Kinstellar LLP > Almaty, Kazakhstan > Firm Profile

Kinstellar LLP > The Legal 500 Rankings

Kazakhstan > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 1

Kinstellar LLP’s work in banking, finance and capital markets is distinguished through its advising some of Kazakhstan’s top natural resource and energy companies. Joel Benjamin brings 25 years of experience to the team, having worked in the US and Uzbekistan in addition to the firm's Kazakhstan offices, supported by Yerlan Akhmetov. Almaty-based Adlet Yerkinbayev led the initial public offering by Kaspi.kz JSC, the second-largest IPO of 2020 and the fourth-largest in Europe. In addition, Pavel Kornilov joined the firm from White & Case Kazakhstan LLP.

Kazakhstan > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 1

Kinstellar LLP has a strong track record in public M&A, handling agenda-setting deals in the infrastructure and financial services sectors. Joel Benjamin brings 25 years of experience to the team, having worked in the US and Uzbekistan in addition to the firm’s Kazakhstan offices. Almaty-based Adlet Yerkinbayev advises on leading IPOs, as well as work relating to private markets.

Kazakhstan > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Kinstellar LLP focuses on complex commercial disputes, especially cross-border in nature, with environmental disputes, construction, customs and tax disputes as well as employment disputes also featuring heavily in the caseload. The team is growing its arbitration and criminal investigations practice, the latter including fraud and corruption investigations. With a number of clients from the oil and gas and mining sectors on its client roster, the practice is a particularly good choice for disputes arising in these sectors. The group frequently works in unison with international firms, both as local counsel for Kazakh law or as co-counsel.Mukhit Yeleuov in Almaty heads the practice which includes senior associate Dina Berkaliyeva, an expert in environmental law.

Kazakhstan > Energy and natural resources Tier 1

Kinstellar LLP acts for many of the largest and most active companies operating in areas such as oil and gas, mining power, renewables and other natural resources. The team is led by counsel Almas Zhaiylgan, who has over 20 years of experience in the mining and oil and gas industries. Noted for his work on upstream exploration and production projects, Zhaiylgan advises on farm-out agreements, joint operating agreements and joint ventures, among other matters. Adlet Yerkinbayev is an expert in matters such as domestic and cross-border M&A, debt and equity capital markets transactions and restructurings. Joel Benjamin and senior associate Lena Makarenko also play a key role in the group.

Kazakhstan > IP and TMT Tier 1

Kinstellar LLP's work in the TMT space includes corporate and M&A mandates, transformational projects, IP, data protection, competition and employment matters. Adlet Yerkinbayev has a wealth of experience leading on major M&A and capital markets transactions in the telecoms sector in Kazakhstan. In addition to being active in the local market, Joel Benjamin has acted on telecoms matters in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Managing associate Kuanysh Kanlybayev is also recommended.

Kazakhstan > Real estate and construction (including projects) Tier 2

Kinstellar LLP is noted for its work on hotel development and management matters in Kazakhstan, as well as its involvement in construction projects and disputes in the energy and TMT sectors.  Joel Benjamin brings 25 years of experience to the team, having worked in the US and Uzbekistan, in addition to the firm's three offices in Kazakhstan.

Uzbekistan > Leading firms

Kinstellar is a leading firm in corporate and finance work, with capital markets mandates having been a recent source of activity. Managing partner Joel Benjamin brings 25 years of experience to the team, having worked in the US and Kazakhstan prior to joining the firm’s Tashkent office.