New Hire Strengthens International Offering
Boies Schiller Flexner LLP today announced that Almat Madaliyev has joined the firm as a partner focused on cross-border disputes, working from the London and New York offices. Almat served in various capacities at the Ministry of Justice for the Republic of Kazakhstan for over a decade, most recently as Vice Minister of Justice. He brings deep knowledge of the CIS region to his practice.
At the Ministry of Justice, Almat focused on overseeing the Republic’s representation in matters including investor-state disputes, investor treaty arbitration, and policy and regulation, as well as commercial transactions involving the state. His work at BSF will entail the full spectrum of cross-border disputes, including investor-state and commercial arbitration and litigation, investigations, asset recovery, and commercial and risk advisory work to clients operating globally. He also will focus on matters within the energy, natural resources, and financial sectors.
“I am looking forward to establishing my practice at BSF and building my business internationally,” Almat said. “From protecting their assets to leveraging opportunities, clients with matters in the CIS region understand that navigating disputes requires an understanding of the business culture as well as the legal mechanisms at their disposal.”
London partner Prateek Swaika said, “I am delighted to welcome Almat to our growing practice. The skills and unique experience he brings from his time as Vice Minister of Justice in Kazakhstan bolsters our cross-border offering and strengthens our international litigation and investigations practice, adding further perspective from governments in regions where we are committed to continue to work and build our track record.”
As Vice Minister, Almat worked with BSF attorneys representing the Republic on numerous matters and liaised with BSF in its representation of the City of Almaty and Kazakhstan’s BTA Bank – including in connection with a successful trial last December, which resulted in a roughly $218 million jury verdict for BTA.
“I have greatly appreciated working with BSF over the last several years, and I enjoyed watching BSF attorneys in action last year during a three-week long trial in New York. I was impressed not only with their litigation strategy and courtroom skills, but the diversity of the trial team, with associates taking lead roles in the trial in addition to partners,” Almat said. “This experience was a clear indication of the BSF culture and approach to client work that crystalized my choice to join the firm.”
“I have gotten to know Almat over the course of my work with clients in Kazakhstan, and I know first-hand that he is an excellent addition to our international disputes practice,” said Managing Partner Matthew L. Schwartz, who led the BTA Bank trial team. “His extensive knowledge of central Asia and strong relationships there complement our recent growth in London as we build to meet client demand within the region and in the natural resources and energy space.”
In addition to his government experience, Almat has practiced at international law firms in New York and London as well as served as in-house counsel for an international oil company. He also pursued his legal studies in Washington D.C., obtaining an LL.M degree from George Washington University Law School. He is admitted to practice in New York and Kazakhstan.