With substantial experience in the market, Scott Senecal is amongst the most visible and best-known partners in Moscow. His broad practice encompasses financial and corporate law, and he regularly advises foreign investors and Russian businesses on capital markets matters, syndicated loans, and M&A.

Mikhail Suvorov enjoys an excellent reputation on the market for his energetic approach to transactional work. He is “an extremely bright guy who looks at things in a unique manner,” confirmed an impressed client.

London-based Daniel Braverman continues to spend a considerable amount of time in Moscow. Clients appreciate his personal involvement, with one saying: “He will always respond no matter what time it is and how busy he is.”

Paris-based Russell Pollack works closely with his London and Moscow colleagues and has substantial expertise advising Russian corporates and multinationals with Russian interests. One impressed client describes him as “one of the smartest lawyers I have ever met.”

David Gottlieb recently relocated to the London office, following time in the firm's Moscow and New York branches. He is a well-known figure in M&A transactions, as well as international capital markets.

Department head Dmitry Surikov is singled out as one of the top corporate lawyers on the market. His broad practice covers M&A, joint ventures and share issues in a wide array of industries, such as metals, mining, transport, media and technology.

Clients describe Igor Gerber as “an extremely helpful, reliable and significantly experienced lawyer." He is noted for his in-depth understanding of the retail, transport, infrastructure, telecommunications, media, and energy and natural resources sectors.

Michael Schwartz is an important contact for the firm's German clients, and has experience in the oil and gas, consumer products, real estate and infrastructure industries.

Sebastian Lawson has an incredibly wide-ranging practice covering over 30 jurisdictions in Europe. His broad knowledge makes him an important asset on cross-border transactions.

Kirsten Floss worked in the Russian market for 13 years before returning to Germany. She is particularly experienced in energy projects throughout the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

Grigory Gadzhiev is a “really talented M&A lawyer,” say market sources. His practice focuses on transactions within the oil, gas and electricity sectors. He was part of the team acting for Total on its acquisition of a 20% stake in the Yamal LNG project.

Denis Uvarov enjoys a strong reputation in this practice area, with one client saying: “I would definitely recommend him for high-quality advice in the M&A and corporate sphere.”

Hugo Stolkin attracts praise for his client-oriented manner and practicality.

Despite being no longer based in Moscow, Dominic Sanders continues to have an influential presence on the market and provides valuable support on cross-border transactions. His language skills and experience are a huge advantage in tough negotiations.

Daniel Tyrer moved back to the UK in 2010 following a period in Moscow as head of the CIS energy group. Unsurprisingly, he retains a strong focus on the region and on energy and infrastructure deals in particular.

Equally strong in capital markets and corporate transactions, Dmitri Kovalenko is widely perceived as the face of the Moscow branch. His business sense and hands-on approach are much admired by commentators, with one saying: “He has nuanced, sophisticated knowledge of how things work in Russia.”

Alexey Kiyashko “has always demonstrated unique analytical negotiating and organisational skills, and has a clear understanding of commercial priorities,” according to clients. His technical ability and thorough knowledge of Russian law also draw a lot of praise.

In comparison with her colleagues, Linda Davies is a relatively new figure on the Russian legal market, but she has quickly established herself as one of the foremost English law experts around. A client reports: “From a technical point of view she is a first-rate lawyer, and it gives me great confidence to have her on my side.”

Pranav Trivedi works with a large number of Russian and international clients on deals throughout the CIS and Eastern Europe. Splitting his time between the firm's London and Moscow offices, he is acknowledged for his M&A expertise as well as his stellar capital markets practice.

London-based Hilary Foulkes regularly supports the team on Russian capital markets and corporate transactions.

Commanding significant experience and market visibility, Suren Gortsunyan is a highly regarded transactional lawyer and a key partner in the firm's corporate group. He covers large-scale M&A projects, as well as capital markets deals, private equity, restructurings and joint ventures. 

Daniel Walsh is a senior figure within the firm and lends gravitas on major cross-border transactions around the world. He is well known in Russia and advises clients in the technology, telecommunications, mining and manufacturing sectors. 

Ilya Rybalkin has earned a reputation for attracting new business to the firm, and is widely regarded as a commercially astute lawyer. In addition to his transactional prowess, he is well known for his work in corporate disputes.

Vladimir Kouznetsov is valued for his expertise in cross-border transactions in CEE and the CIS, including corporate finance, M&A and joint ventures.

Moscow office head Richard Wilkie is a US-qualified lawyer with a focus on international capital markets, as well as M&A, international law, and general corporate law.

Sebastian Rice's fluency in Russian is a great advantage to the practice, and he regularly leads transactions from London and Moscow. Clients describe him as “responsive, flexible and willing to go the extra mile.”

Sergei Voitishkin is the best-known corporate lawyer at the firm and focuses on corporate acquisitions and restructurings for multinational and Russian clients alike.

Alexey Frolov regularly handles energy and natural resources mandates, as well as M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructurings. He also advises on environmental liability-related issues in the CIS.

Being an important link for the firm's German clients, Max Gutbrod covers transactions such as M&A, financings and restructuring. He is also noted for his expertise in insurance, financial regulatory matters, and the legal aspects of Kyoto Protocol implementation.

James Richards is particularly noted for his through knowledge of the Ukrainian market and regularly handles M&A, as well as corporate finance matters in the country.

David Griston recently left the Moscow office for Amsterdam, but he continues to be heavily involved in Russia-related mandates. He remains a well-recognised figure in the market, and his considerable experience is an important asset for the firm.

Marc Bartholomy is widely perceived as one of the foremost real estate lawyers on the market, and is heavily involved in M&A. Market sources describe him as “an experienced lawyer with commercial sense and great connections.”

Nicholas Rees heads the English law side of the corporate practice and focuses on M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets. Clients value his proactive approach, confirming he “comes up with many valuable suggestions.”

Alan Kartashkin enjoys an excellent reputation in a range of practice areas, but continues to be best known for his work in the aviation sector. Clients recommend him as “an excellent lawyer in the sphere of cross-border M&A.”

Dmitri Nikiforov wins praise from clients for his proactivity in negotiations and his solution-oriented approach. One extremely happy client said: “If I were to work in Russia again, I would go to him without a doubt.”

Alyona Kucher is fast emerging as one of the most recognisable Russian corporate lawyers. Her practice covers a number of sectors such as real estate, construction and oil and gas, as well as M&A.

London-based Geoffrey Burgess spends much of his time in Moscow and is well known amongst his Russian peers. His broad practice covers a range of cross-border corporate and financing transactions.

Jane Tarassova leads the firm's energy and natural resources practice, and covers M&A, joint ventures, restructurings, securities and public offerings. Clients note her excellent market connections, and ability to successfully co-ordinate the team. 

Florian Schneider is a “diplomatic negotiator,” say clients. He also wins praise for his availability, with clients noting: “If you can't catch him right away, he will call you back immediately.” 

Mathieu Fabre-Magnan focuses on corporate, banking and finance, and competition matters, and heads the firm's French desk in the Moscow office.

John Stansfield recently joined from Linklaters. He has been resident in Moscow since 2010 and provides valuable English law advice on a range of corporate finance transactions.

Judith Aron divides her time between the Berlin and Moscow offices and is a key link for companies in both jurisdictions. She is also a member of the firm's French desk and works closely with French clients.

Svetlozar Iankov covers corporate and capital markets transactions from the London office, with a particular focus on work in CEE and the CIS.

Paris-based Catherine Joffroy works closely with clients with interests in Russia, Ukraine and the CIS.

Brussels-based Edward Borovikov is singled out for his expertise in international trade law, as well as competition. 

London-based Peter Hughes advises on cross-border acquisitions, investments and joint ventures across Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan.

Alexei Roudiak earns praise from market sources for his commercial acumen and excellent connections. He has particular knowledge of the oil and gas and real estate sectors, and focuses on M&A, joint ventures and corporate reorganisations.

Nick Moore regularly handles corporate and capital markets transactions in Russia and the CIS. His client base consists predominantly of international clients, whom he often advises on their entry to the Russian market. Sources appreciate his confident manner and solid negotiating style, as well as his creative and practical approach.

Evgeny Zelensky heads the capital markets group in Russia, but is also well known for his M&A expertise. Clients describe him as "an impressively skilful lawyer," highlighting his attention to detail and excellent team management skills.

Danila Logofet is qualified in the USA, the UK and Russia, and is equipped to advise clients across all three jurisdictions. He has particular expertise in the energy and natural resources sectors.

Andrei Dontsov is one the best corporate lawyers on the market, and is particularly praised for his expertise in the telecommunications and automotive industries. Sources note his business understanding, and say he “impresses with his willingness to ensure that the client is happy.”

Eric Michailov has “an excellent knowledge of the Russian market," and assists his clients with their most challenging transactions. He regularly advises international companies on their Russian operations and co-heads the firm's corporate CEE practice. 

Igor Ostapets heads the office's energy and utilities practice, and has considerable experience dealing with mandates in the oil and gas, power and mining industries.

Hermann Schmitt has been resident in the Moscow office since 1995 and has developed a sound understanding of the Russian market. He is dual-qualified in both Germany and the UK, making him an important link for the firm's European and international clients.

Marc Polonsky is a frequent visitor to Moscow and has an in-depth knowledge of the local market. His practice, which focuses predominantly on energy and infrastructure projects, spans the CIS and CEE. 

David Crook joined the firm's London office in 2011 and regularly works with a number of high-profile Russian clients. His practice focuses on cross-border M&A in a range of sectors.

Department head Anton Konnov is particularly noted for his infrastructure and PPP knowledge. Interviewees value his “efficiency, ability to work hard under pressure and responsiveness.”

Office head Edwin Tham wins plaudits for his management skills and client-focused approach. A valuable M&A lawyer, he advises clients in the oil and gas, mining, manufacturing and financial sectors. 

Tim Shilling is well known for his work in the energy and natural resources sector, where he represents both international and prominent domestic clients. With over 25 years of experience advising in a range of jurisdictions, he is recommended for his formidable knowledge of the market. 

Nicolas Fermaud is responsible for the firm's Luxembourg desk in Moscow and dedicates a considerable amount of time to transactions involving the two jurisdictions.

Philipp Wahl shares his time between the London and Moscow offices, and heads the firm's CIS practice group. Clients appreciate his creative approach to transactions, confirming he “has superb negotiation skills, offers 'outside the box' solutions and is extremely driven.” 

Alexander Zharskiy is the best-known corporate lawyer at the firm, and earns recommendations for his hands-on advice. According to a client, “he points out the really vital issues and then fights for what is important, so you don't waste time and money.”

Recently Steve Wardlaw moved back to London but still continues to advise on Russia-related matters. He focuses on energy projects and is described as a “very committed, practical and extremely hard-working practitioner.”

Maxim Levinson heads the Moscow office and is one of the most visible attorneys in the country. With a broad practice spanning banking and finance and corporate transactions, he is noted for his management prowess and highly commercial approach.

Derek Jones is a noted UK partner with a strong portfolio of corporate transactions across a range of industries. He is particularly noted for his expertise in the Russian TMT sector.

Practice head David Cranfield focuses on cross-border M&A, joint ventures, capital markets and private equity. “He is incredibly helpful and knows how to translate business into law,” say sources.

John Hammond is one of the most experienced expatriates in Russia, and clients value his knowledge of local business and culture. He is particularly highlighted for his practicality, and his language skills make him a valuable negotiator.

Düsseldorf-based Marie Donchevskaya advises international clients in relation to corporate law, private equity, as well as investment in the Russian industrial sector.

Thomas Heidemann is noted for his corporate expertise, and advises on major transactions in Moscow and cross-border investment from and to Russia. He heads the firm's Russian desk in Düsseldorf, and was formerly head of the CIS practice. He is also specialised in the automotive industry.

Delphine Nougayrède heads the CIS corporate group and is valued by clients for her strong client service approach, which she applies to a range of transactions, including M&A, joint ventures and corporate restructuring. 

Feruz Fidaev heads the energy side of the corporate practice, and focuses on cross-border transactions throughout Eastern Europe and the CIS.

Steffen Kaufmann recently joined the firm from White & Case, and is particularly well known for his work in the real estate sector. He has extensive knowledge of the Russian market, and is also a key contact for German clients.

Dimitry Afanasiev's broad expertise covers a range of practice areas, and he is particularly recommended for dispute resolution.

Allen Thomas heads the firm's London office and provides an important outlet for English law questions.

Andrey Goltsblat is valued for his commercial acumen and “ability to quickly understand clients' business needs.” He also receives praise for boosting the firm's international profile.

Ian Ivory is responsible for much of the English law advice on the ground, and particularly focuses on M&A, restructuring and infrastructure projects. Clients praise his ability to adapt quickly to complex and novel projects.

Todd Schafer is one of the firm's top partners and a regular visitor to Moscow. He specialises in M&A, as well as financing, corporate restructuring and joint ventures. 

Oxana Balayan leads the Moscow team. She advises clients from a range of industries including retail, financial services, pharmaceuticals, media and real estate.

Richard Cowie covers transactions in the corporate and private equity spheres, and has built up considerable experience during his time in Moscow.

Christopher Allen is one of the most experienced English lawyers in the market and is noted for his “wide knowledge and vast experience in different transactions.”

Yulia Dementieva is a talented lawyer who is “able to do a huge amount of work in a short period,” notes an impressed client.

Brian Zimbler has long-standing experience and thorough understanding of the Russian business environment, which he puts to good effect advising on some of the most interesting mandates in the market.

Oleg Berger's broad practice covers M&A and corporate law, as well as dispute resolution. His clients are drawn from a number of industries, including banking, insurance, oil and gas, real estate and technology.

Vasilisa Strizh handles a wide array of matters such as M&A, joint ventures and equity capital markets transactions, and enjoys a fine reputation for her commercial approach.

Jonathan Hines is a formidable energy lawyer with decades of experience advising on prominent oil, gas, and mining projects. His practice centres on Russia but also covers a range of jurisdictions in the CIS.

Alexander Marchenko continues to grow in stature in the market, and is one of the best-respected associates in Moscow. He is noted for his work for clients in Turkmenistan.

Of counsel Ezra Machnikowski focuses on M&A, private equity and capital markets transactions for both domestic and international clients. His expertise extends from mining to energy, real estate and financial institutions.

Laura Brank splits her time between the London and Moscow offices, and brings almost 20 years of experience working on Russian matters. Her broad expertise covers M&A, joint ventures, banking and finance, and capital markets. 

Igor Panshensky enjoys an excellent reputation for his work in the sphere of competition law, and is often closely involved in the firm's corporate assignments. 

Shane DeBeer's impressive language skills and familiarity with the Russian market make him a great asset in challenging negotiations.

David Lasfargue has over a decade of experience managing the Moscow branch, and he regularly advises clients throughout Russia and Central Europe. His practice covers M&A, competition law, taxation, distribution and concessions.

Based in Washington, DC, Olga Sirodoeva is a regular visitor to Moscow, and is particularly noted for her expertise in the field of real estate.

Nell Scott is based in the London office and focuses of capital markets, M&A and private equity. A Russian speaker, she is well attuned to the market, having spent a number of years working in Moscow.

Stephen Nelson is a “constructive and experienced transactional lawyer,” say market sources. He has extensive experience working in Europe and the CIS, and has represented clients from a range of industries. 

Christopher Rose is noted for his responsiveness and client focus, as well as his “business understanding and realistic appreciation of what can and cannot be done.”

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This firm fields an East European group focused on projects related to the Baltic and CIS countries, and Russia in particular. It assists clients with cross-border investments, international transactions, registration of companies, joint ventures, dispute resolution, and IP law. Jesper Tiberg leads the group and is the main point of contact.

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This firm's Helsinki-based Russia desk offers its Finnish, Russian, and international clients decades of combined experience in Russia-related acquisitions, investments and tax structuring. The main contact for this desk is Mika Salonen. 

This firm's Russia desk assists domestic and international clients in areas as broad as private equity, IP, real estate and dispute resolution. Recent case highlights for the team include assisting Finnish corporate housing investor SATO with a EUR10 million real estate investment in St Petersburg. The point of contact for this desk is Heidi Paalanen-Koev. She has substantial experience on M&A projects. Moreover, her impressive language skills and market knowledge make her a valuable negotiator.

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Fluent Russian speaker Armando Ambrosio recently joined the firm from NCTM. He has vast experience of the Russia and CIS markets and will be developing the firm's new Russia desk. This will reinforce the firm's existing work on behalf of Russian and Italian companies with inbound and outbound business between the two jurisdictions.

The Stockholm outpost of this firm hosts a highly regarded Russian desk. It regularly assists Swedish and foreign clients alike with projects related to Russia and the CIS. Ulf Hårdeman leads the desk and is the main point of contact for clients.

The Frankfurt-based Russia desk at this leading firm advises both German and foreign clients on their projects in Russia, and also represents major Russian companies in their activities in Germany and other European countries. Desk head Oleg de Lousanoff is the main point of contact for clients and he is valued for his in-depth understanding of the Russian business environment. He focuses on cross-border M&A for both Russian and international clients. 

This firm has a Russia/CIS desk based in its Netherlands' offices. It provides a full corporate/M&A offering, and consists of lawyers that focus variously on M&A, financing and tax. It has Russian language capabilities and considerable experience in this area. Bartjan Zoetmulder in the Amsterdam office is the main contact.

The German office of this highly regarded firm fields a strong Russian desk, which is led by Ekaterina Evdokimova. She splits her time between the firm's Munich and Moscow offices, and is highly regarded for her expertise in real estate and corporate matters in Russia.

Björn Paulsen is a German-qualified lawyer based in Moscow. He focuses on M&A, corporate law and joint ventures.

Simmons & Simmons houses a CIS desk with strong focus on Russia. It regularly handles a wide array of matters, including energy and infrastructure projects, corporate, finance and project finance transactions, and disputes, for both CIS-based clients as well as international companies with interests in the region. Philip Vaughan, Tatiana Menshenina, and Andrew Bartlett are the key contacts for the desk.

The Russia and CIS desk at this firm is often seeing advising on M&A, banking and finance, as well as energy-related matters. Steven Galbraith, Claire Jeffs, Andrew Jolly, and Richard Jones are the main contacts.

This leading Spanish firm fields a Russian desk headed by Sebastian Saenz de Santa Maria and Luis Vinuales.

This Dutch firm houses a Russia and CIS desk, offering a broad range of services to its clients. It advises on M&A, financing, listings of Russian companies via Dutch public or private companies, as well as international tax structuring. The key contact is Ewout van Asbeck Daan ter Braak.

This Basel office of this Swiss firm fields a Russian desk advising Russian-speaking clients on their Swiss operations, as well as Swiss private individuals and companies on possible Russian business opportunities. It mainly handles matters related to business immigration to Switzerland. Alexander Gutmans, Filippo Beck, and Anna Pavan-Korovatskaya are the key members of the desk.

The Vienna-based Russian desk at this outstanding Austrian firm is noted for its significant experience in representing Russian companies and financial institutions interested in investing in or expanding their business throughout the CEE/SEE region.