Chambers and Partners’ anticipated Europe Guide for 2009 has been released this month, recognizing EPAM’ St.Petersburg practice and commending the firm’s exceptional work on Competition/Antitrust matters. The Europe Guide has also confirmed the firm’s leading positions in Dispute Resolution and Corporate and M&A praised by Chambers Global 2009 earlier this year. 

Since 1999, the Chambers Europe guide has been researching the legal profession in Europe, identifying the leading lawyers and law firms through interviews with thousands of lawyers and their clients. The Europe guide provides in-depth analysis of the legal markets in 51 jurisdictions.

Recognizing EPAM’ lawyers and practices, Chambers Europe 2009 confirms the firm’s high standing in the Russian legal market.

This relatively compact local outfit is very well regarded by its peers, who note that the firm's handling of most of the competition work relating to recent acquisition of a strategic stake in Norilsk Nickel from ONEXIM Group has raised its profile considerably. Peers add that the firm is quite a force in competition-related litigation. Interviewees agree that “regardless of his senior position and status as a top lawyer, Dimitry Afanasiev will always handle sensitive matters himself.” Grigory Chernyshov adopts “a robust, tough approach when required” and has handled high-profile, complex competition litigation cases.

Chambers Europe 2009, Competition/Antitrust: Russia

This local firm handles work for both domestic and international clients, particularly those in the automotive sector, and stands out in the domestic market for its specialisation in corporate and real estate law. Notable work includes advising Kraft on day-to-day business matters concerning the company’s operations in Russia, and acting for Tenneco on various commercial law issues. Elena Sokolova is the contact.

Chambers Europe 2009, General Business Law: St Petersburg: Russia

This local independent firm is highlighted for its expertise in both litigation and arbitration. Although its strength lies primarily in the domestic market, the group advises a number of Russian corporations doing business internationally and also acts for international companies on a variety of disputes. Notable work includes representing Schnitzer Steel Industries in a case concerning the company’s recovery of scrap metal. Managing partner Ilya Nikiforov has skills in litigation and arbitration, on both a domestic and an international level.

Chambers Europe 2009, Dispute Resolution: St Petersburg: Russia