic and a very smart guy with lots of experience.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky heads the [Moscow] office's international arbitration department and has won an impressive reputation in a relatively short space of time. Clients comment: “He is very dedicated to his work.”

“Dmitry Dyakin arrival [after the EPAP’s merger with Magisters] provides the firm with yet another strong name in disputes. Climbing this year's rankings, he is widely regarded as an "excellent heavyweight lawyer."

“With the highest number of dispute resolution lawyers in Russia, this firm has the capacity to handle the largest and most complex of disputes. Though better known for its representation of Russian clients, the team has a sizeable and growing contingent of international companies on its roster. … Interviewees say “the firm is very strong, and this has already been proven by its international recognition.”

“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.

In Ukraine “this major Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) firm 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.”

“This is one of the top local firms both in Russia and Ukraine and I am very happy to work with it as it delivers an international level of service.”

“Serhii Sviriba (Kyiv) is in charge of the international arbitration practice group and 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.”

“Associate Dmytro Marchukov (Kyiv) impresses peers with his dedication and hard work, and they highlight him as a promising young lawyer.”

“St Petersburg-based Ilya Nikiforov is a well-known personality on the international arbitration circuit. According to sources, he deserves his high ranking because he is “an excellent academic and a very smart guy with lots of experience.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky […] has built himself a dynamic reputation in a relatively short space of time. Clients comment that he is “very dedicated to his work.”

“Serhii Sviriba […] continues to be viewed as one of the key authorities in the field. He has been very active at the ICSID representing Ukraine in a variety of investment disputes.”

EPA&P "recently expanded into the CIS by taking over Ukraine’s Magisters, itself a GAR 100 firm. The merger has added five jurisdictions and around 120 lawyers to Egorov Puginsky, making it 300-lawyers plus".

“Other names to know at the firm are Dmitry Dyakin, Evgeny Raschevsky, Ilya Nikiforov, Victor Dumler, Dennis Turovets and Markiyan Kliuchkovskyi” who was recently promoted to Partner in Ukraine. As well as co-leading arbitration work, Markiyan “is regarded as the leading local specialist on sports law (indeed, about the only one). He defended football club Metalist after it became embroiled in a scandal about match-fixing.”

“The two firms [EPA&P and Magisters before the merger] have worked for, among others, the Russian Federation, the Russian Railways, NEOCORP, BP, Telenor, TeliaSonera, Sibirsky Cement and the state of Ukraine.”

EPA&P Associates Ilya Tur and Kirill Kochergin are also mentioned by GAR with regard to the Agroindbank case.

 “This team remains on the cutting edge of Russia’s legislative developments. Although the firm is a solid favourite with major Russian clients, it has also developed an international standing.”

“The firm has fully earned its success, say clients: “They are very effective at solving problems; they offer the price, quality and ability; they are the best.”

“Evgeniy Raschevsky leads on arbitration cases in the foreign courts. Ilya Nikiforov is a universally respected arbitration expert.”

“The firm has “the necessary resources and specialisation,” and is “efficient and cost-effective,” interviewees agree. It is especially strong in arbitration, with Ilya Nikiforov leading the international arbitration practice from the St Petersburg office. Sources describe him as “a local star” and one of the market’s leading experts in alternative dispute resolution.”

“The firm “understands the challenges and intricacies of the Russian legal system, and you do need a firm that knows how to navigate that.”

“It handles a volume of cases for the Russian government, which it recently represented in maritime litigation in multiple jurisdictions regarding the misappropriation of Russian trawlers.”

“Based in St Petersburg, Ilya Nikiforov is praised as an expert in international arbitration, and he recently started getting appointments as an arbitrator.”