Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP is a market-leading law firm in Russia according to the recent release of the prestigious international ranking The Legal 500, which top-ranks the firm in its key practice areas: Real Estate and Construction, Competition, Intellectual Property, Corporate/M&A, Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation, Tax, Employment, Banking and Finance, etc.

The ranking is based on client feedback and considers the scale and complexity of the projects completed during the preceding year. It also names lawyers providing consistently excellent advice in their focus areas and assesses their performance and stand-out instructions.

This year’s elite Leading Lawyers list for Russia includes Managing Partner Andrey Goltsblat and Partners Vitaly Mozharowski, Evgeny Timofeev, Nikolay Voznesenskiy and Elena Trusova (Litigation).

Recommended lawyers include Partners Anton Sitnikov, Vitaly Dianov, Ekaterina Dedova, Roman Khodykin(London), Head of Employment, Pensions & Benefits Practice Nadezhda Ilyushina, Heads of Groups Tatiana Parshak, Alexander Erasov and Evgeny Oreshin, as well as Senior Associate Yuri Ivanov. Senior Associate Anton Nefedev is named a “Next Generation Lawyer” in Intellectual Property.

The Legal 500 2018 quotes the following client feedback on Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP:

Real Estate and Construction (tier 1)

The firm provides ‘high-quality legal advice’ and ‘responds to all queries quickly and attentively’. Led by Vitaly Mozharowski, the team has advised on a number of construction projects in the aviation, telecoms and oil and gas sectors.

Competition (tier 1)

The firm provides ‘detailed, competent and to-the-point advice’, handling a mix of cartel work, competition compliance and antitrust litigation. Vitaly Dianov recently represented Re:Store in a price coordination dispute with Apple. Nikolay Voznesenskiy heads the team.

Intellectual Property (tier 1)

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP’s ‘responsive’ team ‘always aims to get a deep understanding of the client’s business objectives’, and is ‘at the cutting edge of court practice, legislation and market views’. The practice is led by Elena Trusova, who, along with Evgeny Oreshin, recently advised Nike on a range of trade mark and copyright issues concerning its advertising campaign. Senior associate Anton Nefedev handles transaction-related IP issues.

Corporate / M&A

The ‘young, dynamic’ team has ‘great commercial awareness’, and is ‘able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines’. Key figure Anton Sitnikov has ‘exemplary expertise, and is great at connecting clients to necessary experts’. Highlights included advising AFG National on a $153m private equity deal with RDIF to fund various aspects of the client’s agricultural business, and acting for Fasten Rus on its high-profile merger with RuTaxi. Andrey Goltsblat is also a name to note.

Litigation

The firm has ‘profound knowledge of the various branches of law’ and ‘a comprehensive understanding of the client’s business’; the team ‘always endeavours to ensure that its legal advice fully complies with clients’ expectations’. A ‘top-class legal expert’ Elena Trusova is a key figure. The firm is notably strong in IP litigation.

Arbitration and Mediation

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP’s team is ‘knowledgeable, experienced and quick to respond to all queries’. Clients include a mix of private listed banks, start-ups and IT companies, and the firm has notable capabilities in private equity and internet sector disputes. Roman Khodykin has extensive expertise in corporate and shareholder disputes across Russia and the CIS, and regularly appears before the ICC International Court of Arbitration. Elena Trusova is the other name to note.

Tax

‘Efficient, business-oriented’ team advises on the full range of tax and customs issues including international tax structuring, crime defence and indirect tax issues. Alexander Erasov leads the tax crime defence group, and Evgeny Timofeev heads the Russia-wide tax practice.

Private Client

The firm advises high-net-worth clients on the acquisition, sale and management of residential properties, immigration issues, financial crime offences and the full range of wealth planning matters. Clients include a mix of private individuals, banks, internal wealth planners and family offices. Tax lawyer Evgeny Timofeev heads the team.

TMT

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP provides ‘a perfect level of customer service’ and ‘highly professional advice’, and has notable expertise in fintech, cryptocurrencies, payment systems and TV programming. Led by Ekaterina Dedova, the team recently advised Da Vinci Capital on its acquisition of Uralsib Securities.

Employment

The firm advises on data protection issues, immigration law and health and safety practices, and has a strong track record in employment litigation. Nadezhda Ilyushina heads the team and is supported by senior associate Yuri Ivanov, who ‘is able to offer workable solutions in complex situations’.

Banking and Finance: Borrower side

The firm provides ‘very high-quality advice’, and has recently handled a number of cross-border projects spanning London and Hong Kong. Highlights included advising Gett, formerly GetTaxi, on its $100m financing from Sberbank, and acting for AFG National on its debt financing from Russian Direct Investment Fund. Oleg Khokhlov has notable aviation sector expertise, and Tatiana Parshak is ‘a professional and knowledgeable adviser who is highly recommended for sophisticated deals’.

Banking and Finance: Lender or Arranger side

The team ‘responds promptly to client requests with detailed and professional comments’, and ‘maintains a good standing among other international law firms in Russia’. Led by Oleg Khokhlov, the team is advising Eurasian Development Bank and International Investment Bank on the financing of two hydropower plants.

Energy and Natural Resources

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP has ‘extensive experience in the sector’, providing ‘practical solutions and a deep knowledge of the subject matter’. Vitaly Mozharowski advises on greenfield and brownfield investment projects, and Anton Sitnikovhandles M&A and joint ventures.

Transport

Vitaly Mozharowski heads the department at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (Russia) LLP, which advises on aircraft finance, international gas pipeline transportation, public transport and logistics matters. Sheremetyevo International Airport, Fasten and Gett are key clients.