Capital Legal Services has once again been listed among the best companies on the legal market according to Chambers & Partners Europe 2017. The reputable rating agency notes the firm’s expertise in four areas of law: corporate and M&A, public private partnership (PPP) and project finance, real estate and construction, as well as commercial law.

Managing Partner Vladislav Zabrodin is recognized as an Eminent Practitioner in corporate and commercial law. He is characterized as “a visible figure on the market, assisting clients with strategic issues on key projects.” Vladislav has many years of experience in providing comprehensive support for international investors entering the Russian market. Being the Chairman of the International Council of Shopping Centers Russian Liaison Committee and a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers European Advisory Board, Vladislav plays an important role in establishing the collaboration between the Russian and European markets in retail.

Corporate law / M&A practice gain ground in the rating and was included in Band 3. Clients note the associates’ approach which is “…always pragmatic, solution-driven with hands-on experience of how certain processes operate in Russia.”

The St. Petersburg office of Capital Legal Services was noted among the best due to the commercial law projects which have been taking the leading positions of the rating for over 5 years already. “The team is known for well-regarded St Petersburg firm with a strong corporate advisory practice. Assists with corporate structuring, including supporting joint venture deals and establishment in Russia as well as transactions. Clients include internationals.”

Among the most outstanding transactions of the practice for the period in question according to Chambers is the transaction on sale of poultry factories owned by the Dutch company Agro Invest Brinky to a major Thai agricultural holding. The transaction of 680,000,000 US dollars was ranked among top 10 deals on M&A market in Russia in 2015.

Pavel Karpunin, Head of Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Project Finance practice, as well as Corporate / M&A practice, was noted in the individual rating as one of the top 10 most distinguished Russian PPP lawyers. Pavel is a member of the expert council on PPP issues at the Russian State Duma and takes an active part in projects aimed at improving the Russian legislation. The clients speak of him as a professional who “always offers suggestions on how to solve problems.”

The PPP and Project Finance practice is traditionally among the best practices ranked by Chambers. The team is well known for successfully implemented projects at the federal level for such clients as Pulkovo Airport, Federal Road Agency, Transport Directorate of FIFA World Cup Russia, Northern Capital Highway, government of the Khabarovsk Region, government of St. Petersburg, etc.

Chambers & Partners notes the client-oriented approach of the firm and its market insight as confirmed by the clients, saying “I have been happy and impressed by their responsiveness,” and “They've been quite insightful, proactive in sharing market observations in addition to providing pure legal advice.”

As regards outstanding projects and global clients, the recognition of the Real Estate practice on the market is confirmed once again by the ranking position. Researchers define the practice as a reputable domestic team that is active in Moscow and the Russian regions. Clients in their turn mention the meticulous approach to projects, “They gave really detailed descriptions of risks and consequences.” The team has unique experience in implementing projects related to legal support with filling multifunctional shopping and entertainment centers with tenants, including anchor tenants, on a turnkey basis. “Popular with domestic and international retailers, developers and other corporates from a range of industries. Acted for Leroy Merlin on the due diligence of multiple land plots across Russia.”

Partner and Head of Real Estate practice Elena Stepanova improved her position in the individual ranking this year. Clients point out that “she is very professional” and “tries to do her best to help.” Elena “often assists with construction projects, frequently representing clients in land acquisitions and leasing matters.”

Of Counsel and Head of Antitrust practice Irina Akimova joined the ranks of acknowledged lawyers for the first time.

“Our high ratings in the key practices of the firm result from the top service quality conforming to international standards and individual approach to every case. The published data provides us an excellent incentive to achieve even higher results,” commented Managing Partner Vladislav Zabrodin on the research results.