Pepeliaev Group’s tax practice (Band 1) has once again been hailed as the best on the Russian market according to the Chambers Europe 2015 international legal ratings. Clients surveyed by the experts of Chambers Europe consider that “the lawyers dig deep to find issues that play a role in the mandate," while the team stands out because it “is flexible and understands clients’ needs."

Recognised by Chambers Europe as leading experts in tax law are managing partner Sergey Pepeliaev (Star Individuals), senior partners Rustem Ahmetshin and Andrey Nikonov (Band 2), partner Valentina Akimova (Band 3), and head of St Petersburg tax practice Sergey Sosnovsky (Band 3).

Pepeliaev Group’s antimonopoly regulation group continues to occupy a prominent position in the ratings. Clients say that, “the antitrust team is proactive” and “able to address the problem from a new angle, which helps it to find prompt and effective solutions". The head of the group, Elena Sokolovskaya (Band 4) often “draws on her experience working for the FAS”. Moreover, according to clients, head of the commercial group Oxana Migitko “demonstrated a rare blend of thoroughness and creativity as well as offering a clear vision on how to handle the most complicated matters."

Our employment and migration law practice (Band 2) also occupies a leading position in the ratings. Clients say that the team “works very quickly and is ready to help at any time under any circumstances.” Practice head Julia Borozdna (Band 2) has “strong experience and a broad view of employment issues."

Our life sciences group (Band 2) also features prominently in the ratings. Clients like the “efficiency and the commercial mindset of the team," which “has strong knowledge of Russian healthcare law." Senior partner Vladimir Sokov (Band 2) is characterised as an expert, who “really understands the sector." Head of the life sciences group Sergey Klimenko concentrates on regulatory issues, with clients hailing his practical knowledge in the area of clinical trials.

Chambers Europe gave a high rating to Pepeliaev Group’s dispute resolution and mediation practice (Band 3). It noted that “a case won’t just be driven by the lawyers’ opinions” but also by outside views. Partner and practice head Yuri Vorobyev is the key point of contact for clients.

The IP and trademarks practice (Band 3) is characterised as client-focused, and able to take a creative approach. Practice head Valentina Orlova (Band 2) “knows how Rospatent works inside out".

Our real estate and construction practice is another to be highly rated by Chambers. Clients note that their impression from working with the firm is “very good in terms of its professionalism, flexibility and understanding of its client’s needs." The key point of contact is Natalia Stenina.

The Chambers Europe researchers also commended Pepeliaev Group’s telecoms group (Band 3). Clients report that, “The firm has a great reputation in terms of both its analysis of governing law and the tenor of its advice.” Natalia Ivaschenko, head of the group (Band 2), is "very experienced" and is praised for her "clear and straightforward" approach.

The lawyers from our corporate practice (Band 4) “give very pragmatic advice on local specifics.” Clients note that senior partner Vladimir Sokov (Band 5) is "very knowledgeable of corporate law."

The team at Pepeliaev Group’s St Petersburg office was assessed separately in the ratings. The specialists in the dispute resolution practice (Band 2) have “strong expertise and negotiation skills." The head of the office, partner Sergey Spasennov (Band 3), advises on a wide range of matters, including real estate and construction as well as labour law issues.

In general business law (Band 3), the lawyers of Pepeliaev Group’s St Petersburg office “have a realistic approach and are determined to find the best solution." The key contacts in this area are Sergey Sosnovsky (Band 3), head of the tax practice, and partner Sergey Spasennov (Band 3).