Dentons

Real Estate, Construction, Infrastructure, Renewable energy

Birzhan’s expertise includes infrastructure, including renewable energy, construction and real estate, PPP, corporate and commercial matters. He has acted as a lead lawyer on several major infrastructure and development projects and frequently represents clients in high-level negotiations with Kazakhstan's government.

Birzhan has advised multilateral institutions, investors, passenger and freight train companies, contractors and developers on infrastructure developments, commercial contracts, concession bids and operations, and regulatory and legislative issues. He also advises manufacturers and other suppliers on the Kazakhstan procurement process and regulations.

He also provided advice on a number of draft laws and acted as a leading co-drafter of Kazakhstan’s legislation on Islamic banking and finance. He has advised Aldar Properties PJSC on all legal matters of Abu Dhabi Plaza, a landmark multifunctional development project in Astana. His latest expertise includes advising the organizer of an international exhibition in Astana, a major upcoming event for Kazakhstan, on the real estate, construction, regulatory and other matters associated with hosting the event.

Birzhan advised the EBRD in relation to the model power purchase agreement to be used by Kazakhstan regulators, as well as draft amendments to laws and subordinate regulations on renewable energy matters.  He has also acted as a lead lawyer on several pioneer renewable energy projects and frequently represents clients in high-level negotiations with Kazakhstan’s government.

Partner - Dentons Kazakhstan (formerly Salans LLP), Almaty (July 2013 to date); Of Counsel - Salans LLP, Almaty (January-June 2013); Senior Associate - Salans LLP, Almaty (October 2010-December 2012); Associate - Salans LLP, Almaty (2006-2010); Head of Legal Department - JSC Vokzal-Servis (2004-2005); Counsel to MP, Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan (2003-2004); Lecturer - Kazakh-American University (2002-2003).

Kazakh, Russian, English

Kazakhstan Bar Association

Kazakh-Turkish International University (Law Degree, 2000), the Kazakh Humanitarian Law University (Master of Laws, 2003) and University of Edinburgh (LL.M. with distinction, 2006).