"They are the best local lawyers in Baku," declares one client. "They are very commercial and keep focused on the bigger picture....
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"They are the best local lawyers in Baku," declares one client. "They are very commercial and keep focused on the bigger picture." Winning similar praise from the market keeps MGB Law Offices buoyant in the first tier. The well-established domestic firm was formerly known as McGrigors and retains ties with the UK firm even though it now operates independently.
Under the steady leadership of leading lawyers Ismail Askerov and Elchin Mammadov, the practice maintains form as a dominant outfit in a tight market. Even competitors admire MGB's lawyers: "I have a lot of respect for them. They are very experienced in the market and it's a relief to see them on the other side of the table."
Much of MGB's work is focused on providing domestic Azerbaijani advice in major cross-border transactions. The long-standing experience of its lead partners guarantees in-depth understanding of local laws, the business environment and commercial interests of clients. These include local and foreign banks, oil and gas companies, and infrastructure companies.
"Both Ismail and Elchin are great and I would recommend both of them," says a client. "Ismail has very good business contacts in Baku, which is helpful." A rival has this to say about working with Askerov: "He is calm, thoughtful, talks about the issues of the law and he is not difficult to work with."
A favourite of the government and government institutions, the modestly-sized team has been busy this year on a steady stream of deals related to natural resources and projects. The Azerbaijan government recently sought the firm's counsel in two important matters. In one, Mammadov and Askerov featured for the government in relation to the multi-million dollar construction of a waste processing plant.
In the other deal, the star duo acted for the government , a consortium of foreign lenders and a Korean construction company in the jurisdiction's first independent power project, valued at over $750 million. Mammadov also led the team for another consortium of lenders on a significant financing of a major oil field in Azerbaijan.
"The lawyers at MGB were knowledgeable about the matter we asked them to assist us with," comments a client. "They were diligent and prompt in their work."
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