Dispute resolution in Georgia

BGI Legal

The team at BGI Legal provides ‘detail-oriented and effective’ advice to a primarily international roster of corporate clients across the full scope of their litigation requirements, including as it relates to commercial, IP, real estate, white-collar and employment disputes. Dovetailing with his own compelling transactional practice, team head Zaza Bibilashvili is particularly adept at handling high-profile corporate/commercial disputes. He is also one of many in the team with significant ADR experience, and has himself served as an arbitrator on numerous ICC arbitration cases. Sandro Bibilashvili has argued cases at all levels of the Georgian court hierarchy and is noted for his mediation skills, as is Giorgi Sarajishvili, who is ‘great at negotiating settlements on mediation’. Davit Kakoishvili excels in white-collar and extradition cases, while the ‘very diligent and hardworking’ Lika Topuria has recently handled some high-profile cases for creditors in the airline industry, as well as IP disputes for large food and beverage companies.

 

 

Practice head(s):

Zaza Bibilashvili


Other key lawyers:

Sandro Bibilashvili; Giorgi Sarajishvili; Davit Kakoishvili; Ani Khojelani; Lika Topuria


Testimonials

They are detail-oriented and effective.’

‘The team is very organised and highly professional.’

‘Giorgi Sarajishvili is very good at communicating and explaining the risks and peculiarities associated with any given litigation. He is responsive and insightful.’

‘Giorgi Sarajishvili is great at negotiating settlements on mediation.’

Sandro Bibilashvili is very reliable and knowledgeable.’ 

‘Lika Topuria is very diligent and hardworking. She is also great at negotiating settlements.’

Key clients

Coca-Cola Bottlers Georgia


East-West United Bank & Sistema Holding


Rustavi 2


Carlsberg


Scotch Whisky Association


AgriUni


Mey Alkollu


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


Facebook


Vialis Belgium


Ferrero


McDonald’s Georgia


MND Group


Pimeks Georgia


Park Gate


JSC Heritage Securities


International Finance Corporation


Asian Development Bank


Ilia State University


Air Lease Corporation


Spairliners


TBC Bank


Lavazza


Upton Trade & Globe AG


Majorel Georgia, LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented ADB in a precedent-setting case where the Georgian court recognized the immunity of ADB from legal processes in Georgia.
  • Represented one of the largest bottlers of soft drinks in the region in the Georgian Supreme Court in a landmark case on recognition and enforcement of a foreign arbitral award.

BLB (Business Legal Bureau)

Drawing upon an ‘excellent understanding of court and authorities decision practices and logic,’ BLB (Business Legal Bureau) is a popular choice among domestic and international corporates across a wide range of litigation, running the gamut from shareholder disputes through to complex white-collar litigation. The team is noted for its ‘solutions and results-oriented approach’ and recently secured a favourable settlement for Nona Gaprindashvili, a Georgian chess player and five-time world chess champion in a high-profile defamation dispute with Netflix. Kakha Sharabidze and David Khaindrava, co-head the overarching team alongside Maya Mtsariashvili, whose white-collar crime expertise was recently showcased in a major state-racketeering case.

Practice head(s):

Kakha Sharabidze; Maya Mtsariashvili; David Khaindrava


Other key lawyers:

Ana Rekviashvili; Niko Dateshidze; Mariam Vashakidze; Tengizi Mghebrishvili


Testimonials

‘They display a solutions and results-oriented approach and are capable of managing large scale litigation.’

‘The team includes very professional and knowledgeable lawyers with good interpersonal and business skills.’

‘We admire the hard work and dedication of the team and highly recommend BLB to any third parties.’

Key clients

JSC Poti Sea port Corporation and its operator APM Terminals B.V.


Mærsk A.S./Mærsk Georgia


Frontera Resources Corporation


Gloria LLC


Spectrum


Irbis LLC


Baltic Investment Group


Mahmoud Mohammad Mahmoud Al-Rifai


Dany Moussa


LLC “M.M”


Evgeni Ioffe


Sealink Global


Grapefruit JSC


Shareholders of Tbilaviamsheni JSC


Danedo Management Corp


Work highlights


  • Advised shareholders of JSC Tbilaviamsheni in one of the biggest cases of state racketeering in the history of Georgia.
  • Advised Frontera Resources Corporation in connection with commercial disputes related to its holding companies and criminal charges initiated against its former CEO.
  • Represented five-time world champion chess player Nona Gaprindashvili in her defamation action brought against Netflix regarding a false statement made in the final episode of The Queen’s Gambit.

BLC Law Office LLC

BLC Law Office LLC has an excellent insight into procedural and overarching substantive law matters, ensuring clients receive very robust representation across a range of conventional litigation and ADR matters. Team head Ketti Kvartskhava has broad-ranging litigation experience across all levels of courts, as well as from an arbitration perspective, including as it relates to shareholder and construction disputes. Tamta Ivanishvili is also experienced at handling arbitration matters both on behalf of clients and in her role as an arbitrator in Georgia-seated arbitration proceedings. In addition, she is one of the few litigators in the country with experience in representing clients before the European Court of Human Rights. Recently promoted partner Rusa Tchkuaseli is well-versed in handling conventional litigation as well as arbitration, with a varied caseload that includes investor, state disputes and defamation disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ketti Kvartskhava


Other key lawyers:

Giorgi Batlidze; Rusa Tchkuaseli; Davit Tabatadze; Alexander Bolkvadze; Tamta Ivanishvili; Lasha Uplisashvili; Lasha Zurabiani


Key clients

Anaklia Development Consortium


Bob Meijer


Mamuka Khazaradze


Badri Japaridze


JSC Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation/LEPL State Agency of Oil and Gas of Georgia


Anagi LLC


Mtkvari HEPP


Robert Bosch


City Loft/Adjara Group


ZTE Corporation


Glovo App Georgia


Mr. Nika Gilauri


Carrefour Georgia


Tiffany and Company


Heidelberg Georgia


Work highlights


  • Advised Anaklia Development Consortium and Bob Meijer in arbitrations pending before the Arbitration Court of International Chamber of Commerce and ICSID, respectively.
  • Acted for Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation and the State Agency for Oil and Gas in arbitration proceedings relating to breaches by Frontera Resources Georgia Corporation of its obligations under its 1997 Production Sharing Agreement.
  • Represented Georgian Airlines in its high-profile insolvency case.

Dentons

Regularly instructed by firmwide clients and also on a standalone basis, Dentons maintains a thriving litigation practice, including for clients in the energy, aviation and telecoms, both on domestic mandates, as well as in cross-border disputes. Team head Otar Kipshidze exemplifies the varied nature of the firm’s workflow, being as comfortable handling complex corporate disputes, as he is competition and insolvency litigation. IP work also plays an increasingly prominent role for the team, with the firm regularly acting for clients engaged in trade mark and copyright disputes. Other key practitioners are Zurab Kiliptari and Natela Otaridze.

Practice head(s):

Otar Kipshidze


Other key lawyers:

Zurab Kiliptari; Natela Otaridze


Key clients

Batumi Oil Terminal


Trans Optima Group


City Loft


Logic Group


SOCAR Georgia Petroleum


Oceaneering International Services


ArcelorMittal Temirtau


Primera Golf & Residence


RazGal Energy Group


BP


Work highlights


  • Advised SOCAR Georgia Petroleum in a claim against the Competition Agency concerning the imposition of fines for alleged violation of competition law.
  • Advised Trans Optima Group on a multimillion US dollar civil dispute against Georgian Railways.
  • Advised Razgal Energy on legal proceedings regarding a squeeze-out of the shares held by the minority shareholder in Razgal Georgia to a majority shareholder – Razgal Energy.

Gvinadze & Partners LLC

Under the leadership of Nick GvinadzeGvinadze & Partners LLC provides robust representation of clients from a range of industry sectors, including aviation, construction and energy, across the spectrum of commercial, employment, IP and debt recovery. Drawing upon strong relationships with many well-known international law firms, the team is particularly accomplished at handling cross-border matters with a nexus to Georgia. Gvinadze himself is adept at handling conventional litigation as well as arbitration, including on construction and FIDIC-related matters. As part of his broad litigation expertise, which spans construction and land permitting, through to tax disputes, Zakaria Shvelidze regularly advises on labour law matters. Sophie Panjikidze is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Nick Gvinadze


Other key lawyers:

Zakaria Shvelidze; Sophie Panjikidze; Tornike Amilakhvari; Anzor Khatiashvili


Key clients

Tsavkisi Valley Community


Catena Media UK Ltd


European Broadcasting Union


Cushman & Wakefield (Veritas Brown Caucasus LLC)


MTU Maintenance Lease Services


The Amorim Group


Harper Macleod LLP/E&M Manufacturing Ltd.


Work highlights


  • Collaborated with a major global law firm on legal due diligence and investigation of the Georgian counterparty for and on behalf of a US financial institution in connection with a pending dispute.
  • Worked with a London-based litigation firm in connection with a pending arbitration case on claims arising out of major oil and gas exploration and production operations in Georgia.
  • Represented, together with a Scottish firm, a European client before a major Georgian bank, Georgian Courts and other state authorities concerning the multi-jurisdictional theft of funds from the client’s bank accounts.

MG Law Office

The ‘extremely knowledgeable and responsive’ team at MG Law Office provides ‘very sophisticated advice’ to domestic and international corporates across a myriad of civil and administrative law disputes, including as it relates to tax, labour and real estate matters. George Svanadze is ‘very intellectual and hardworking,’ ensuring that clients are effectively represented in both conventional litigation and arbitration proceedings. He has recently handled numerous matters for banking and finance entities recovering unpaid loans, including through formal insolvency proceedings. Archil Giorgadze, who co-heads the team alongside Svanadze, is ‘vastly experienced and knowledgeable,’ including in relation to litigation involving public sector entities.

 

Practice head(s):

Archil Giorgadze; George Svanadze


Other key lawyers:

Ana Kochiashvili; Giorgi Kikiani


Testimonials

‘Extremely knowledgeable and responsive team across multiple areas of Georgian law.’

‘The exceptional team provides very sophisticated advice.’

‘Archil Giorgadze is vastly experienced and knowledgeable.’

‘George Svanadze is very intellectual and hardworking.’

‘George Svanadze’s contribution to litigation was outstanding, he skilfully defended our position in court.’

‘MG Law demonstrated an unparalleled level of competence and attention to detail, ensuring that all legal aspects were properly addressed and resolved efficiently.’

‘Archil Giorgadze is a very experienced and insightful attorney, and the many years of our relationship are proof that we can always trust his advice and professionalism.’

Key clients

Chempionebi 111 LLC


Heidelberg Cement Georgia LLC


X2 Group


JSC ProCredit Bank


Maqro Tourism LLC


Cross 2 LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented various Georgian entities owned by a foreign investor in relation to the enforcement of a confidential award issued by a Swedish tribunal following an international arbitration process.
  • Represented a foreign bank operating in Georgia in connection with a dispute concerning an unpaid loan for $65m.
  • Advised a government agency in a complex litigation matter relating to a public tender.

GRATA International

Leveraging a diverse mix of professional experiences within the firm, GRATA International is appreciated for its ability to ‘see a legal problem from different angles and solve it,’ ensuring that clients receive an insightful service across a range of civil and administrative disputes. The ‘solutions-oriented and highly professional’ Irakli Kordzakhia heads the team that also includes tax expert Sofia Roinishvili and ‘outstanding’ senior associate Thea Tadashvili, who provides ‘highly practical and insightful advice’, in part due to her previous experience as a judge.

Practice head(s):

Irakli Kordzakhia


Other key lawyers:

Sofia Roinishvili; Thea Tadashvili


Testimonials

‘The firm’s lawyers have a unique ability to see a legal problem from different angles and solve it.’ 

‘Irakli Kordzakhia is solutions-oriented and highly professional.’

‘Thea Tadashvili is outstanding and provides responsive, highly practical and insightful advice.’

Key clients

Constanta Foundation


Sai Invest


Georgia Co-investment Fund


GRDC


Georgian Fresh Holding, Netherlands B.V.


Maddox Georgia


Energo Invest, LLC


Omega Motors Group


Work highlights


  • Represented Constanta Foundation in a dispute against the state.
  • Represented Sai Invest in a dispute against one of the largest commercial banks of Georgia.
  • Represented a large investor in the energy sector in a tax dispute.

J&T Consulting LLC

Very effective at handling conventional litigation and also well-versed in ADR techniques, including arbitration and mediation, J&T Consulting LLC has good market visibility across a range of commercial, construction and competition disputes. Giorgi Tsertsvadze is a certified mediator, ensuring that he has an excellent perspective of techniques needed to achieve favourable results. Tsertsvade also has a very international outlook to work in the space, and with a fluency across English, German and Russian, is a popular choice to handle cross-border disputes. Otar Machaidze co-heads the team alongside Tsertsvade and excels at handling international and domestic arbitration disputes. Labour law expert Simon Takashvili is recommended.

Practice head(s):

Giorgi Tsertsvadze; Otar Machaidze


Other key lawyers:

Simon Takashvili; Ana Papkiaur; Mari Tsitskishvili; Nana Turmanidze; Tatia Turazashvili


Testimonials

‘The team is really exceptional on our market. They have a number of lawyers who are the real professionals of their business and are specialized in different areas of law.’

Key clients

Cobra Instalaciones y Servicios S.A. Branch Georgia


Branch of a foreign enterprise – Tbilisi Metro Line 2


ProCredit Bank Georgia


GLI Global Logistik|Internationale Speditions GmbH


Pineo Medical Ecosystem LLC


Georgian Post LLC


JV Anas International S.P.A. & Gestione Progetti Ingegneria Srl. & IRD Engineering srl.


Bazalt fibers


Techno Boom LLC


Georgian Lottery Company LLC


Geo Fitness


High-tech Solutions LLC


Lithuanian Bakery LLC


Kanti Georgia LLC


Georgian Paper Manufacturing LLC


GCG Development LLC


Retro Constructions LLC


Kanti Ltd


Trade Shift LLC


KPI Georgia


IBRAHIM SAEED AADI


Maia Gilashvili


Work highlights


  • Represented Geo Fitness LLC in multimillion-dollar lawsuits involving proceedings against the clients’ former director and other companies and private persons affiliated with him.
  • Secured victory against the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia in an arbitration arising out of a $5m FIDIC contract.
  • Represented Trade Shift LLC in a $3m lawsuit against a foreign investor.

Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners

Drawing upon ‘extensive experience’ across litigation and arbitration, the team at Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners provides ‘a proactive and result-focused approach’, ensuring that clients achieve results across a range of litigation, including shareholder, IP and tax disputes. Insolvency litigation is also a core strength, an area in which managing partner Lasha Nodia has gained particular acclaim. Nodia co-heads the team alongside Maka Todua, who brings an excellent insight into court processes by virtue of her previous judicial roles, including assistant to the Judge at the Administrative Chamber of the Supreme Court of Georgia, and manager at Tbilisi City Court. The ‘extremely talented’ Giorgi Kekenadze is ‘very proactive, client-oriented and diligent.’

Practice head(s):

Lasha Nodia; Maka Todua


Other key lawyers:

Alexander Sukhishvili; Giorgi Kekenadze


Testimonials

‘The team is well-prepared and explain everything in an easy-to-understand manner.’ 

‘The outstanding team displays a proactive and result-focused approach.’

‘They have extensive experience in the dispute resolution arena and deliver high quality results.’ 

‘The extremely talented Giorgi Kekenadze is very proactive, client-oriented and diligent.’

‘Giorgi Kekenadze is extremely detailed oriented.’

‘The team woks very efficiently and I really liked that younger colleagues had direct contact with the client.’

‘We appreciated the support given, as this was our first legal case in Georgia, to make us aware of unique laws & regulations, or simply local processes.’

‘Our key contact was always available and fully briefed. We felt a personal support, involvement and true guidance throughout!’

Key clients

Majid Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Georgia (Carrefour Georgia)


JSC Goodwill


JSC Bank of Georgia


JSC Procredit Bank


JSC Isbank


Kolkheti LLC


BN LLC


Solutions hi Worldwide S.L


Work highlights


  • Represented a Georgian non-profit organisation in arbitration proceedings conducted under LCIA rules.
  • Represented a client in a high-profile and televised dispute with its suppliers regarding annulment of certain provisions of supply agreements.
  • Represented a Georgian company in a multimillion-dollar dispute concerning insolvency proceedings.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC

The ‘highly skilled’ team at PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC continues to gain market visibility off the back of some complex civil and administrative law cases, including as it relates to tax and employment issues. Team head Vano Gogelia is at the forefront of the highest-profile cases including his work as co-counsel for the Azerbaijani investor in a major investment arbitration proceeding, as well as in a major constitutional law case brought against the Georgian Parliament by the gambling industry challenging certain age and taxation-related gambling regulations. Natia Kobosnidze is also a key member of the team, particularly in the context of investment disputes.

Practice head(s):

Vano Gogelia


Other key lawyers:

Teona Zhizhiashvili; Natia Kobosnidze; Nino Usharauli; Tamar Kankava


Testimonials

‘It is a highly skilled team.

‘Vano Gogelia is a best-of-the-best lawyer.’

Key clients

Nasib Hasanov


Aviator LLC (Adjarabet)


Leader-bet Slot


Weco Investment and Finance


Formula LLC


JSC Polat Yol Yapi Sanayi Ve Ticaret Branch in Georgia


Betlive LLC


Pharmax LLC


Work highlights


  • Represented Mr. Nasib Hasanov as the co-counsel in a major investment arbitration proceeding based on Bilateral Investment Treaty between Georgia and Azerbaijan, against Georgia in the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
  • Represented Weco Investment and Finance S.A. in a major telecoms dispute in Georgia.

Archil Mchedlidze’s Law Practice LLC

Displaying an ‘unwavering commitment to professionalism and teamwork,’ Archil Mchedlidze’s Law Practice LLC provides ‘well-rounded advice’ to private individuals and corporations across a range of commercial litigation. Co-heads Archil Mchedlidze and Valeri Bendianishvili are ‘very attentive, responsive and efficient’ and both have experience at all court levels including the Appeal Court and Supreme Court.

Practice head(s):

Archil Mchedlidze; Valeri Bendianishvili


Testimonials

‘What makes Archil Mchedlidze’s law practice unique is the team’s unwavering commitment to professionalism and teamwork. Each attorney brings specialized knowledge and skills, allowing them to tackle complex issues from multiple angles, delivering well-rounded advice to the clients.’

‘Both Archil Mchedlidze and Valeri Bendianishvili are very experienced individuals and are very attentive, responsive and efficient in the service they provide. Both are multilingual and are very practical people. They are pro active and their communication is both clear and precise.’

‘Archil Mchedlidze stands out for his multifaceted skill set. Besides being a brilliant attorney with an acute understanding of legal nuances, he excels in managing the team with a perfect blend of guidance and autonomy, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.’

‘When there is a complicated situation, I always feel support from individuals. Archil Mchedlidze and Valeri Bendianishvili always go into depth of the topic and do their best to find the best, quickest and the most productive solution.’

‘The practice is unique in that it has specific expertise in a wide range of legal services and can provide expert advice and practical, logical information and assistance.’

‘They value each client and work on each case with high responsibility, attention and qualification.’

‘Archil Mchedlidze’s Law Practice is one of the trusted law firms in Georgia.’

EY Law

The ‘experienced, reliable and flexible’ team at EY Law handles litigation and arbitration cases on both local and international levels with workflow cutting across a wide range of corporate and commercial disputes. Leveraging the firm’s broader tax credentials, tax litigation is a particular area of strength, with New York and Georgia-qualified team head Tato Chantladze particularly accomplished in the space. Elene Sulkhanishvili is also recommended.

Practice head(s):

Tato Chantladze


Other key lawyers:

Elene Sulkhanishvili; Mako Maisuradze; Ekaterine Kiknadze; Tinatin Kachakhidze


Testimonials

‘The team is experienced, reliable and flexible.’

Key clients

Actavis International


Work highlights


  • Represented Actavis International Limited in a dispute brought against a local retailer for failing to make payments for their pharmaceutical products.

MKD Law

Acting on its own, as well as in the role of local counsel to international law firms, MKD Law has excellent market traction across a wide range of commercial litigation, running the gamut from insolvency litigation through to shareholder disputes. As part of his broad litigation offering, as well as regularly representing clients in domestic civil and criminal litigation, Archil Kbilashvili has experience of handling cases heard before the European Court of Human Rights and as a local counsel in a number of disputes heard by the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes. Victor Kipiani and David Dzidziguri co-head the team alongside Kbilashvili.

Practice head(s):

Victor Kipiani; David Dzidziguri; Archil Kbilashvili


Other key lawyers:

David Metskhovrishvili; Natalia Babakishvili; Sandro Samadbegishvili; Mariam Karseladze


Key clients

Export Development Canada


TAV-Urban Georgia (Tbilisi international airport)


Asseco Georgia


GFS LLC


KDV Georgia LLC


Former Shareholders of AvtoGaz JSC


Work highlights


  • Represented Export Development Canada in civil litigation in Georgia.
  • Represented TAV-Urban Georgia as the largest creditor of the Georgian airline Airzena in its insolvency process.
     
     
  • Represented the interests of GFS LLC in a dispute concerning the ownership title over the shares of the other company and the breach of payment obligations by the former partners.

VBAT

VBAT is ‘respected by opposing parties and judges,’ and provides a ‘high-quality service’ to domestic and international corporates engaged in a wide range of civil and administrative litigation, including as it relates to public procurement challenges. The ‘exceptional’ Davit Kikaleishvili, who co-heads the team alongside Davit Kvachantiradze, has ‘excellent analytical skills’, a trait which he utilises to good effect in both conventional litigation and arbitration. Tinatin Tskhvediani is ‘very client-oriented, responsive, supportive and helpful,’ including to clients seeking recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Georgia.

Practice head(s):

Davit Kikaleishvili; Davit Kvachantiradze


Other key lawyers:

Giorgi Melikishvili; Tinatin Tskhvediani; Nana Amisulashvili; Natia Gogadze


Testimonials

‘The firm has consistently displayed extensive knowledge, exemplary skills, expertise, dedication and the ability to effectively deal with complex cases.’ 

‘The very approachable and client friendly team provides a high-quality service.’ 

‘The professional and experienced team is very diligent and is respected by opposing parties and judges.’

Key clients

Hilton Garden Inn Tbilisi Riverview


Radisson Red Tbilisi


E-Tickets LLC


Blauenstein Georgia LLC


Nobel Ilaç Sanayii ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi


Toyota Center Tbilisi LLC


BD Property LLC (Tbilisi Gardens)


Advanced Medical Technologies and Services (AMTS) LLC


CBD Development LLC (East Point Shopping Mall)


Leasing Expert LLC


Winery LLC


NS Studio LLC


Consulente Enologica SRL


Fashion House Materia LLC


Dots LLC


Sansonit LLC


Novator LLC


Mtsvane Dighomi LLC


Ezo LLC


Build Territory LLC


EG Holding LLC


Metropol Holding


Glam LLC


GTR LLC


Leader Invest LLC


Constant branch of Co LTD China Railway 23rd Bureau Group


Wurth Georgia LLC


Zakaria Paliashvili Tbilisi Central Musical School “Nitchierta Attsledi”


Work highlights


  • Acted for E-Tickets LLC as a claimant before the Georgian National Competition Agency and administrative courts in a precedent-setting competition law case regarding the alleged abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive agreements.
  • Acted for CBD Development LLC (East Point Shopping Mall) before the courts of Georgia in complex judicial disputes involving clarification on various aspects of Georgian contractual law.
  • Represented Constant branch of Co LTD China Railway 23rd Bureau Group in a series of disputes related to transportation infrastructure construction services.