Disputes counsel for complex matters involving Central Asia

ADL Disputes acts in arbitration, litigation, and investigations.

WHY CLIENTS TURN TO

ADL Disputes

20+ years

of experience

1000+ cases

resolved successfully

90% of clients

come through referrals

2 offices

in Astana and Almaty

Recognised by leading legal directories

“ADL Disputes is particularly noted for its strength in international commercial arbitration and state court litigation, with growing capabilities in investment arbitration, AIFC Court litigation, white-collar crime, tax disputes and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards. The firm represents a broad clientele across the oil and gas, mining, construction, real estate and technology sectors.”

— Chambers & Partners

“The lawyers have deep knowledge of legislation, legal theory and judicial practice.”

— Chambers & Partners

“ADL offers proactive lawyers who follow recent developments well and proactively suggest solutions.”

— Chambers & Partners

“The individuals at ADL Disputes stand out for their unique blend of professionalism, creativity, and integrity. Unlike many competitors who rely on standardised approaches, the lawyers of ADL Disputes are distinguished by their ability to design bespoke, risk-sensitive strategies.”

— Legal 500

“Specialised disputes law firm ADL Disputes provides assistance to clients across a multitude of contentious matters, including commercial disputes, regulatory issues, and tax litigation. With experience in domestic and international disputes, the firm provides an expansive service.”

— Legal 500

“ADL Disputes is recognised as a boutique, high-value dispute resolution practice in Kazakhstan. The team combines deep procedural expertise with strong sectoral knowledge in finance, construction, energy, and agribusiness.”

— Legal 500

Selected experience of our lawyers

Illustrative matters across arbitration, AIFC proceedings, expert work, construction and regulatory disputes.

AIFC COURT AND RELATED PROCEEDINGS

Defended a subsidiary of TotalEnergies before the AIFC Court in a claim exceeding USD 200 million, and acted in expert matters that helped shape AIFC Court interpretation of Article 297 of the Kazakhstan Civil Code.

INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION

Acted as sole counsel to Qarmet JSC in a multi-million-dollar arbitration under the AIFC Arbitration Rules arising out of a major industrial procurement contract; the tribunal dismissed all claims and granted full relief in the client’s favour.

ARBITRATOR APPOINTMENTS

Served as arbitrator in LCIA, UNCITRAL and TIAC proceedings seated in London, Geneva, Washington, D.C., Tashkent and Astana, including disputes involving sanctions, international sales and cross-border supply contracts.

EXPERT EVIDENCE AND FOREIGN PROCEEDINGS

Provided expert evidence on Kazakhstan law in proceedings before courts and tribunals in London, New York, Texas, Abu-Dhabi, and New Zealand, including matters involving mining assets, shareholder rights, limitation periods and choice-of-law issues.

CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DISPUTES

Advised and represented clients in major EPC and FIDIC disputes involving pipelines, road projects, hydropower and mixed-use developments, including claims exceeding USD 200 million.

REGULATORY, TAX AND CUSTOMS DISPUTES

Represented clients in high-stakes subsoil, environmental, tax and customs disputes, including matters involving global consumer businesses and major oil and gas companies.

The matters above are illustrative of the experience of our lawyers, including experience gained prior to the launch of ADL Disputes.

Our founding partners

ADL Disputes is led by three founding partners with complementary strengths across
arbitration, strategic disputes, regulatory matters and cross-border litigation.

More about our team

Core expertise

ADL Disputes handles complex matters across arbitration, strategic litigation and regulatory disputes, with particular strength in Kazakhstan and cross-border matters.

View all expertise
01
International Commercial Arbitration

Commercial disputes under LCIA, ICC, SCC, UNCITRAL, CIETAC, AIFC and other rules.

02
AIFC Court and Strategic Litigation

AIFC Court proceedings, Kazakhstan state court litigation and cross-border disputes.

03
Construction and Infrastructure Disputes

EPC, FIDIC, delay, defects, payment, performance and major project claims.

04
Regulatory, Tax and Customs Disputes

High-stakes disputes involving tax, customs, environmental and subsoil regulation.

05
Investment Arbitration

Treaty-based disputes, state measures and complex public law issues.

06
Enforcement and Asset Recovery

Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments and arbitral awards, and related recovery strategy.