GRATA International has established itself as a key name for advising on oil and gas downstream work, acting for major investors on entrances into Kazakhstan's petrochemical market, and it has significant involvement in IPOs. As head of the natural resources team, Almat Daumov leads on M&A and dispute resolution work, while Baizhan Bekzhanov oversees all work related to the mining industry. Yerbolat Yerkebulanov is leads the subsoil use expertise and focuses on commercial agreements, regulated procurements, oil and gas work, and mining issues. He works alongside Maxim Burak, who handles corporate transactions in the oil and gas sector.

Unicase Law Firm provides advice to the Kazakhstan Government and international clients in the renewable energy, oil and gas sectors on developing legislation, as well as advising on de-risking renewable energy investments. Raushana Chaltabayeva focuses on M&A and PPPs for renewable, oil and gas clients; group head Saniya Perzadayeva advises on infrastructure issues, PPPs and legislation related to renewables projects; and Nurlan Kubenov provides additional support at associate level. The team also acts as counsel for international law firms on corporate and finance matters relating to the energy and mining industries.

The team at AEQUITAS frequently assists international law firms and corporations seeking to invest into Kazakhstan's oil and gas and natural resources markets. The group is also experienced in labour and antitrust issues and subsoil user procurement mandates; it was the first local firm to draft subsoil contracts. Managing partner Olga Chentsova was notably involved in drafting the petroleum and subsoil use law; he and Natalya Braynina lead on handling key matters including corporate and environmental issues, subsoil use, litigation and arbitration proceedings.

With experience in advising international and local companies in the mining and gas industries on major privatisation projects, Baker & McKenzie - CIS, Limited focuses on high-profile cross-border transactions in the power, mining, uranium, and oil and gas sectors. Its experience includes handling acquisitions, subsoil use right transfers and amendments, trade compliance issues, and international arbitration proceedings. Managing partner Azamat Kuatbekov leads on complex cross-border matters; he also works alongside senior associate Nurgul Abdreyeva on transactions and regulatory compliance mandates.

Haller Lomax's team fields experts in structuring joint ventures, mining rights and licences, and construction and infrastructure projects. With a particular focus on energy, environment and natural resources issues, it also has prior experience in environmental legislation and regulatory matters. Arman Bigazin advises on PPPs, joint ventures and M&A, as well as environmental legislation, while Timur Odilov splits his practice between transactional and regulatory work in the natural resources sector. Corporate and transactional expert Vilen Adjivefaev is also noted for his work in the energy sector.

SIGNUM Law Firm's work in the natural resources and energy sectors is split between advising oil and gas clients on M&A, regulatory issues and corporate work. The group also regularly handles complex cross-border matters involving investors seeking advice regarding market entries into Kazakhstan, and is noted for its expertise in subsoil use matters. Managing partner Sofiya Zhylkaidarova leads on a variety of matters, while Abylkhair Nakipov and Liza Zhumakhmetova advise on commercial, corporate and M&A mandates. Gaukhar Kudaibergenova and Talgat Sariev are other names to note.

AGZ / Zan Hub has experience of assisting with domestic energy projects. The group advises on power plant and distribution networks, solar, wind and hydropower projects. Madiyar Bekturganov specialises in project finance and M&A work in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Senior associate Altynay Mambetalina is also noted.

Ernst & Young Kazakhstan LLP has sector-specific expertise including advising on subsoil use issues in the oil and gas, mining and metals sectors, as well as operatorship model restructurings and M&A transactions. The team is also knowledgeable in obtaining approval from the Kazakhstan government for alienating subsoil use rights. Dinara Tanasheva leads the team on investment projects in the CIS region for oil and gas clients, while Borys Lobovyk specialises in antitrust, M&A, commercial law and PPP mandates.

Integrites frequently acts for national and local government agencies as well as traditional and alternative energy providers on significant M&A transactions, particularly inbound acquisitions of Kazakh energy companies. Managing partner Kurmangazy Talzhanov focuses on commercial arbitration proceedings, acting for major clients in the oil and gas industry. Svetlana Shtopol is the key name for mining work.

KM & Partners LLP advises clients on cross-border investments, project and infrastructure finance work, and general corporate matters regarding the mining and energy sectors. Managing partner Yerzhan Kumarov is qualified to practice in both Kazakhstan and New York and works primarily on financing, ownership and licensing mandates. Senior associate Aliya Ashigaliyeva regularly acts for banks and handles the creation of joint Kazakh-US drilling companies.