AEQUITAS focuses primarily on advising international and Kazakh clients in the construction sector on tax-related matters concerning major industrial facilities, infrastructure projects, and residential complexes. Olga Chentsova and Nurlan Sholanov are the practice heads.

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.

AEQUITAS focuses primarily on complex multijurisdictional commercial disputes, as well as local Kazakh commercial arbitration cases. In 2019, the team became a participant at the Astana International Financial Center. Valikhan Shaikenov splits his time between Almaty and Berlin, and leads on major pro bono work. Ardak Idayatova, who was recently promoted to the partnership, primarily focuses on construction arbitration and litigation. Managing partner Olga Chentsova is an expert in international arbitration cases, particularly those concerning oil and gas, mining and construction.

AEQUITAS excels in advising on the construction of major industrial developments, social facilities and large residential complexes. It handles mandates on a standalone basis and also frequently acts as local counsel to international firms on construction matters. In addition to undertaking non-contentious construction work, a significant portion of the workload involves representing clients in construction disputes. Elsewhere, the firm is noted for its work on structured transactions involving land plots, as well as securing obligations to foreign lenders. One of the names to note is Nurlan Sholanov, who primarily acts for clients on project finance transactions and infrastructure projects, including the development of renewable energy sources. Olga Chentsova is another key name.