Leading firms in Mongolia

Following its de-merger from MDS KhanLex in 2018, KhanLex Partners LLP has positioned itself as a full-service commercial and corporate firm, particularly in the climate finance sector in Mongolia. Founding partners Uchralbayar Iderkhangai, Enkhbat Batsukh, and Batjargal Gombosuren each manage several core practice areas of the firm, which maintains a high-profile client list of multinational and state-owned banking and financial industry staples. The team has broad cross-border expertise, with Batsukh focusing on cross-border transactions, energy and infrastructure financing, M&A and joint ventures, and regulatory matters. Gombosuren also focuses on the former, but with the added value of mining, and natural resources expertise. Iderkhangai’s expertise lies in domestic and international investment and dispute resolution, with an added focus on commercial and employment issues. Namuun Odkhuu is also a name to note.

Ulaanbaatar-based firm MahoneyLiotta LLP covers virtually all aspects of Mongolian law and Mongolia-related cross-border transactions. The firm advises private corporates, governmental institutions/entities, and non-governmental organisations across a range of industry sectors, including but not limited to natural resources and energy, mining, commercial and investment banking, real estate, and international trade. The firm is led by founding partners Daniel Mahoney and James Liotta; Narantuya Gunddegmaa; Enkhtur Demberelsuren; and Nomin Dashnyam. Liotta, Dashynam and Gundegmaa offer mining, mineral and energy expertise in relation to market entry strategy, project finance and compliance, as as other matters. Mahoney is also a capital markets, tax and aircraft leasing expert, while Demberelsuren is a disputes specialist, with extensive experience in litigation and arbitration in both criminal and civil contexts.

Enjoying a strong record in transactional work, Melville Erdenedalai LLP, partnered internationally with Hogan Lovells International LLP , provides a full-service commercial and corporate offering. Known for its banking and finance expertise, the firm continues to advise on Mongolia’s top high-profile transactions, such as the government’s sovereign ‘Nomad Bond’. The firm is also pre-eminent in the renewable energy sector, advising foreign investors and international shareholders, particularly in the solar and wind-generated energy markets. The team also advises on key regional M&A transactions, infrastructure development, and licensing. Founding partners Erdenedalai Odkhuu  and Chris Melville are highly regarded.

Australian multi-national firm Minter Ellison Lawyers’ Ulaanbaatar office has established itself as a full-service domestic firm with an integrated international practice. The firm offers a broad practice of corporate, M&A, employment, construction, energy and dispute resolution expertise. In particular, considered as the ‘law firm of choice’ for the mining industry for domestic and international clients, the firm continues to be instructed in high-value, cross-border deals, recently advising on the AU$2.2bn divestment and restructuring for CIMIC Group Limited’s Mongolian subsidiaries. The practice is led by Australia and South Africa qualified, and registered foreign lawyer Sebastian Rosholt who has bases in both Mongolia and New South Wales. Domestic legal services in the firm are led by Dunnaran Baasankhuu, an investments and securities expert who manages the Mongolian facets of transactions and liaises on cross-border transactions.

Anand Advocates LLP offers corporate and transactional advice, alongside support in litigation, for both foreign and domestic clients. The firm has experience in real estate, natural resources and energy development projects, intellectual property, and finance. Managing partner Enkhtsetseg Nergui is a commercial and corporate specialist and founding partner Batzaya Bodikhuu focuses on mining, natural resources, and infrastructure matters.

DB & GTS advises on a wide range of Mongolian law issues. With an offering encompassing corporate and M&A, finance and capital market, projects, real estate, and IP. The firm works across these sectors in contentious and non-contentious matters. Key contact and managing partner Zoljargal Dashnyam is a capital markets and finance expert for energy and mineral related matters. Sanchir Sukhtumur leads the firm's litigation practice, and Battushig Batsuren has aviation, renewables, and mineral expertise.

Full-service firm MDS & KhanLex LLP is known for its presence in the asset and mortgage-backed securities market in Mongolia. Primarily corporate in its output, the firm also boasts a well regarded litigation practice. The team offers project financing, M&A, energy, and legislative policy advice to key clients, such as regional energy corporations and the Mongolian government. Maizorig Janchivdorj heads the firm’s project finance, infrastructure, and disputes practices. Dugerjav Dash-Onolt advises on capital markets, securities, and legislative policy. Both bolster the firm’s commercial offerings thanks to their experience in drafting legislation in these areas. Bayartuul Chimed-Ochir is also highly regarded, particularly for her fintech expertise. The firm has also won several mandates related to wind and solar farms, in which Batbuyan Sodnomjamts  is adept.

Nomin & Advocates LLP primarily advises clients in mining, energy and infrastructure, banking and finance, coporate and commercial, and employment law. Dual New York and Mongolia-qualified managing partner Nominchimeg Odsuren is an expert in corporate and commercial matters, as well as dispute resolution.

Absolute Advocates LLP (associate office of GRATA International), specialises in commercial and corporate law with particular strength in advising foreign investment companies in the luxury items, petroleum products, and commodities sectors, as well banking and finance matters for such companies. The Ulanbaatar-based firm’s domestic practice also includes expertise across commercial outputs including the mining, pharmacy, and healthcare sectors. The team is headed by Bolormaa Volodya, whose broad specialisms support the firm’s strong mining practice as well as the firm’s labour, competition, intellectual property and civil practices.

Avinex Partners LLP provides a wide-ranging commercial and corporate offering for domestic and international financial institutions and corporates. Managing partner Solongoo Bayarsaikhan is known for her advice on corporate and commercial law, as is Turtuvshin Bat-Erdene, who assists foreign investors seeking inbound investment into Mongolia.

Founded by Bayar Budragchaa following his departure from ELC LLP Advocates, Snow Hill Consultancy LLP  specialises in mining, energy, infrastructure, securities, and financing. The firm also offers business consulting, project development and litigation support to clients looking to enter into the Mongolian market. Managing partner Nyamtseren Bataa  has experience in corporate financing, IPOs, PPP’s, and distributorship agreements.