Chamber Europe 2011, the international legal directory, this year recommends EPAM in a range of practice areas including Dispute Resolution, Corporate and M&A, Restructuring/Insolvency, Antitrust, Real Estate and Energy and Natural Resources. The firm’s high standing in the ranking is endorsed by a number of individual lawyers and clients.
Clients commented that the Firm has "some of the most talented lawyers in the Russian legal community", and they were impressed by the high level of expertise displayed at both partner and junior level.
As noted by a number of client-companies, EPA&P’s Dispute Resolution team of 50 lawyers has an impressive track record. Popular among large Russian and international clients, the Firm excels in local litigation. Together with international firms it also frequently handles court cases in London and the USA, as well as assisting with international arbitration proceedings.
Ilya Nikiforov, a Managing Partner at the St Petersburg office, is widely respected for his international arbitration experience. Grigory Chernyshov and Evgeniy Raschevsky are the team's most visible lawyers in Moscow and are widely respected for their expertise.
Ivan Smirnov earns particular praise from clients for his handling of tax disputes: "He offers creative solutions to problems."
In the area of Corporate and M&A EPAM is well known for its long-established relationships with major Russian companies. Sources say: "It's a very solid Russian outfit, very good on the Russian law issues and experienced in lobbying." Dimitry Afanasiev is the Firm's public face, noted as a long-standing and impressive practitioner.
The reputation of the company in the Antitrust area is confirmed by high position of the Dispute Resolution practice. Clients stress that the associates are not afraid to advise directly. "They don't have to go back to check with the partner, which saves time and money." Grigory Chernyshov specializes in dispute resolution and is admired for his skill as a representative. Regulatory expert Anton Kostenko has been involved in drafting antitrust legislation, as has Natalia Korosteleva, who heads the practice.
Evaluating the Restructuring/Insolvency services, clients note that the Firm "has in-depth knowledge of the Russian market."
The firm’s high standing in M&A and Dispute Resolution practices is confirmed by lawyers’ recognitions in the Real Estate area – Ekaterina Medeyko is the key contact for the practice.
In the area of Energy and Recourses the firm is retained by a number of Russian and international electricity companies. According to clients’ feedback: "The team is quick to respond and is always solution-oriented."
The St Petersburg offices enjoy a solid reputation as a recognized authority in the North West region, as indicated in a separate line. Clients describe the team as “reliable, independent and widely respected”. Elena Sokolova is a key representative in the corporate practice, and she regularly receives positive feedback and recommendations from clients; one such testimony reads that “she is very thorough, accurate, and always attentive to client’s needs”.
