Tukulov Kassilgov Shaikenov Disputes (TKS) > Almaty, Kazakhstan > Firm Profile

Tukulov Kassilgov Shaikenov Disputes (TKS)
28B Timiryazev Street
Alatau Grand Business Center, Office 607
ALMATY
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Almaty-based Tukulov Kassilgov Shaikenov Disputes (TKS) is the result of a merger between Tukulov Kassilgov Litigation and Shaikenov Law Experts. The dispute resolution-focused firm is present on matters pertaining to complex commercial, corporate litigation and insolvency, tax and customs litigation and IP and IT litigation. The team has also handled cases in the AIFC jurisdiction and have represented financial services companies in the Kazakh “onshore” courts. Bakhyt Tukulov represents clients in high-profile commercial disputes concerning Kazakhstan law and has experience acting as an expert in cross-border litigation and arbitration proceedings and Ravil Kassilgov supports international and local clients on tax disputes. Valikhan Shaikenov heads the firm's arbitration practice. Natalia Shapovalova left the firm.

Practice head(s):

Bakhyt Tukulov; Ravil Kassilgov; Valikhan Shaikenov

Testimonials

‘The TKL advantage is availability. While many firms take a lot of time to engage, the TKL lawyers can act immediately.’

‘Bakhyt Tukkulov is very strong litigator who is not shy to act absolutely anyone. He is ready to start confrontation with any agency or stakeholder in case their actions are illegal. He is instrumental in preparing lawsuits and claims on high quality level. He perceives problems of his clients as his own. Bakhyt is YES man, he never refused to take any case.’

‘Very dedicated and specialised dispute resolution practice. Very sharp compared to other firms. ’

‘Bakhyt Tukulov is very responsive, very reliable team.’

‘This is a boutique commercial litigation firm in Kazakhstan whose lawyers are incredibly dedicated, hardworking and client orientated. They are indeed very much experienced in the cross- border litigation and aware of how to navigate between local and foreign law (English law) concepts and make them work. Their advice is comprehensive and practical, and their fees more than reasonable. ’

‘The firm’s managing partner Bakhyt Tukulov is extremely intelligent with great analytical skills and expertise in litigation. He is literally available 24/7, ready to accommodate his clients’ needs, which makes his clients’ life a lot easier.’

‘They have very individual approach for every case. I was able to obtain professional advice regarding my issues.’

‘What stood out to me the most is the attention to details.’

Key clients

Jusan Ventures

Freedom Finance

Firm800 LLC

Private Company Minerals Operating Ltd.

Private Company Smart Parking Technologies Ltd.

Work highlights

Kazakhstan > IP and TMT Tier 3

Tukulov Kassilgov Shaikenov Disputes (TKS) handles cross-border projects within IP, IT and data protection, with the team able to carry out instructions on AI, big data and other projects which intersect law with information technology. Since research concluded, Natalia Shapovalova left the firm.

Testimonials

‘The team is very client-oriented and creative in offering the decisions to their customers. Very professional and very knowledgeable.’

‘Our experience with the partners of this law firm spans 15 years, during which time they have applied innovative practices for our region. The staff of this law firm is distinguished by exceptional professionalism in the delivery of services. We would especially like to note the knowledge and experience of working in the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Center operating in the Republic of Kazakhstan.’

 

Key clients

Smart Parking Technologies

medac GmbH

Pharmacyclics LLC

Salem Social Media LLP

Mareven Food Tian-Shan LLP

Astellas Pharma Europe B.V.

Work highlights

  • Represented Salem Social Media LLP in a dispute concerning copyright and the issues of protected and unprotected elements of the work.
  • Instructed by Mareven Food Tyan-Shan LLP in trade mark enforcement dispute, successfully proved that the packaging of the client’s product did not infringe the plaintiff’s trademark rights.
  • Represented Pharmacyclics LLC in patent enforcement and patent validity disputes.

Kazakhstan > Tax and customs Tier 3

Tukulov Kassilgov Shaikenov Disputes (TKS) focusses on tax and VAT disputes, with the team consisting of nine lawyers servicing a wide client base including blockchain technology companies, construction companies and mining companies. Ravil Kassilgov represents companies in courts of all levels in tax disputes and international arbitration, while Aibek Kambaliyev has experience in advising clients on administrative and commercial disputes.

Practice head(s):

Ravil Kassilgov

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘Their client-centric approach and attention to detail have consistently provided valuable legal support to our company. ’

‘In particular, we want to recognize Ravil Kassilgov for his exceptional professionalism, in-depth knowledge and commitment to addressing complex legal matters promptly and effectively. His focus on finding pragmatic solutions aligns seamlessly with our business needs.’

‘Our business in Kazakhstan faced an existential threat resulting from questionable tax charges. We engaged Ravil’s team after Deloitte lost our case in the first-level court. Ravil’s team managed to cancel unfavorable rulings in the Supreme Court and now is handling the case further. They use innovative approaches and are not afraid to do what no one tried before. We trust them irrespective of the results, as it is evident that our interests are represented by the best professionals on the market.’

‘Ravil showcased an excellent understanding of rarely applied nuances of international taxation and his style of performance in the court is captivating.’

‘TKL Partner, Ravil Kassilgov, adeptly represented several of our primary entities within the construction holding in multiple tax and customs disputes this past year. Through his expertise, we successfully averted over $6 million in unwarranted tax charges. Despite three different attempts by the tax authorities using varied strategies, Kassilgov consistently secured favorable verdicts. Throughout these proceedings, Senior Associate Aybek Kambaliyev provided invaluable support to Kassilgov. The service levels and responsiveness of Ravil’s team at TKL are exemplary. Whenever we have queries or require guidance, they swiftly respond and provide clear, actionable advice. They are prepared to address court cases almost immediately. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident in their proactive communication and timely updates, ensuring we are always well-informed. ’

‘Ravil’s approach is uniquely personal and invested, handling every case with fervor as if he was the business owners himself. This deep-rooted sense of ownership not only speaks to their team’s legal acumen but also underscores their profound understanding of the commercial implications at stake. We have been immensely satisfied with Ravil’s contributions over the past eight years. His role in our business’s success is paramount. Ravil has an innate ability to distill complex matters into easily comprehensible terms for business owners. This skill extends to his representation in front of judges at all levels. When Ravil handles a case, we are confident it will be approached with our commercial objectives at the forefront, ensuring that the broader perspective is always maintained. ’

‘TKL team has unique experience, the team is aware of recent Kazakhstan practice, new trends and existing regulatory view and approach to tax issues. The team also has experienced tax litigation lawyers who are supplemented by huge experience of Mr. Tukulov who has extensive experience of litigation. ’

‘Given that Ravil’s team at TKL specializes solely in tax disputes, the depth and breadth of their expertise are truly remarkable. They are swift to respond and provide clear, actionable advice. They are prepared to address court cases almost immediately. Their commitment to client satisfaction is evident in their proactive communication and timely updates, ensuring we are always well-informed. TKL consistently adhere to the agreed-upon budgets and ensure that every Tenge spent provides substantial value. Beyond the immediate litigation support, TKL offers value-added services like in-depth analyses of court practices and generously sharing their unique know-how. In terms of both cost-effectiveness and the wealth of expertise they bring to the table, we believe TKL offers unparalleled value for money.’

Key clients

Exalo Drilling S.A

Bitfury DC Limited (Bitfury Group)

Exclusive Construction LLP

Efes Kazakhstan LLP

Samsung Electronics Central Eurasia

12Storeez

Work highlights

  • Represented Exalo Drilling S.A. (a Kazakhstan branch) in a tax dispute worth KZT630m after the case was lost in the first level court by another consultant.
  • Represented Bitfury, the world’s leading full-service blockchain technology company, in a number of tax disputes over VAT charges on digital mining services provided to international clients.
  • Successfully represented Exclusive Construction LLP in a series of tax disputes worth $6.2m.