January 2023 – Kinstellar is delighted to announce the promotion to Managing Associate of Yerlan Akhmetov (Banking & Finance, Corporate), Dina Berkalieva (Dispute Resolution) and Assel Mussina (Corporate, Real Estate) in our Almaty office. In addition, Anna Kornilova, a Senior Associate in the Almaty office, will become Head of Competition for Central Asia.
These promotions are in recognition of their importance to our firm and its future and to their commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.
Yerlan Akhmetov has over 15 years of experience in capital markets, banking and finance and M&A. He has taken the lead on numerous complicated financing transactions, and has been involved in high-profile M&A transactions.
Yerlan is singled out by clients as “extremely capable and a rising star’’. (Legal 500, 2022)
Dina Berkalieva has over 20 years of experience representing clients in disputes, in particular related to the use of natural resources and environmental matters, in administrative proceedings initiated by state bodies and officials, as well as in commercial disputes. Dina also advises clients on matters related to mining and natural resources, environmental protection, regulatory compliance and construction.
According to clients, Dina is “very strong and experienced, energetic and highly capable as a litigator in many areas, provides excellent service and has in-depth knowledge’’. (Legal 500, 2022)
Assel Mussina has over 20 years of experience advising clients on corporate, financing and real estate issues. She also frequently participates in the sale and acquisition of companies, handles hotel projects reviews and has experience in civil litigation.
Clients describe Assel as “combining an understanding of an international client’s concerns with local know-how and a positive attitude’’. (Legal 500, 2020)
Anna Kornilova has over 15 years of advising clients on various issues of Kazakh law, with a focus on matters related to antitrust and competition, corporate, licensing, subsoil and environmental legislation. Anna has also represented many of the world's leading companies in mergers and acquisitions, complex civil antitrust litigation, and other investigations and proceedings. She has advised corporate clients and individuals active in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, mining, energy, FMCG, construction and logistics.
Joel Benjamin, Managing Partner Central Asia, comments: “Congratulations to this talented group of lawyers on their well-deserved promotions, which are a reflection of their hard work, outstanding achievements and dedication. I am confident that they will continue to accomplish great things and deliver outstanding levels of service to our clients. We look forward to supporting their career growth within the firm and wish them success in their new roles’’.