ABOUT US

We and Our Mission

SIGNUM Law Firm is an independent Kazakhstan based leading law firm focused on Corporate and M&A, Commercial, Tax, PPP, IP and Tech and Litigation matters. SIGNUM lawyers successfully advise on numerous complex transactions and high-profile matters involving major local and international companies that operate in a wide range of business sectors (Energy and natural resources, PPP, Construction, FMCG, Telecom, Pharma, etc). We also work for governmental agencies and public sector. We strive to be leading law firm in Kazakhstan and our values distinguish us from the peers.

Signum Law Firm’s team focuses on project and debt financing deals. Liza Zhumakhmetova is noted.
The Legal 500, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, 2018
Signum Law Firm handles corporate and M&A matters, and is particularly active in the oil and gas sector. Liza Zhumakhmetova and Abylkhair Nakipov are the key names.
The Legal 500, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, 2018
Signum Law Firm is experienced in commercial, employment, tax and administrative disputes. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is a key name for commercial disputes, while Talgat Sarievhandles labour and employment issues.
The Legal 500, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, 2018
Signum Law Firm focuses on transactional and contentious issues. Practice head Sofiya Zhylkaidarova has expertise in M&A and subsoil-use contracts.
The Legal 500, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia, 2018
Talgat Sariev is experienced representing clients in disputes with state authorities, including customs cases. He is well versed in tax matters and also represents clients in commercial disputes. Sources refer to his solid and strategic approach to problem solving, saying: "He makes well-formulated, good arguments."
Chambers & Partners, Global 2018
Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is known by market sources for her "practical advice." She primarily advises clients on financial and regulatory matters related to the oil and gas market. Peers consider her "very impressive" in the sector, saying: "She clearly is an expert, a very, very good specialist."
Chambers & Partners, Global 2018
‘Our focal point is Sofiya Zhylkaidarova. She very promptly responds to queries and is always on-call. Ms. Zhylkaidarova and her team lead a very strong tax practice by understanding the business and its objectives and making suitable recommendations.’
LEGAL500
‘Talgat Sariev is the best points of reference for tax dispute resolution matters. He has excellent insight into the regulators’ practice and is able to anticipate issues before they evolve into a legal risk.’
LEGAL500
‘SIGNUM provides excellent experience and knowledge of the Kazakh legal landscape, together with an understanding of international projects and how they can be implemented. They are well-versed in the legislative reform space, in renewable energy and overall project development work.’
LEGAL500
‘Liza Zhumakhmetova is incredibly knowledgeable in the key sectors in Kazakhstan and has a good understanding of legislative developments and stakeholder consultations.’
LEGAL500
‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova provides excellent leadership for the SIGNUM practice and stands out as knowledgeable and strategic.’
LEGAL500
‘Our key point of communication is Sofiya Zhylkaidarova. She has a strong record in M&A, corporate restructuring, financing transactions, and tax issues. She is an exceptional negotiator with substantial legal, strategic, and business skills. Her deep and broad market knowledge adds tremendous value.’
LEGAL500
‘Our project required the attention, experience, and sophistication of the whole dedicated team. SIGNUM provided seamless coverage, flawless execution, and exceptional service. There was also incredible depth and consistency of quality across the team. I believe they have a deep understanding of Kazakhstan energy and natural resources sector specifics and global trends.’
LEGAL500
‘Very strong knowledge of local law and regulation, user-friendly and responsive team.’
LEGAL500
‘Talgat Sariev is very user-friendly and able to translate complex Kazakh issues and local challenges into direct and clear messages for international clients. Talgat Sariev actively participated in developing the case strategy and deeply understood our business drivers to provide tailor-made litigation advice.’
LEGAL500
‘Bauyrzhan Sharibayev is a stellar lawyer for sophisticated tax dispute resolution matters. He has a quick, sharp mind and is a fantastic tactician and negotiator.’
LEGAL500
Practice head Talgat Sariev assists clients with tax, competition and contractual disputes. His clientele spans the manufacturing, technology, and oil and gas sectors. He also handles arbitration cases. An impressed client says: "He is a second-to-none strategist and an outstanding negotiator, "while another praises him for his "excellent case management skills, punctuality and attention to details."
Chambers and Partners, Global 2021 Edition
"They are hard-working and always know exactly what is required and expected at every step of the deal process. "They are very supportive and have great time management skills, especially when you need quick responses."
Chambers and Partners, Global 2021 Edition
Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is an "excellent negotiator" and "has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in the energy and natural resources sector." She is active on a range of energy sector matters, including advising clients on regulatory issues. She attracts praise from clients for her "clear and concise" advice and is singled out for her results-focused approach and efficiency.
Chambers and Partners, Global 2021 Edition
“The team is especially prominent in oil and gas projects. Signum provides highly professional services from experienced lawyers that have the expertise and motivation to meet the best criteria for the quality of the work. I believe the team has a deep understanding of Kazakhstan oil and gas sector specifics, and on global trends in the sector.”
Asialaw profiles 2021 Edition
“The team is proactive, professional and knowledgeable.”
Asialaw profiles 2021 Edition
“Good communications, responsiveness and professionalism.”
Asialaw profiles 2021 Edition
“Zhylkaidarova has an in-depth knowledge of and extensive experience in the oil and gas sector in the country. I would also mention that she has an exceptionally high level of professional support. Communicating and working with her is efficient, which saves both time and costs for the client.”
Asialaw profiles 2021 Edition

Our Values

We deliver WORLD CLASS expertise that creates VALUE to our clients while sustaining best culture that makes IMPACT based on commitment to our SUCCESS.

Delivering World Class Expertise
Clients’ Objectives and Business needs are First. Local advice at global standards. Innovative and Commercial Legal Solutions.
Creating Value to our Clients
Our success is our Client’s Success. Professional Care with Personal Touch. Exceeding Clients' Expectations.
Sustaining Best Culture that Makes Impact
Team work. Ongoing Learners. Highest Ethical Standards. Fair and Trustworthy. Diversity.
Commitment to our Success
Ambitious for Success. Initiative and Entrepreneurial Leaders.

Global Coverage

We have representatives all over Kazakhstan and reliable global network, which makes us able to deliver world class expertise that creates value to our clients in solving integrated and complex matters involving several jurisdictions.

Our membership

We are part of a number of global networks and professional associations and proud to be Number One local choice for legal advice for Top US, UK, EU and Asian law firms. Our lawyers being chosen to act as arbitrators by ICC, local law experts for LCIA, AIFC.

AIPN (Association of International Petroleum Negotiators)
KPLA (Kazakhstan Petroleum Lawyers Association)
Environment Commission of United Nations Organization
Almaty Attorneys Council
Union of Advocates (Attorneys) of Kazakhstan
Almaty Chamber of Commerce
Kazakhstan Bar Association
Cathay Associates
New York Bar Association
JuRuss (network of Russian speaking lawyers)
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