Dispute resolution in Georgia

BGI Legal

Praised for ‘providing strong commercial and legal advice’, the team at BGI Legal are active in local and international arbitration, insolvency proceeding and divorce litigation, in which the firm handled the largest case ever heard in Georgia. The practice also has a strong focus on IP and has represented blue-chip multinational corporations in several high-profile disputes in this sector. Experienced litigators Zaza Bibilashvili , Sandro Bibilashvili  , ‘very detail-oriented’ and Giorgi Sarajishvili  head the team. Davit Kakoishvili is also recommended for his experience in white-collar crime and extradition cases.

Other key lawyers:

Davit Kakoishvili; Ani Khojelani; Lika Topuria

Testimonials

‘What I like the most at BGI is that I am always certain that the case is studied in full detail and taken very seriously. During the court proceedings, they are very competitive. I fully trust them to lead the case. At BGI you don’t have false expectations.’

‘Vasil (Sandro) Bibilashvili is distinctively intelligent and smart. He is very detail-oriented, sees the full picture and analyzes the case from various perspectives.’

‘Giorgi Sarajishvili has great experience and knowledge. He is also very combative in court.’

‘The BGI Legal team was very knowledgeable about local customs and practices, providing strong commercial and legal advice. They were very familiar with international arbitration and responsive to work with.’

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 NV

Ferrero

McDonald’s Georgia

MND Group NV

Pimeks Georgia

Park Gate

JSC Heritage Securities

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Ilia State University

Air Lease Corporation

Spairliners

TBC Bank

Lavazza

Upton Trade & Globe AG

Work highlights

  • Represented ADB in a precedent-setting case where the Georgian court recognized the immunity of ADB from legal process in Georgia. |
  • Represented Ferrero in a complex trademark registration case based on ‘distinctiveness acquired through use’.
  • Represented Facebook in a case that established a precedent in which it is possible to cancel a domain name containing another party’s trademark.

BLC Law Office

The team at BLC Law Office has experience handling a wide range of dispute resolution mechanisms, with international commercial and investment arbitration standing out as a particular area of expertise; an ICC commercial arbitration between Anaklia Development Consortium and the government of Georgia, in which the firm is acting as counsel on Georgian law, showcases the team’s expertise in this field. In domestic litigation, the group has recent experience representing clients in high-profile tax disputes, competition disputes and defamation cases. Ketti Kvartskhava heads the dispute resolution department, within which Giorgi Batlidze and Rusa Tchkuaseli jointly head the alternative dispute resolution team, while Davit Tabadze heads the litigation team. Clients include NGOs, multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals.

Practice head(s):

Ketti Kvartskhava; Giorgi Batlidze; Rusa Tchkuaseli; Davit Tabatadze

Testimonials

‘The BLC Team is highly qualified. They have great teamwork: individually they know their teammates strengths and weaknesses, that’s why the team is very creative and powerful. Communication is very easy and flexible.’ 

‘They have an understanding of the needs of the customer and the ability to listen and identify the key points of a case. They are able to find the best solutions for a situation.’

The ability to listen and support customers is the key factor in business relations. The individuals with whom we are working have great support skills – they can easily identify the main points and make them clear to the client. They offer the highest level of communication and the best solutions. ‘

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

Tbilisi Hotels LLC |Park Hotels LLC

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 ICSID, respectively.
  • Acted for Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation and the State Agency for Oil and Gas in arbitration proceedings relating to breaches of a production sharing agreement.
  • Represented Georgian Airlines in a high-profile insolvency case.

Dentons

Dentons is a key destination for blue-chip corporate clients from sectors including oil and gas, energy and food and drink. Competition law, compensation and tax and customs are among the broad selection of areas in which the firm litigates. The team is also strong on IP matters and has had success representing clients in both Georgian courts and the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia. Practice head Otar Kipshidze has considerable expertise in complex commercial disputes, particularly in the transportation sector.

Practice head(s):

Otar Kipshidze

Key clients

Batumi Oil Terminal

Spacecom

BP

International Game Technology (IGT)

PrivatBank

Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC)

Premier Research International

Primera Golf & Residence

Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE)

RazGal Energy Group

Work highlights

  • Representing the interests of NAC Aviation and its affiliate company, Aldus Portfolio Leasing as the creditors in the insolvency proceedings of Georgian Airways.
  • Represented an Estonian transportation company Spacecom A.S. before the Tbilisi City Court and Tbilisi Appellate Courts in civil proceedings against the Georgian Railway.
  • Represented numerous clients (Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli, Red Bull, Keltie, Pfizer, Dunkin’ Brands, Efes) in various high-profile trademark and copyright disputes.

Gvinadze & Partners LLC

Gvinadze & Partners LLC‘s broad offering encompasses courtroom litigation, administrative disputes and commercial arbitrations in a wide range of fields including employment, IP and real estate.  The highly experienced Nick Gvinadze, described as ‘very reactive, pragmatic, strategic, and a top expert in his field’, leads the team. Zakaria Shvelidze is an acknowledged expert in labour law, training members of the Georgian judiciary on the subject. Litigator and patent attorney Sophie Panjikidze is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Nick Gvinadze

Other key lawyers:

Zakaria Shvelidze; Sophie Panjikidze

Testimonials

‘Highly capable technically and good to work with.’

‘Nick Gvinadze is excellent.’

‘Nick Gvinadze – very reactive, pragmatic, strategic, and a top expert in his field.’

Key clients

Catena Media UK

Tamagnone Di Marco Law Firm

European Broadcasting Union

Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC

Cushman & Wakefield (Veritas Brown Caucasus

LLC)

E&M Manufacturing Ltd.

Amorim & Irmãos, S.A.

MTU Maintenance Lease Services B.V.

Clifford Chance US LL

Mr. Franco Muzzone

Work highlights

  • Co-counselling with DLA Piper UK LLP to defend a major client in international arbitration proceedings in relation to breach of contract for a luxury hotel operation in Tbilisi.
  • Working with Stephenson Harwood LLP to advise an oil and gas exploration and production company in multijurisdictional arbitration and litigation proceedings.
  • Representing the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in a dispute against one of the largest Georgian broadcasting companies regarding the recovery of significant debt and losses.

MG Law Office

A focus on commercial, tax and labour disputes has seen the team at MG Law Office represent international banks, international distributors and gaming operators in a variety of high-profile contentious mandates. The ‘outstanding depth of knowledge’ at the practice comes to the fore in its alternative dispute resolution offering, with the team active across complex ICC and ICSID arbitrations. Archil Giorgadze and George Svanadze head the team. Elene Gogichaishvili is also recommended for her ‘competence’ and ‘elaborate’ case work.

Practice head(s):

Archil Giorgadze; George Svanadze

Other key lawyers:

Ana Kochiashvili; Elene Gogichaishvili; Lasha Machavariani

Testimonials

‘The firm is efficient, with good analytical skills, responsive and ready to assist.’

‘The team at MG law is quite sophisticated and their depth of knowledge of legal practice is just outstanding.’

‘The prime factor that makes this firm really stand out is its employee’s attitude towards the tasks, both Giorgi Svanadze and Elene Gogichaishvili are very competent and their dedication to the case is so intricate and elaborate that they raise the standard of litigation in the country.’

 ‘Lasha Machavariani is an associate who provides good legal support.’

Key clients

Evolution Georgia LLC

Ministry of Justice of Georgia

Chempionebi 111 LLC

Work highlights

  • Acted on a constitutional claim for Chempionebi 111 LLC, one of the largest entities operating in the gaming industry in Georgia.
  • Advised online gaming operator Evolution Georgia LLC in relation to several landmark disputes against former employees.
  • Advised one of the largest transportation companies in Georgia on an arbitration claim.

BLB (Business Legal Bureau)

The team of ‘top-level experts‘ at BLB (Business Legal Bureau) represents clients in commercial and criminal disputes including cases that establish legal precedent and parallel litigations.  The team is praised for its ability to handle ‘complex international cases‘ such as the ongoing proceedings in which the firm is representing US-based oil and gas company Frontera Resources Corporation. ‘Leading expert in corporate law’ Kakha Sharabidze heads the team alongside experienced lawyer David Khaindrava and Maya Mtsariashvili, who is responsible for the firm’s criminal law practice; they are supported by Ana Rekhviashvili and Nino Gotsireli.

Practice head(s):

Kakha Sharabidze; Maya Mtsariashvili; David Khaindrava

Other key lawyers:

Ana Rekhviashvili; Nino Gotsireli

Testimonials

‘What I particularly appreciate from all the cooperation I had with them in a complex international case including Georgia, Russia and Cyprus was the consistency, speed and accuracy in the answers we requested regarding the applicable Georgian law in this case.’

‘I have been mainly dealing with Ana Rekhviashvili, partner of this office, who impressed me with the way she covered the various issues we raised, especially her patience and persistence in explaining those issues which were controversial and were dealt with by us in a different or nuanced way.’

‘The BLB team is comprised of very dedicated and top-level experts. Their main advantage is that the partners of the firm have been in the practice since the independence of Georgia; they have gone through all stages of the Georgian legal system reformation and thus possess historical knowledge of the system.  However, they also closely follow current developments and trends and keep a high pace of development.’

Key clients

JSC Poti Sea port Corporation and its operator APM Terminals B.V. operating the largest seaport in the region;

Maersk A.S. and its Georgian subsidiary Maersk Georgia – the largest shipping line offering a full spectrum of transportation services;

Frontera Resources Corporation and its Georgian companies operating in the oil and gas industry;

Gloria LLC – owned by Azerbaijani investors and operating two luxurious hotels in Tbilisi and Batumi;

Spectrum

Old Energy

Sparkassenstiftung für internationale Kooperation

Mixori

Barambo

TBC Bank

Microsoft Corporation

Work highlights

  • Advising PSPC on a major competition case related to port services initiated by 14 different inland terminal operators.
  • Providing legal advice to Frontera Resources Corporation in connection with commercial litigations related to its holding companies and criminal charges initiated against its former CEO.
  • Representing the US International Development Finance Corporation in connection with the default of a Georgian-based borrower.

GRATA International

GRATA International represents clients in complex commercial, administrative and tax disputes as well as being increasingly active in the field of international arbitration. A recent case pertaining to the representative authority of CEOs highlights the firm’s ability to deal with challenging mandates. Irakli Kordzakhia heads the practice and is supported by tax expert Sofia Roinishvili; both are known for co-leading a high-profile case against the State Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia.

Practice head(s):

Irakli Kordzakhia

Other key lawyers:

Sofia Roinishvili; Nanuka Chkuaseli

Key clients

Samegrelo Greenery

Co-investment Fund of Georgia

Energo Invest LLC

GRDC Group

Domus Aluminium

Petrocas Fuel Service

Constanta Foundation

Insta LLC

Interpipe Ukraine

Georgian Fresh Holding B.V.

Work highlights

  • Representing a client (individual – Levan Gachechiladze) who acted as a loan guarantor in LCIA.
  • Representing the non-commercial legal entity Constanta Foundation in a dispute against the state.
  • Representing Energo Invest LLC in a dispute with state authorities for breach of an investment memorandum.

J&T Consulting LLC

J&T Consulting LLC has an active and wide-ranging contentious practice, litigating in complex cross-border and domestic disputes for clients involved in sectors such as real estate and aviation as well as for state-owned entities. The team is increasingly focused on alternative dispute resolution and is particularly strong in domestic and international arbitration. ‘Experienced and conscientious lawyer’  Giorgi Tsertsvadzeleads the team alongside Otar Machaidze, who is described as ‘one of the most knowledgeable lawyers in relation to procedural matters in arbitration’.  They are supported by labour law expert Simon Takashvili .

Practice head(s):

Giorgi Tsertsvadze; Otar Machaidze

Other key lawyers:

Simon Takashvili;

Testimonials

 Knowledgeable, hard-working professionals is how I would describe J&T Consulting Law Firm! This team allows me to have peace of mind by knowing that I have professional and high-level legal assistance. J&T has handled our cases in the state and cross-border litigations for many years and consistently exceeds our expectations on every level!’

 ‘Giorgi Tsertsvadze has an exemplary understanding of international arbitration and its specificities. His strategic lawyering, sharp instincts and balanced disposition keeps tensions from escalating and furthers the progression of the proceedings. Owing to him, we frequently receive the best possible settlement in the shortest period of time and save huge sums of money.’

‘Mr. Simon Takashvili personally leads the company’s arbitration and litigation disputes both in the state and the overseas. His levels of organization, attention to detail, and follow-up are exceptional. Simon guides us through the entire process in a highly effective manner.’

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 LLC

Georgian Post LLC

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

Bazalt fiber

Aircompany GeoSky

Aircompany TCA LLC

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

Work highlights

  • Represented Georgian Post LLC in cross-border litigation valued at $1 mil.    
  • Represented High-Tech Solutions in an arbitration dispute valued at $1.5 mil
  • Lead the dispute against the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection of Georgia in arbitration proceedings.

Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners

Led by founding partner Lasha Nodia and former Tbilisi City Court manager Maka Todua, Nodia, Urumashvili & Partners has longstanding experience handling insolvency cases and boasts significant expertise in IP and patent matters. Additionally, the ‘team of outstanding legal professionals’ has seen its cross-border dispute experience bolstered by a high-profile dispute in which the practice represents a major US-based pharmaceutical company. Vakhtang Gamtsemlidze is also recommended for his ‘outstanding diligence and competence.’

Practice head(s):

Lasha Nodia; Maka Todua

Other key lawyers:

Vakhtang Gamtsemlidze

Testimonials

‘Responsive and professional. Good quality-price combination.’

‘A team of outstanding legal professionals with extensive experience in dispute resolution practice. The firm delivers exceptionally high standard legal service. Provides highly qualified advice on strategic matters both from a legal and business perspective. The team ensures comprehensive risk assessment in the dispute resolution process and demonstrates outstanding diligence in prosecuting the case.’

‘Vakhtang Gamtsemlidze is an outstanding legal professional with extensive experience and expertise, providing a high standard of legal service. He designs a solid and reliable strategy for the business in the dispute resolution process, both from legal and business perspective. Gamtsemlidze carries out a comprehensive risk assessment of the case, demonstrates outstanding diligence and competency in handling the dispute and strives for the best outcome for the client.’

Key clients

Lidings Law Firm

Majid Al Futtaim Hypermarkets Georgia (Carrefour Georgia)

JSC Goodwill

JSC Bank of Georgia

JSC Procredit Bank

JSC Isbank

Kolkheti LLC

BN LLC

Work highlights

  • Representing one of the largest US-based pharmaceutical companies in a court dispute concerning the breach of data exclusivity of a pharmaceutical product.
  • Representing B&N LLC in a multimillion-dollar dispute concerning insolvency proceedings.
  • Represented Carrefour Georgia in a dispute with its suppliers regarding the annulment of certain provisions of supply agreements.

EY LLC

EY LLC acts in local litigation and arbitration, notably for clients from the oil and gas and automotive sector. The firm’s expertise in tax law is reflected in its litigation practice, with the team also active across contractual and IP law. Practice head Tato Chantladze has significant experience of representing international companies in tax disputes. Elene Sulkhanishvili is also recommended for her proficiency in the field of IP.

Practice head(s):

Tato Chantladze

Other key lawyers:

Elene Sulkhanishvili; Mako Maisuradze

GLCC Law Firm

Acting primarily for clients from the real estate and construction industry, GLCC Law Firm is active across administrative and civil litigation. Ongoing proceedings in which the firm is representing a construction company against a major Georgian bank highlights the team’s strength in this area. Irakli Gaprindashvili and Grigol Mumladze head the practice.

Practice head(s):

Irakli Gaprindashvili; Grigol Mumladze

Other key lawyers:

Shalva Tsakaia; Enveri Abuladze

Testimonials

‘Very good distribution of work and responsibilities between the partners and associates. Parter input was focused on business and results.’

‘Irakli Gaprindashvili always provided us with important advice that helped us to choose the correct legal approach, which often involved optimising legal processes and costs.’

‘Very professional and experienced personnel with understanding of case history and the specific and probable application of the law, which in many cases is more important than the law itself.’

Key clients

Georgian Construction Consortium LLC

Capital Property LLC

Forth Pillar Georgia

IMAX Group

Gruner Stuckey Georgia

DMN Georgia

Ashmoonine Group JSC

Gudani Development

Medical Support and Technology

Constuction Company

Tribu Hotels

UN Association of Georgia

LLC ODA

LLC Life Master

LLC Poultry Georgia

LLC New Style

Work highlights

  • Defending Capital Properties LLC in an ongoing legal dispute in the court of first instance.
  • Represented Georgian Construction Consortium LLC in a high-value energy and infrastructure case.    
  • Representing LLC LIFE MASTER who is being sued by a construction partnership over the ownership of a property.    

PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC

The dispute resolution practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers Georgia LLC continues to broaden, with the team handling a series of tax, employment and investment disputes. Notably, the practice is acting as co-counsel in a major international investment treaty arbitration. Legal director Vano Gogelia, described as a ‘perfect lawyer‘, leads the practice. He is supported by investment dispute specialist Natia Kobosnidze.

Practice head(s):

Vano Gogelia

Other key lawyers:

Natia Kobosnidze; Teona Zhizhiashvili; Tamar Kankava

Testimonials

‘The diversity and experience of different fields make this team outstanding. I like the way how they work and communicate with clients. They easily understand the client’s needs.’  

‘Professional and proactive.’

‘High quality service with qualified team. We have had experience with these team in labour as well as tax law. The team and company standards tally with the clients’ needs.’ 

Key clients

Aviator LLC (Adjarabet)

Betlive LLC (Betlive)

Fullhouse LLC (Crocobet)

Mars LLC (Crystalbet)

Leader-bet Slot LLC (Leaderbet)

Weco Investment and Finance S.A.

Unipharm, Inc.

Hotel Collection International-Georgia LLC

Formula LLC

JSC Polat Yol Yapi Sanayi Ve Ticaret Branch in Georgia

Steel House LLC

 

Work highlights

  • Representing a group of Georgian gambling companies in tax dispute involving recent changes in tax regulations.
  • Represented Unipharm Inc. against a local distributor over a contractual dispute and obtained a ruling in the client’s favour.
  • Representing Weco Investments in international investment treaty arbitration and as well as in local investment disputes.

VBAT

A key destination for clients from the energy and construction industry, VBAT handles a range of litigation including corporate disputes, state procurement disputes and lease disputes. The firm routinely handles cross-border disputes in scenarios such as international arbitration. Davit Kikaleishvili and Davit Kvachantiradze head the practice.

Practice head(s):

Davit Kikaleishvili; Davit Kvachantiradze

Other key lawyers:

Tinatin Tskhvediani

Key clients

Blauenstein Georgia LLC

EVS Wealth Management

Golden Fleece LLC

Nobel Ilaç Sanayii ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi

Toyota Center Tbilisi LLC

City Pay LLC

Westminster Foundation for Democracy

BD Property LLC (Tbilisi Gardens)

Consulente Enologica SRL

Advanced Medical Technologies and Services (AMTS)

Fashion House Materia LLC

Sansonit LLC

Novator LLC

DOTS LLC

CBD Development (East Point Mall)

Mtsvane Dighomi LLC

Leader Invest LLC

JoAnn Medical Center LLC

PMO LLC

Leasing Expert LLC

Constant branch of Co LTD China Railway 23rd Bureau Group

Georgian Property Management LLC

Beach Building LLC

Ezo LLC

Big Era Games LLC

Georgian Karting School LLC

 

 

Work highlights

  • Representing a client in a series of state procurement related disputes.  
  • Advised China Railway 23rd Bureau Group Co., Ltd. on a series of disputes related to transportation infrastructure construction.