The team of ‘exceptionally knowledgeable‘ lawyers at BGI Legal are frequently sought out by large corporations active in a variety of sectors including construction and financial services to assist with local and international arbitration. The practice is led by Zaza Bibilashvili , Sandro Bibilashvili and Giorgi Sarajishvili . Notable recent mandates include a high-value divorce litigation in Georgia involving assets worth approximately $0.5bn. ‘Multitalented lawyer‘ Davit Kakoishvili leads on criminal law matters.
Dispute resolution in Georgia
BGI Legal
Practice head(s):
Zaza Bibilashvili; Sandro Bibilashvili; Giorgi Sarajishvili
Other key lawyers:
Davit Kakoishvili; Ani Khojelani
Testimonials
‘A very strong team capable of working efficiently locally and internationally.’
‘I would like to point out their research and analytical skills. Davit Kakoishvili has also contributed to our case and his research skills and timing deserve a mention.’
‘The team is exceptionally knowledgeable and innovative in the face of relentless opposition. BGI is the finest European firm I have worked with in my 45-year career.’
‘Sandro Bibilashvili is an exceptional team leader and mentor to younger lawyers. Davit Kakoishvili is an excellent multitalented lawyer and draftsman. Ani Khojelani is very detail-oriented and skilled at using details to benefit the client.’
‘Lasha leads the team well. He is experienced and has excellent commercial sense.’
‘Zaza Bibilishvili is a key person and very clever when handling cases’
‘BGI Legal is a reliable law firm with exceptional experience in dispute resolution and at the same time a deep understanding of all aspects of corporate, commercial, and business matters. Their work exceeded all our expectations.’
‘Individual attorneys of BGI Legal have incredible research skills and are able to process large volumes of information quickly. They have a strong ability to draw reasonable and logical assumptions even from limited information and they formulate effective strategies for cases.’
Key clients
Skoda Praha a.s.
Wilhelmsen Georgia
Penumbra Inc.
JSC Nenskra Hydro
Corner Banca
Sinohydro
Abbey Asset Management
Discovery Networks
BASF
VEON
British Petroleum (BP)
Georgia
Stichting iFund
Apple
Asian Development Bank
CT Park
Ferrero
McDonald’s Georgia
East-West United Bank & Sistema Holding
Work highlights
- Representing JSCNH in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed by its Georgian construction contractor.
- Represented a foreign bank in one of the largest litigation cases in recent Georgian history, which involved the sale of the entire assets of the largest industrial enterprise and one of the largest exporters in Georgia.
- Represented Asian Development Bank in a lawsuit filed before Georgian courts and obtained favourable judgment upholding ADB immunity from legal process in Georgia based on the ADB Charter.
BLC Law Office
BLC Law Office‘s dispute resolution team is led by litigation expert Ketti Kvartskhava who acts as lead counsel on the firm’s high-profile tax, civil and administrative cases as well as international arbitrations, and ‘very professional, knowledgeable and client-oriented‘ Giorgi Batlidze, who is also noted for his strength in IP. Tamta Ivanishvili is involved in high-profile litigation and arbitration handled by the firm and has significant experience acting as a counsel as well as an arbitrator in Georgian courts.
Practice head(s):
Ketti Kvartskhava; Giorgi Batlidze; Rusa Tchkuaseli; Davit Tabatadze
Other key lawyers:
Tamta Ivanishvili; Lasha Zurabiani
Testimonials
‘The entire BLC Team is extremely professional. They are very dedicated and their attention to detail is extraordinary.’
‘For the last year, our principal contacts have been with Tamta Ivanishvili and Lasha Zurabiani. They are both dedicated professionals who respond quickly and effectively to our requests. They also understand that we appreciate a relationship which also includes the need for human empathy when framing their professional advice and tailoring it to our particular and personal circumstances.’
‘The team is very hard-working. They are capable of devising a multi-faceted litigation strategy.’
‘Giorgi Batlidze is very professional, knowledgeable and client-oriented.’
‘BLC is rated as one of the premier firms among Georgian legal entities, which is duly deserved. They are highly qualified and come duly recommended.’
Key clients
Anaklia Development Consortium LLC
Mr. Bob Meijer
Mr. Mamuka Khazaradze
Mr. Badri Japaridze
JSC Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation / LEPL State Agency of Oil and Gas of Georgia
Anagi LLC
Mtkvari HEPP LLC
Robert Bosch GmbH
City Loft / Adjara Group ZTE Corporation
Glovo App Georgia
Mr. Nika Gilauri
Carrefour Georgia
Tiffany and Company
Heidelberg Georgia
Work highlights
- Advising Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) and Mr. Bob Meijer in pending arbitrations before the Arbitration Court of International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) respectively.
- Represented JSC Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation and the State Agency for Oil and Gas in arbitration proceedings.
- Representing Tiffany and Company before the Supreme Court of Georgia in a precedent-setting dispute regarding the cancellation of a well-known trademark registered in bad faith.
Dentons
The dispute resolution practice at Dentons is ‘strong in civil litigation’, particularly in areas including real estate and compensation claims, hybrid administrative and court proceedings, and tax and customs matters. The firm also performs general commercial litigation, particularly in the railway sector. IP disputes are another area of expertise for the group. The team is led by Otar Kipshidze and represents clients in cross-border cases as well as at all levels of the Georgian court system. Another name to note is counsel Zurab Kiliptari, who is involved in many key litigation matters.
Practice head(s):
Otar Kipshidze
Other key lawyers:
Zurab Kiliptari; Natela Otaridze; Mariam Vashakidze
Testimonials
‘A strong team with strong ethical values’.
‘A very client-oriented law firm which is strong in civil litigation and guides their clients through every step of the process, finding the best solution in every situation.’
Key clients
Batumi Riviera
IGT Europe
PrivatBank
Netflix
Frontera Resources Corporation
Red Bull
Pfizer
Dunkin’ Brands
Premier Research International
BP
Work highlights
- Representing Batumi Riviera in a complex dispute related to a construction permit for one of the largest real estate projects in Batumi.
- Representing PrivatBank in a civil case before a Tbilisi City Court in a complex dispute related to a financing project.
- Assisting Netflix with regulatory issues related to a ban on Soviet-era symbols.
Gvinadze & Partners LLC
At Gvinadze & Partners LLC, the team's work in the disputes area spans administrative law, competition, intellectual property, investments, financial services, employment and real estate. The team is led by Nick Gvinadze who is ‘widely known and respected in the international arbitration community’. Zakaria Shvelidze is experienced in civil and administrative law and Sophie Panjikidze is an experienced litigator and patent attorney.
Practice head(s):
Nick Gvinadze
Other key lawyers:
Zakaria Shvelidze; Sophie Panjikidze
Testimonials
‘Excellent firm with a very good litigation capability.’
‘Nick Gvinadze is excellent. He is able to explain the process of litigating under Georgian law and make it easy to understand’
‘Gvinadze and Partners has had many years of near unrivalled experience in cross-border litigation and international arbitration.’
‘Nick Gvinadze is one of Georgia’s leading litigation and arbitration specialists. He is widely known and respected in the international arbitration community. He has enormous experience of the procedural strategic nuances of international arbitration and is able to deploy that experience to present cases in a manner that resonates with the tribunal.’
‘Technically excellent litigation with a very good tactical sense. The firm understands the commercial issues well.’
Key clients
Enyo Law LLP
Catena Operations Limited
Tamagnone Di Marco Law Firm
European Broadcasting Union
Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC
Cushman & Wakefield (Veritas Brown Caucasus LLC)
E&M Manufacturing Ltd.
HeidelbergCement Caucasus Ltd
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton
ZTE Corporation
UNICONF
Amorim & Irmãos, S.A.
iC consulenten Ziviltechniker GesmbH
MTU Maintenance Lease Services B.V.
Clifford Chance US LLP
Mr. Franco Muzzone
Work highlights
- Assisted US law firm Levenfeld Pearlstein LLP with defending an American real estate investor against Georgian injunctive measures in the context of a dispute pending in the US courts and in international arbitration.
- Working with Enyo Law LLP in the UK in connection with a pending ICSID arbitration case concerning claims arising out of major oil and gas exploration and production operations in Georgia.
- Working with Littleton Chambers in the UK on a high-profile divorce matter involving substantial tangible and intangible assets in Georgia, the UK and Switzerland.
MG Law Office
The team at MG Law Office is a popular choice for cross-border disputes where it is able to call on the presence of a number of skilled linguists in the team. The practice is led by Archil Giorgadze and George Svanadze, who has experience negotiating with potential investors and government authorities on public private partnerships. Recently the firm has represented the government of Georgia before an ICSID tribunal.
Practice head(s):
Archil Giorgadze; George Svanadze
Other key lawyers:
Lasha Machavariani; Ana Kochiashvili
Testimonials
‘The firm advises on complex employment related matters.’
‘Ana Kochiashvili and Lasha Machavariani were very helpful.’
‘The legal team does thorough research and a thorough analysis of the issue. They are very easy to work with, always ready to assist, listen to your needs and offer proper solutions.’
‘Archil Giorgadze is very a very comfortable person to work with. He expresses his points and views very clearly and has an ability to convince counterparts of his arguments. He is very even-tempered, unruffled and very convincing.’
‘I’d like to highlight the diversity of service and the immediate support in urgent cases. Also, it’s good to work with a team who has very strong communication between team members.’
‘Besides the high level of qualification and professionalism, I value the friendly manner of communication most of all.’
Key clients
Dhabi Group Georgia LLC
Small Enterprise Assistance Fund (SEAF)
Evolution Georgia LLC
Ministry of Justice of Georgia
Work highlights
- Acted for the Ministry of Justice of Georgia with respect to arbitration proceedings against Georgia.
- Acted for Evolution Georgia LLC in multiple unfair dismissal claims as well as in a dispute relating to the illegality of the employee strike.
BLB (Business Legal Bureau)
The team at BLB (Business Legal Bureau) represents clients in complex civil and administrative litigation as well as complex criminal investigations and prosecution. It is also known for acting for major Georgian companies in high-value local disputes. The team has also worked on significant competition disputes in recent years. The team is jointly headed by Maya Mtsariashvili and David Khaindrava; they are supported by counsel Nino Gotsireli.
Practice head(s):
Kakha Sharabidze; Maya Mtsariashvili; David Khaindrava
Other key lawyers:
Nino Gotsireli
Testimonials
‘They combine an expertise of the law with a feel for the political context.’
‘This is a team that works, thrives and gets excellent results in quite difficult and long-term cases. Professional ethics and dedication are exceptional.’
‘Kakha Sharabidze is a highly commended professional in law, capable of tackling both international matters and domestic ones. Nino Gotsireli is a lawyer that will fight for the client using creative legal tools and persistence.’
‘This team is a go-to for complex litigations that require specific subject matter expertise. They excel in their detailed understanding of the Georgian court practice and have a practical business-focused approach.’
‘David Khaindrava is an extremely smart legal strategist with the ability to build close partnerships with the in-house team. Maya Mtsariashvili is very responsive to clients and gives thoughtful advice, even if given at last minute notice, very dedicated to the clients. Nino Gotsireli, senior associate is a knowledgeable, efficient, and diligent counsel.’
‘BLB’s service is differentiated from others as they deliver personalised services for the client. My team is always thankful for the partners’ engagement in every project or litigation they handle for us. Their level of client commitment and client empathy is unique.’
‘We were impressed how David Khaindrava took very complex issues and helped guide us in a calm and focused way.’
Key clients
Frontera Resources Corporation
A.P. Moller – Maersk
ZHS IP Worldwide Sarl
Poti Sea Port Corporation JSC
Microsoft Corporation
Elman Srl
Gloria LLC
Joyce Life LLC
Work highlights
- Acting for PSPC JSC in a competition case related to port services initiated by 14 different inland terminal operators.
- Representing Frontera Resources Corporation in commercial litigations related to its holding companies and criminal charges initiated against its former CEO.
- Represented the US International Development Finance Corporation in connection with one of the Georgia-based borrowers and compulsory enforcement actions.
GRATA International Georgia
The team at GRATA International Georgia has an established practice acting for clients in commercial, administrative and tax litigation. The team is led by managing partner Irakli Kordzakhia and tax expert Sofia Roinishvili, who leads on tax and various commercial disputes. Rusudan Rogava is a key name at associate level and was recently involved in a dispute against one of the largest commercial banks in Georgia.
Practice head(s):
Sofia Roinishvili; Irakli Kordzakhia
Other key lawyers:
Rusudan Rogava
Key clients
Poti Terminal Holding
CPI Georgia
Energo Invest LLC
Interpipe Ukraine
Insta LLC
Ariston
SGS Georgia Ltd
GRDC
Pixel Management LLC
Georgian Fresh Holding B.V.
Basel LLC
Arci Group Entities
Georgian International Holding – Kutaisi Free Industry Zone
Constanta Foundation
Sai Invest
Work highlights
- Representing Constanta Foundation against the State Prosecutor’s Office in Georgia.
- Representing SAI Invest in a dispute against one of the local commercial banks.
- Representing CPI Georgia in a tax dispute against the State Revenue Service and the Ministry of Finance.
J&T Consulting LLC
J&T Consulting LLC has a notable practice acting for clients active in the retail, real estate and aviation sectors. The team, which is led by Giorgi Tsertsvadze, has recently concentrated its efforts on alternative dispute resolution. Senior associate Otar Machaidze is noted for his ability to ‘prioritise the clients’ needs‘ and his ‘significant determination to win.’
Practice head(s):
Giorgi Tsertsvadze
Other key lawyers:
Otar Machaidze; Simoni Takashvili
Testimonials
‘We had a close and regular connection with Giorgi Tsertsvadze and Otar Machaidze. Giorgi Tsertsvadze has extraordinary negotiation skills, is very thorough and deals with situations in an informed and proactive way. Otar Machaidze provided a timely and high-quality delivery of the necessary bilingual documents. We cannot speak highly enough of his excellent responsiveness and astute attention to detail.’
‘Giorgi Tsertsvadze has represented our company in international alternative dispute resolutions. His strategic lawyering, sharp instincts and balanced disposition keeps tensions from escalating and progresses the process.’
‘Knowledgeable, hard-working professionals is how I would describe this firm. Not only did the firm successfully handle my case, they kept me informed every step of the way and made me feel like my case was important to them.’
‘Knowledge, focus and efficiency are the underlying principles of this firm. The team’s approach is very tailored with a well-established individual approach that ensures the best reflection of the client’s interests.’
‘Simon Takashvili is an excellent communicator and strategic leader. He easily explains complex legal issues and stands out for his sound knowledge of corporate and legal matters. Tatia Turazashvili efficiently provides us with relevant information and makes sure we have a clear understanding of what the procedure consists of. Both team members we cooperate with are reliable in terms of the quality of work.’
‘Combination of knowledge, compassion, integrity and transparency. Our experiences with J&T Consulting were stupendous. They are truly professionals and result-oriented’
‘Giorgi Tserstvadze is an extremely sharp litigator that consistently provides pragmatic and strategic advice. He has an unparalleled ability to focus on and identify the most essential issues, while actively deliberating potential solutions. Giorgi is very efficient in understanding your goals and priorities and is always adapting even the most complex factual information to your best interests.’
‘Special mention has also to be made of Otar Machaidze. He is a brilliant practitioner who ensured the efficient and astoundingly quick delivery of the final result – the lawsuit. Otar is adept at prioritizing the clients’ needs and is equipped with significant determination to win. These qualities along with immensely strong work ethic makes him one of the best attorneys that we have ever worked with.’
Key clients
Georgian Post LLC
Lipman Karas
JV Anas International S.P.A. & Gestione Progetti Ingegneria Srl. & IRD Engineering srl.
Aircompany GeoSky
Aircompany TCA LLC
Techno Boom LLC
Georgian Lottery Company LLC
JSC Georgian State Electrosystem
Geo Fitness
High-tech Solutions LLC
Lithuanian Bakery LLC
Kanti LLC
MCB Georgia LLC
FINA LLC
Georgian Paper Manufacturing LLC
GCG Development LLC
Libo Group Ltd
Rompetrol Georgia
Gurme LLC
Davit Abuladze Georgian-Italian Clinic LLC
Work highlights
- Represented JSC Georgian State Electrosystem in negotiations valued at $7m.
- Advised Lipman Karas on an ICC case valued at $58m.
- Lead four different cases against a supermarket chain concerning the abuse of substantial bargaining power and unfair practice established in the retail sector.
Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners
The team at Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners has recently taken on cases from a variety of sectors which includes advising on insolvency proceedings within the financial services industry and representing a construction company in Tbilisi City Court. The ‘very professional and dedicated team‘, which is led by Lasha Nodia and Maka Todua, has also handled several IP disputes in recent years.
Practice head(s):
Lasha Nodia; Maka Todua
Testimonials
‘Very professional and dedicated approach. They are good in court. We had a complicated patent matter where they assisted us, and we are 100% satisfied.’
Key clients
Nicolaus Kaculas, Constantinos Anagnostopulos, Georgios Kaculas
JSC Goodwill
Marshe LLC
Archtrade LLC
JSC Bank of Georgia
JSC Procredit Bank
JSC Isbank
Kolkheti LLC
JSC Pasha Bank
Work highlights
- Represented, together with Lidings Law Firm, a US-based pharmaceutical companies in a court dispute concerning the breach of data exclusivity of innovative pharmaceutical product.
- Representing a client in a multimillion-dollar dispute concerning the annulment of fraudulent agreements and in related insolvency proceedings.
- Representing Nicolaus Kaculas, Constantinos Anagnostopulos and Georgios kaculas in a multimillion-dollar dispute concerning the ownership of real estate properties.
Archil Mchedlidze’s Law Practice LLC
Archil Mchedlidze’s Law Practice LLC, whose ‘highly qualified’ team is led by ‘good negotiator‘ Archil Mchedlidze and Valeri Bendianishvili, provides legal services to individuals and businesses from a variety of sectors including pharmaceutical and healthcare. The firm is also active in the real estate and construction sectors, having recently acted for a hotel business with a significant hotel project in Georgia.
Practice head(s):
Archil Mchedlidze; Valeri Bendianishvili
Testimonials
‘The team is highly qualified, easy to communicate with, friendly and always ready to help.’
‘Archil Mchedlidze is really different from competitors. He is professional, well educated, experienced, a very good negotiator and always gets the result that the customer desires. They have a full service for whatever the client may need.’
EY Law
Tato Chantladze leads the practice at EY Law, which acts in local and cross-border litigation and arbitration. The team receives disputes related to sectors including oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals. It has recently been involved in a high-value domestic arbitration in the automotive industry relating to the Covd-19 pandemic. Associate Elene Sulkhanishvili is a name to note. George Svanadze left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Tato Chantladze
Other key lawyers:
Elene Sulkhanishvili; Mako Maisuradze
PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC
The team at PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC is co-headed by Vano Gogelia and Sergi Kobakhidze. The firm has increased its disputes resolution work over recent years while retaining a core focus on commercial litigation. It has represented individuals and minority shareholders in disputes in a variety of sectors including sport and telecoms.
Practice head(s):
Vano Gogelia; Sergi Kobakhidze
Work highlights
- Representing an Azerbaijani investor in a dispute against the Georgian National Communications Commission.
- Representing an infrastructure company in a series of employment litigations.
- Representing an international pharmaceutical company in a dispute with a distributor.
VBAT
VBAT's 'efficient, intelligent practitioners' have assisted leading Georgian businesses, as well as local and foreign entrepreneurs and investors, with a range of disputes including IP, employment and insurance. Managing partner Davit Kikaleishvili leads the team with Davit Kvachantiradze who is in charge of the firm's criminal law practice. Tinatin Tskhvedian provides additional support.
Practice head(s):
Davit Kikaleishvili; Davit Kvachantiradze
Other key lawyers:
Tinatin Tskhvediani
Testimonials
‘In-depth study of issues. Flexible communication with the client’
‘We can quite simply count on the professionals of VBAT. They are efficient, intelligent and friendly.’
‘We can absolutely rely on VBAT’s team. They are very responsive and pragmatic but creative. The team is always available, flexible and highly qualified.’
‘Tina Tskhvediani is a very talented and exceptionally qualified practitioner. She has impressed us with extensive knowledge of the field and excellent negotiation skills. Besides, she works quickly and efficiently, and is focused to seek and offer actual solutions.’
‘This is a strong firm with good employees.’
‘All problems are solved in a timely and professional way.’
Key clients
Gross Energy Group LLC
Nobel Ilaç Sanayii ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Blauenstein Georgia LLC
Advanced Medical Technologies and Service/AMTS
Fashion House Materia LLC
InvestortTV LLC
Novator LLC
DOTS LLC
CBD Development LLC (East Point Mall)
Mtsvane Dighomi LLC
JoAnn Medical Center LLC
Bakologic LLC
PMO LLC
Leasing Expert LLC
Black & Veatch Special Projects Corp.
Aversi Pharma LLC
Tbilisi Open Air
RSP-40 LLC
Akhmeta Wine House LLC
Partnership Fund JSC
Work highlights
- Represented Blauenstein Georgia LLC in a series of real-estate related disputes.