Sayenko Kharenko has ‘a top-notch team which always provides high-end services with diligence, expertise and an exclusive approach’. Led by Sergey Smirnov, who specialises in domestic corporate, fraud and business crimes, as well as internal investigations and litigation matters, the practice is frequently involved in tax evasion, embezzlement and fraudulent bankruptcy cases, as well as criminal prosecutions under new tax and anti-corruption legislation. Counsel Zlata Symonenko is experienced in financial and corruption crime cases, as well as appeals to the European Court of Human Rights.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘White-collar crime team of Sayenko Kharenko is a top-notch Ukrainian team which always provides high-end services with diligence, expertise and exclusive approach. Team always strives for perfection and meets all goals.’

  • ‘The individuals of the white-collar crime team of Sayenko Kharenko are professionals with outstanding expertise, who know how to address any situation.'

  • ‘The team combines strong technical knowledge with a clear understanding of clients' business needs, providing tailored, strategic advice that helps resolve complex issues efficiently.’

  • ‘Zlata Symonenko is great in her legal expertise, approaching the legal issues and communication with the clients. Zlata demonstrates exceptional leadership in guiding complex matters, combining technical legal skills with a practical, solution-oriented approach. Partner Sergiy Smirnov is very practical and responsive. His willingness to invest in understanding our business, combined with the consistently high level of communication, builds a high level of trust.’

  • ‘SK's white-collar crime team is represented by solid professionals who not only have strong expertise in this area of law, but also really good in budding a long-lasting trustful relationship with the client based on a deep understanding of the client's needs.'

  • ‘We have had a great experience working with Serhii Smirnov, Zlata Simonenko and Bogdan Golovko. We appreciate their respect for our values and principles, their rational approach to projects and their effective communication.’

  • ‘Outstanding capabilities in case management, client communication, understanding peculiarities of the local law and procedure.’

  • ‘Result-oriented and efficient.’

Key clients

  • Auchan Group of Companies
  • Kyivstar
  • BROCARD
  • Joint-Stock Company 'State Savings Bank of Ukraine' (Oshadbank)

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Sergiy Smirnov
Sayenko Kharenko

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Sergey Smirnov

Other key lawyers

Zlata Symonenko, Bogdan Golovko