Timely Questions

Investment arbitration may be seen as an indicator of business climate, investors’ trust in and predictability of state policies, and reputational concerns for states. We have reached out David Pinsky, a partner in the New York office of Covington & Burling, and asked about the investment arbitration landscape and about his firm’s international arbitration practice. As arbitration counsel in investment arbitration cases involving Ukraine, in […]

Investments Control

There is an emerging conversation around foreign investments in strategically important companies — is it a path towards modernization and development or a threat to national security?

So we decided to discuss the idea of introducing a screening mechanism aimed at controlling foreign investment in particular areas of strategic importance for the economy and national security of Ukraine. In particular, the Ministry for Development of Economy, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine has developed a draft law on such a screening mechanism. Svitlana Panaiotidi, Deputy Minister, Galyna Zagorodniuk, partner at DLA Piper Ukraine and Oleksiy Pustovit, partner at Asters, shared their views on the details and the pros and contras. […]

Mindset Shift

The Velvet Revolution which took place in Armenia in 2018changed the country and society. After a period of calm watching the course of the new political leaders in power, international investors are confirming strong interest in the country. The legal market went through a clear out, which is irreversible when healthy,as intense competition takes place. Vardan Stepanyan, managing partner of K&P Law Firm, explained the background of ongoing changes in Armenia, which obviously come from a shift in mindset rather than purely legislative reforms. […]

Ambitious Agenda

Alexander Bolkvadze, managing partner of BLC Law Office, answered questions which are very sensitive for Georgian lawyers, and shared insights of the IBA ECA Forum to be hosted by his firm in Tbilisi in November. […]

More Than Just Business

During his first visit to Ukraine, Paul Rawlinson, Global Chair of Baker McKenzie, told UJBL readers in a special interview of his vision of the balance between local independence and a global strategy, partnership policy and innovation, as well as the global challenges facing the legal marketplace during celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of Baker McKenzie-Kyiv. […]

Crime Time

European criminal practice varies from state to state. But general trends are rather clear. On the eve of the International Criminal Law Forum, which takes place in Kyiv on 5 April, OlhaProsyanyuk, managing partner of AVER LEX attorneys at law, invited us to join the conversation with Jaime Campaner, managing partner of Campaner Law, and member of the Advisory Board European Criminal Bar Association […]

Evolving Role

English law is a key export of the UK to post-Soviet countries, including Ukraine. Every year legal practitioners from both countries gather for English Law Day in Kyiv. We met Christina Blacklaws, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, to explore the development of the legal profession, the evolving role of women in law and UK market trends. […]

Competitive Environment

Australia is often called the remote continent even though its market is mature and highly integrated with the Asia-Pacific region. Inbound investment is leading to the arrival of global players, and technological developments within the country also boost its highly competitive environment. […]

Full International Role

The stable and certainly comfortable business environment in Canada boosts its business opportunities. After a series of mega-mergers across the globe, the legal market of Canada has been empowered with big international players. Tom Houston, partner of Dentons’ office in Ottawa, shared his views on the market landscape and the evolving needs of clients to play an international role. […]