Central Asia and Eastern Europe

There are common themes running through most disputes which originate from within the region, and we understand the commercial and business environment in which our clients operate. These disputes also give rise to complex issues of conflicts of laws and jurisdiction, both of which we regularly advise on. Our substantial experience of handling these disputes gives our clients a real strategic advantage over their opponents. Members of our team have acted in some of the recent leading cases emanating from Georgia, Ukraine and other countries in the region.

Signature is uniquely placed to be able to provide high quality focused advice to those involved in Central Asia and Eastern Europe related disputes across its London and Paris offices.

Our lawyers have extensive experience in handling civil fraud, asset recovery and enforcement matters relating to Central Asia and Eastern Europe. We also regularly handle complex banking, financial services litigations and general commercial disputes and arbitrations which involve Central Asia and Eastern Europe-based entities.

With one of the few senior English qualified Russian speaking litigators, we are able to offer clients in the region high quality advice which truly understands their needs. Ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, Natalia Chumak is said to be a “steely litigator with excellent litigation instincts”. Clients highlight her “extraordinary, high-quality analytical skills” and she is also described as being a “very bright, robust and shrewd tactician who fights her client’s corner and goes the extra mile.”

Ioannis Alexopoulos specialises in commercial litigation and international arbitration, particularly those involving financial services, energy/oil & gas, shipping/international trade, telecoms, IT and infrastructure projects. Ioannis is ranked in the Chambers UK 2024 Guide for international arbitration, which describes him as “highly experienced and an excellent strategist” with “sharp analytical skills”. He is also recognised in The Legal 500 UK 2024 as a ‘Leading Individual’ for civil fraud and international arbitration, and he is praised for being “an excellent and poised strategist and leader.”

Graham Huntley has 35 years’ experience in commercial litigation and is consistently recognised by The Legal 500 and Chambers as one of the UK’s highest ranked commercial and banking litigators and has been involved in some of the most significant cases of recent years. Chambers UK describes him as “an intense and effective solicitor with an incredibly client-focused approach” and he has previously been described as “very bright, very hard-working, a good tactician” and “very committed and driven”.

Paris partner Thomas Rouhette has almost 30 years’ experience in commercial and international litigation. He has been recognised over many years by Chambers and The Legal 500 as a leading individual for his litigation expertise and is listed in The Legal 500’s ‘Hall of Fame’, which recognises him for his market leading commercial disputes practice. Thomas is described as “an intelligent and clear-minded lawyer” and a “tough but excellent” litigator.