The Legal 500

Within Banking and finance, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP has ‘one of the best offerings in the market, particularly for oil and gas pre-export financings’, a reputation that persists despite Alexander Tsakoev’s move to Norton Rose (Central Europe) LLP. In addition to energy finance expertise, the team also has substantial experience with syndicated loans. Practice head Alexander Currie is leading a team representing Shtokman Development AG in the financing of the Shtokman gas, LNG and condensate project. Edward Baring is ‘technically strong’ and ‘pragmatic’, and Artjom Buligin is also recommended.

Within Capital markets, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

‘Very knowledgeable, responsive, and with a lot of expertise in different areas’, Herbert Smith CIS LLP’s capital markets team fields Russian, English and US qualified lawyers. It advised Alfa Bank on two $1bn issues of LSE-listed loan participation notes, and VTB Capital on a $556m follow-on offering of leading Russian food retailer Dixy Group, listed on the RTS and MICEX Stock Exchanges. Practice head Evgeny Zelensky is ‘very easy to contact and quick to come back with any answers a client may need at any time around the clock’.

Within Moscow , Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP’s broad client base includes Russian and multinational companies, state-owned businesses, investment banks and private equity firms. Alexei Roudiak advised Yamal Development on its acquisition of a 51% interest in SeverEnergia. The group also has experience of high-value asset reassignments. Allen Hanen heads the team, which welcomed senior associate Tomasz Wozniak from Clifford Chance in 2011.

Within St Petersburg Leading individuals

Within Dispute resolution, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Dmitry Kurochkin’s team at Herbert Smith CIS LLP represents clients in Russian courts, and can call on Vladimir Melnikov’s substantial courtroom experience. Kurochkin is advising lender ING Bank in a multi-jurisdictional dispute regarding a defaulted loan. Complex cross-border disputes and international arbitrations are led from Moscow with the assistance of colleagues in London and Paris.

Within Employment, Herbert Smith LLP is a third tier firm,

Dmitry Kurochkin heads Herbert Smith CIS LLP’s team, which recently advised Goldman Sachs on various issues including dismissals and secondment structures.

Within Energy and natural resources, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP’s energy and natural resources practice has ‘broad experience and fields of expertise’, and can provide ‘all-round support’ for ‘very ambitious projects’. Recent work includes advising Yamal Development on the purchase of a 51% interest in OOO SeverEnergia. Finance partner Alexander Currie and corporate partner Danila Logofet drive the practice, and are recommended along with John Balsdon, Artjom Buligin and Olga Davydava. Senior associate Tomasz Wozniak joined from Clifford Chance.

Within Public private partnership, Herbert Smith LLP is a first tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP has made an impressive breakthrough in the PPP market following the recruitment of Olga Revzina and an associate from Gide Loyrette Nouel. The move has resulted in the team gaining a large share of PPP instructions, advising on both the public and private side in the majority of Russia’s most prominent projects. Work includes acting for the government of St Petersburg on the €4.5bn WHSD project, and for the winning consortium on the $1.8bn Orlovsky tunnel project.

Within Real estate, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Alexei Roudiak heads Herbert Smith CIS LLP’s practice, which works closely with M&A colleagues to set up investment structures or corporate vehicles for the ownership and occupation of property. Recent work includes advising a client on restructuring of its public debt secured by properties under development.

Within TMT, Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP recently advised BSkyB Group regarding Sky News distribution in Russia, and 1&1 Internet AG on the regulation of online services in Russia. The group has also acted for some of the biggest M&A and finance transactions in the TMT industry. Corporate partner Nicholas Moore leads the practice.

Within Tax , Herbert Smith LLP is a second tier firm,

Herbert Smith CIS LLP advises on complex tax issues in areas such as energy, real estate and restructuring. Highlights included tax structuring advice relating to the establishment of a $1.5bn real estate fund, and advising Sheremetyevo International Airport on tax issues relating to airport assets. Oleg Konnov leads the team.