RATINGS

What the team is known for Domestic practice providing local law support on cross-border transactions. Highly experienced in tax mandates arising from the oil and gas sector as well as subsoil regulatory issues. Acts for large local and international oil and gas and services companies. Also offers commercial and dispute resolution support.

SIGNUM Law Firm's tax practice predominantly acts for international and local companies operating in Kazakhstan across the oil and gas, chemistry, IT and aviation sectors. The group is well-positioned to advise on noteworthy projects and sophisticated regulatory, tax and finance issues. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is experienced in the oil and gas, mining and subsoil use sectors, while Talgat Sariev primarily handles tax litigation.

«SIGNUM предоставляет отличный опыт и знания казахстанского правового ландшафта, а также понимание международных проектов и способов их реализации. Они хорошо разбираются в сфере законодательных реформ, возобновляемых источников энергии и в проектной работе в общем».

"Overall good work. Quite quick and responsive. Strengths on subsoil use, due diligence, and corporate governance matters." – M&A

SIGNUM Law Firm predominantly acts for foreign investors on investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, and frequently provides advice on cross-border finance, corporate and M&A transactions and regulatory issues. It has developed a number of relations with major international law firms and has a 'unique insight into the government'. Practice head Liza Zhumakhmetova is particularly experienced in the oil and gas and mining sectors and 'always goes the extra mile'. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova advises clients on tax, commercial, and M&A mandates in oil and gas, mining, sub-surface, and financial industries. Abylkhair Nakipov focuses on commercial and M&A.

‘I think our company is very lucky to have such a one-stop-shop law firm on hand. SIGNUM’s tax team is exceedingly proactive with a constructive approach and very creative ideas.’

‘The one thing that makes SIGNUM unique as compared to other firms is the level of personal responsibility that the partners and employees have in making sure the client’s needs are met.’

‘The individual approach that each of the query/assignment gets is something we like in this firm. They easily understand the requirements from clients and accordingly come out with the best possible results.’

‘The legal analysis and products provided by SIGNUM have been practical and to the point.’

‘SIGNUM‘s ligation team gathered together many-sided experts. A client might benefit from the synergy within the team with a combination of strengths of each member secures a comprehensive approach to problem solving. A diversity of styles also allows the team to allocate the right lawyer for a specific task.’

‘The SIGNUM team has on-the-ground understanding of legislative and regulatory developments of the sector. Whenever we have requested the team to assist us with oil and gas matters, they can assemble and deploy a bespoke team to ensure we meet our commercial objectives, especially in negotiating the terms of the concession agreements with the governmental agencies as well as having broad knowledge in industry trends‘

‘The firm has a historic strength in energy and natural resources matters. In particular, the team is noted for its special ability to consistently deliver strong multi-dimensional expertise in various practice areas, including on energy litigation, arbitration and regulatory issues‘

‘The one thing that makes SIGNUM unique as compared to other firms is the level of personal responsibility that the partners and employees have in making sure the client’s needs are met. I know every firm could say this but at SIGNUM, it’s noticeable and it’s real. Personal service and personal attention is their strength‘

‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova and Liza Zhumakmetova are outstanding partners in the practice. Gaukhar Kudaibergevona is an outstanding rising star associate. The team is always available and always answers promptly and professionally‘

‘From my experience of working with Commercial, corporate and M&A team at SIGNUM, they really work hard on all our assignments, being very responsive, quick and caring about our problems. The practice combines deep experience, the ability to deliver fast under pressure, a pragmatic approach and the ability to find creative solutions. SIGNUM’s portfolio of corporate and M&A deals is very impressive.’

‘SIGNUM’s M&A team assists its local and international clients on their most complex and important transactions. Its corporate and M&A team’s experience extends beyond transactional work given that they also conduct a thorough post-transactional work through every stage of their clients’ life-cycle. This is what our company has been witnessing over a decade by now.’

‘The team at SIGNUM is very responsible, responsive, knowledgeable, commercially savvy and very client focused. The team understands the local markets in which their clients do business and is very well known for its expertise in oil and gas and renewable energy transactional matters.’

‘I have worked with Signum on several projects over the years (since 2008). They have proven to be very competent and knowledgeable in all aspects of commercial and corporate law and strategies.’

‘The one thing that makes the Signum Law Firm unique as compared to other firms is the level of personal responsibility that the partners and employees have in making sure the client’s needs are met. I know every firm could say this but at Signum, it’s noticeable and it’s real. Personal service and personal attention is their strength.’

Signum Law is best known for its corporate and M&A work, where it regularly acts in transactions within the oil and gas sector.

The firm regularly acts for international investors on project financings, corporate restructurings and on due diligence tasks. The firm recently represented an international mechanical engineering company on the acquisition of a participating interest in a Kazakhstani construction company.

Among recent highlights in the projects space the firm acted for a Chinese investor on the construction of a solar power plant.

-Financial and corporate

SIGNUM Law Firm has recently acted in several high-profile international arbitrations in Kazakhstan and also represents international companies in Kazakhstan and national businesses in complex tax litigation, bankruptcy litigation and debt recovery cases. Group head Talgat Sariev is a 'well-known name in the market' with 'a high level of expertise' and focuses on litigation and international arbitration for clients in the oil and gas and mining sectors, and senior associate Saltanat Kemalova primarily acts in telecoms, leasing and chemical sector disputes.

Subsoil users have been our major clients from the outset of SIGNUM Law Firm. We have been trusted by the leading oil and gas companies, service and trading companies, as well as government agencies.

We are proud that we have been long standing legal advisors to many of our clients from the moment of signing subsoil use contracts up to present days. We have been providing legal support to our clients on subsoil use matters (e.g. negotiating with the Government, assisting with obtaining regulatory approvals for project and technological documents, litigation, including complex tax litigation cases and oil operations rules applicability practice).

Our M&A lawyers have rendered legal support for significant transactions in relation to acquisition of oil and gas and mining assets (e.g., our lawyers have advised on the major IPO deal on a Kazakhstan Stock Exchange).

Some of our Kazakhstan oil and gas and mining lawyers have worked in-house in leading oil and gas companies, enabling us to appreciate our clients’ technical and commercial objectives. This allows us to fully understand business strategy of our clients as well as their internal technical and business objectives. In addition, narrow specialization of our lawyers ensures both professionalism and practicality of our advices and recommendations.

‘We use SIGNUM’s team for transactional finance advice. It has a great understanding of English-law governed transactions as well as their practical enforceability in Kazakhstan.’

‘Gaukhar Kudaibergenova is commercially minded and keeps the client’s business goals in focus at all times. She is a very reliable finance attorney, experienced in advising on cross-border transactions of the utmost complexity.’

'Perfect team of bright minds.’

'Highly recommended.’

'It was my pleasure to work with Sofiya, Abylkhair, Nazym and Talgat. They are strong professionals with vision.’

‘Client oriented, quick and clear advice.’

This is a small but very professional team of lawyers. We were very pleased with SIGNUM’s approach, when they pushed both parties to find a compromised solution in an attempt to avoid court litigation.’

‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova, Talgat Sariev and Zhazira Ramazanova are very experienced in the oil and gas industry.’

‘We use the firm for dispute resolution advice, specific to energy and natural resources as well as for taxation. Their competences exceed expectations.’

‘SIGNUM has a market-leading reputation in energy and natural resources; they handle multi-billion dollar oil and gas projects, representing many global companies.’

‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is the number one oil and gas lawyer in Kazakhstan.’

‘We use the firm for dispute resolution advice, specific to energy and natural resources as well as for taxation. Their competences exceed expectations.’

‘SIGNUM has a market-leading reputation in energy and natural resources; they handle multi-billion dollar oil and gas projects, representing many global companies.’

‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is the number one oil and gas lawyer in Kazakhstan.’

‘The team works very well and provides customer service at all levels.’

‘We faced very non-standard tasks and enjoyed the integrated approach of Signum. We had to change the starting points several times, which was perceived by the team with a full understanding of the importance.’

‘Ulan Stybayev helped us in several legal issues. He is ready to assist at any time and always responds to questions quickly.’

‘We use SIGNUM’s team for both tax advice and tax disputes representation, including matters with millions at stake.’

‘Being our long-trusted legal counsel, SIGNUM is very knowledgeable about our business processes and goals in Kazakhstan, which makes the firm very efficient in addressing tax disputes and providing general tax and tax transferring advice.’

‘Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is the number one oil and gas lawyer in Kazakhstan in terms of reputation and expertise.’

asialaw profiles 2021 edition top-ranked SIGNUM in oilandgas and infrastructure. The firm is also ranked among the top-6 practices countrywide for energy and General Business Law.

Our Leading Lawyers 2021: Sofiya Zhylkaidarova and Liza Zhumakhmetova.

«Лиза Жумахметова невероятно хорошо осведомлена в ключевых секторах Казахстана и хорошо разбирается в законодательных изменениях и консультациях с заинтересованными сторонами».

«Талгат Сарыев умеет доступно донести информацию и легко переводит сложные вопросы казахстанского законодательства в понятную и четкую форму для международных клиентов. Талгат Сарыев активно участвовал в разработке стратегии иска и полностью вник в цели нашего бизнеса, чтобы предоставить индивидуальные консультации по судебным спорам».

«Бауыржан Шарибаев - блестящий юрист по вопросам разрешения сложных налоговых споров. У него быстрый и острый ум, он фантастический тактик и переговорщик».

«Наш контакт - София Жылкайдарова. Она очень оперативно отвечает на запросы и всегда на связи. Г-жа Жылкайдарова и ее команда ведут очень эффективную налоговую практику, у них хорошее понимание бизнеса и его целей, и полезные рекомендации».

SIGNUM was ranked among the top-15 law firms countrywide for Financial and Corporate field of Kazakhstan firm rankings for IFLR1000 ’s thirtieth edition.

Our Partner Liza Zhumakhmetova was recognized among leading lawyers as highly regarded.

«Талгат Сарыев - лучший выбор для разрешения налоговых споров. Он прекрасно разбирается в практике регулирующих органов и может предвидеть проблемы до того, как они перерастут в юридический риск».

«София Жылкайдарова отлично руководит практикой SIGNUM и выделяется своими знаниями и стратегическим подходом».

«Наш ключевой контакт - София Жылкайдарова. У нее большой опыт в сфере слияний и поглощений, корпоративной реструктуризации, финансовых операций и налоговых вопросах. Она превосходный переговорщик с серьезными юридическими, стратегическими и деловыми навыками. Ее глубокие и обширные знания рынка имеют огромное значение».

«Наш проект требовал внимания, опыта и изощренности всей команды, так преданной своему делу. SIGNUM обеспечил бесперебойную работу, безупречное исполнение и исключительный сервис. В команде каждый стремится к постоянству в качестве работы. Я считаю, что у них фундаментальное понимание специфики казахстанского сектора энергетики и природных ресурсов, а также мировых тенденций».

«Очень хорошее знание местного законодательства и нормативных актов, дружелюбная и отзывчивая команда».

SIGNUM shortlisted amongst 6 best law firms in Russia and the CIS region by The Lawyer European Awards 2020.

The Lawyer European Awards showcase the achievements of the finest within the legal industry and recognize the best law firms in European jurisdictions or across a broader region such as Russia and the CIS.

SIGNUM Law Firm provides legal services in the areas of construction, corporate and M&A, dispute resolution, employment, IP and regulatory compliance. Energy and natural resources, financial institutions, infrastructure, mining and telecommunications are some of the firm’s industry focus. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova has a record of advising oil and gas and mining companies for over 20 years on various subsoil use issues, including strategic acquisitions.

“Excellent communication skills. Provide considerate and pragmatic advice. Very responsive.” – Corporate and M&A

“Good performance.” – Dispute resolution

“I keep going back to Signum for my company's legal work because they provide legal work to a consistently high and reliable standard.” – Oil and gas

Result-oriented team of relatively young lawyers led by experienced partners. Signum acts independently, engages partner law firms where there is a need in specific knowledge (like international arbitration or criminal investigation) and supports the business needs of its clients. The firm actively participates in the legal community's life, which keeps it updated on developments and with an active network.

“Excellent professionals, with wide local and international experience, high standards, focused on results and performance.”

“Good, responsive, excellent English communications both verbal and written. Good understanding of Western practice.”

“All work is done in the time agreed and follows high standards. The staff of SIGNUM are always available to provide the necessary explanations and feedback. Having three years of experience with SIGNUM, I can’t identify any weakness in their services.” – Corporate and M&A

“Excellent work both in analysis and execution. Dedicated and trustable professionals.”

Signum Law Firm’s team focuses on project and debt financing deals. Liza Zhumakhmetova is noted

“The firm has strong expertise and practice in subsoil use, including in relation to stabilised subsoil use contracts and production sharing agreements. Among their strengths I would also highlight their dispute resolution and litigation practice in civil and administrative cases. The firm has represented us in many and various disputes and litigations, and always demonstrated diligence and proficiency in the subject matter.”

“Strengths: Tailor made approach from assisting lawyer, accuracy to details, client oriented approach.” – Corporate and M&A, Dispute resolution, Regulatory, Tax

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."

Signum Law Firm focuses on transactional and contentious issues. Practice head Sofiya Zhylkaidarova has expertise in M&A and subsoil-use contracts.

“The SIGNUM team are responsive and helpful. SIGNUM is my go-to law firm in Kazakhstan: commercial and efficient while being legally correct. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova, Liza Zhumakhmetova and Gaukhar Kudaibergenova are all especially strong.” – Banking and finance

“Professional all round corporate law firm covering most aspects of corporate law but with very strong knowledge of oil and gas sector sub soil use law.” – Dispute resolution, Regulatory

“The firm has strong expertise and practice in subsoil use, including in relation to stabilised subsoil use contracts and production sharing agreements. Among their strengths I would also highlight their dispute resolution and litigation practice in civil and administrative cases. The firm has represented us in many and various disputes and litigations, and always demonstrated diligence and proficiency in the subject matter.” – Dispute resolution, Tax

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."

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.

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 Sariev handles labour and employment issues.

Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova acts for clients on contentious matters in the oil and gas market and is particularly well known for her subsoil regulatory knowledge. One source says of her: “She has specialised in oil and gas for a long time: she’s very knowledgeable, very highly regarded, very pragmatic and always finds solutions for her clients.”

SIGNUM Law Firm advises clients on cross-border M&A, joint ventures and other corporate matters, such as Liza Zhumakhmetova assisting a European company with a proposed inbound investment. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is ‘creative in finding solutions’.

SIGNUM Law Firm’s Liza Zhumakhmetova advised a bank on an advance payment structure negotiated with a significant commodity trader.

SIGNUM Law Firm is ‘very knowledgeable of local law and regulations’. Talgat Sariev recently represented an oil company in a dispute regarding alleged overuse of natural resources. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova handles arbitration.

Department head Talgat Sariev is a noted litigator who regularly represents energy clients in disputes with state authorities. Clients value him as an adviser who is both “focused on straightforward issues” and “into the detail” and can “answer the specific issues we have.”

SIGNUM Law Firm is ‘very knowledgeable of local law and regulations’. Talgat Sariev recently represented an oil company in a dispute regarding alleged overuse of natural resources. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova handles arbitration.

SIGNUM Law Firm handles matters such as oil and gas farm-ins, production sharing agreement negotiations, arbitrations and health and safety-related litigation. Liza Zhumakhmetova recently advised an Asian investor on its purchase of oil and gas assets in Kazakhstan. Sofiya Zhylkaidarova leads the practice.

Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is described as “an exceptional oil and gas lawyer” who is clear and straightforward in her advice. Interviewees commend her strong leadership skills as well as her broad experience in the sector. She focuses her expertise on M&A, subsurface use, taxation and regulatory compliance.

“SIGNUM Law Firm provides advice to a number of well-known international clients on environmental, subsurface, taxation, debt recovery, competition law or compliance matters”

Talgat Sariev is lauded for his “vast experience in commercial and tax litigation”, in addition to his “high degree of technical knowledge and commercial sense”. Talgat has also defended clients’ interests in environmental disputes, labour litigation and immigration matters.

Erkin Svanbayev, Managing Director: «…expresses its gratitude to SIGNUM Law Firm for legal services rendered to Jupiter in relation to its activity in Kazakhstan, including assistance in establishment of representation in Kazakhstan and legal advice on acquisition of several oil and gas projects and current activity of the Company in Kazakhstan…»

Abylkhair Nakipov is a very proactive, responsive and well-qualified professional.

Dorin Baru, Chief Representative Officer: «…I take this opportunity to expresses our appreciation to Signum Law Firm for the very high quality of professional legal services provided to our company here in Kazakhstan…»

The World Bank Group issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to “Doing Business 2016. Measuring Regulatory Quality and Efficiency”

Talgat Sariev is excellent at defending clients in court in commercial and tax litigation.

Managing Partner, Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is very devoted and supportive of her clients, an excellent negotiator with government officials and creative in finding solutions.

Aizhan Shakizada, Director of Legal Support: «…expresses its deep gratitude to SIGNUM Law Firm and highly values quality of professional legal services…»

Managing Partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is commended for her wide-ranging expertise and impressive knowledge of Kazakh law. She maintains a diverse practice that spans tax, commercial contracts and M&A.

Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is held to be a “good specialist” in subsoil and energy. Peers note that she acts for a number of prominent oil and gas clients on a variety of issues.

Talgat Sariev earns high praise for his skills as a litigator. He specializes in finance and tax disputes.

Sofiya Zhylkaidarova is recognized as a “good and very energetic” lawyer who “knows her subject well”. Peers particularly highlight her experience in tax litigation.

The World Bank issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to preparing the Kazakhstani part of Investing Across Borders 2014 report

Noted for its comprehensive expertise relating to dispute resolution and litigation. Areas of focus include commercial, tax and employment disputes.

Widely recognised for its expertise in the energy sector. Advises on a range of environmental matters, including licensing and permitting issues and regulatory compliance.

Valued by international clients for its provision of local counsel and by domestic clients for its broad offering of legal services. Various specialisms include commercial and corporate law, employment and labour law matters, finance and taxation.

SIGNUM “offers a full spectrum of corporate and commercial services, withparticular strength in regulatory compliance, employment and dispute resolution”

“SIGNUM Law Firm’s greatest expertise lies in oil, gas and natural resources, and is increasingly advising manufacturers and distributors on coporate, commercial and tax law, particularly in the FMCG sector”

The World Bank issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to preparing the Kazakhstani part of Investing Across Borders 2013 report

The World Bank issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to preparing the Kazakhstani part of Investing Across Borders 2012 report

SIGNUM team “wields considerable clout in the Kazakhstan legal market, and specialises advising oil and gas companies regarding sub-surface use”

“SIGNUM is one of the leading law firms in Kazakhstan, providing the highest caliber legal counsel to clients from all over the world”

“SIGNUM Law Firm is a popular choice as local counsel for international law firms with no presence in Kazakhstan themselves”

The World Bank issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to preparing the Kazakhstani part of Investing Across Borders 2011 report

SIGNUM rated by Chambers & Partners legal publishers as “the most client-oriented law firms in Kazakhstan – quality of service and customer satisfaction are top priorities, and the lawyers have a detailed approach to strategic and operational issues, and give great value for money”

SIGNUM is recommended for its “excellent response times, updated industry knowledge, strong client focus, diverse legal team expertise and good teamwork”. The firm’s “insight into governmental affairs and connectivity to the numerous authorities was extremely valuable”.

The World Bank issued Certificates of appreciation to SIGNUM lawyers for their contribution to preparing the Kazakhstani part of Investing Across Borders 2010 report

SIGNUM recognized by team of expert researchers as “recommended leading Kazakhstan law firm in corporate/M&A law”.