Vitaliy Vodolazkin

Experience:

Vitaliy Vodolazkin joined Sayat Zholshy & Partners in 2001 and was admitted to partnership in 2003.  During 2008-2018, Vitaliy held the position of managing partner of the Firm and, with effect from 1 January 2022, was re-elected as managing partner of Sayat Zholshy & Partners.

Over the last 18 years Vitaliy has been leading the Firm’s Dispute Resolution practice.

Vitaliy regularly participates in important large-scale Kazakhstan court proceedings at all levels, including representation of phosphorous producers, subsoil users, food manufacturers and other clients mainly with regard to unreasonable tax assessments.  Vitaliy has represented a leading Kazakhstan bank in connection with numerous troubled projects, debt collections, protection of shareholders’ interests and invalidation of various transactions.  Vitaliy also represents creditors and debtors in bankruptcy proceedings, and assists clients to appeal against actions/omissions of government authorities, etc.

Over the last ten years, the Firm’s litigation practice headed by Vitaliy has been repeatedly recognized by the leading international ranking agencies as the best litigation practice in Kazakhstan.  Based on the surveys of internationally renowned guides (e.g. The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East and Africa, IFLR1000, asialaw Profiles and Chambers and Partners), Vitaliy Vodolazkin was many times singled out for his ‘outstanding litigation guidance’ and included among the leading Kazakhstan lawyers.  In 2018, The Legal 500 recognized Vitaliy Vodolazkin as one of the elite leading lawyers and listed him in their Hall of Fame that highlights the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession and who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence.

Apart from litigation, Vitaliy is actively involved in supporting projects launched by financial institutions.  Furthermore, he has extensive experience in supporting major companies operating in food, agriculture, power, education and finance sectors.

Vitaliy has been involved in nearly all M&A projects supported by the Firm.

Vitaliy Vodolazkin was elected as an independent director of the Board of Directors of the largest food holding company in Kazakhstan seeking to improve the quality of its strategic decisions.

Education: 

Kazakhstan National Academy of Law, Entrepreneurial Law Faculty, Diploma with honours, 2001.

Languages:

• Russian
• English
• German