Almaty—Global law firm Dentons has appointed Abai Shaikenov as Kazakhstan Managing Partner for a three-year term from 2022 to 2024. In his new role, in addition to advising his clients, he will be responsible for leading the strategy for Kazakhstan and managing Dentons’ teams in Almaty and Nur Sultan.
Abai Shaikenov is recognized as a market-leading lawyer in corporate and finance law. He advises clients on banking and finance, M&A, and real estate transactions, as well as corporate matters related to investing and doing business in Kazakhstan. He also advises financial institutions on corporate governance and regulatory matters. He has been with Dentons (and legacy firm Salans) for more than 25 years, of which the last 17 he has been a partner.
His leadership appointment is part of a planned succession from Aigoul Kenjebayeva. Aigoul Kenjebayeva is a top tier lawyer in dispute resolution, arbitration, and energy law, who has been recognized by both the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan for her contribution to the legal profession. Having established legacy firm Salans’ office in Almaty in 1994, she has led the practice in Kazakhstan ever since, and also served as Central Asia Managing Partner. Under her leadership, Dentons has grown into the leading international law firm in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, having represented clients in many of the most important transactions and litigations in the region. She will maintain her senior position with the firm as a partner and will concentrate on further promotion of Dentons in Kazakhstan. She will continue to advise clients and play various other important roles including in the field of international arbitration as a member of the ICC Court of international Arbitration.
“My goal is to maintain and grow Dentons’ position as the preeminent legal adviser in Kazakhstan, leveraging the exceptional talent that we have in our team, while focusing on trust-based relationships with our clients,” said Abai Shaikenov. “I would like to express my thanks to Aigoul, who has been a mentor and role model for generations of lawyers, including myself. I am honored to have been selected as her successor.”
Aigoul Kenjebayeva commented, “Having built up our Firm in Kazakhstan over the last 28 years, I am proud to hand over the reins to Abai. I am confident that under his leadership, our Firm and clients will continue to thrive.”
Tomasz Dąbrowski, CEO of Dentons Europe said, “I’d like to thank Aigoul for her immense contribution to our Firm, our clients, and to the practice of law. She is a pioneering lawyer, who has reached the pinnacle of her profession. Although she leaves big shoes to fill, I am absolutely certain that Abai is up to the task. Abai is a top notch lawyer and I look forward to working with him as he leads our offices in Kazakhstan into the future.”
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