Gide boosts its Kiev office with the arrival of 9 lawyers, including two partners from Beiten Burkhardt

A team of nine lawyers, including two partners, Julian Ries and Oleksiy Feliv from German law firm Beiten Burkhardt, will join Gide’s Kiev office on 1 January 2014.

Julian Ries joined Beiten Burkhardt in 2004, and was promoted to partner in 2009. As managing partner of the Kiev office, he advises national and international companies in the agricultural and renewable energy sectors on corporate, tax and restructuring issues, as well as in large commercial real estate transactions. Julian is a seasoned corporate lawyer.

Oleksiy Feliv is a leading Ukrainian real estate lawyer recognised for his results-oriented advice to international investors and is known for his litigation and arbitration practice. Oleksiy Feliv joined Beiten Burkhardt in 2005. Over the years, he has advised a wide variety of foreign clients active in the construction and renewable energy sectors, as well as investment funds, on real estate operations and investments. During his time at Beiten Burkhardt he worked in its Munich and Frankfurt offices.

The two partners will join Gide together with seven Ukrainian lawyers from Beiten Burkhardt: Oleg Zagnitko, Daniyil Fedorchuk, Vasyl Yurmanovych, Olesya Stolyarska, Khrystyna Fedunyshyn, Nika Varvaryuk and Olena Nagorianska.

Oleg Zagnitko, head of Beiten’s Ukrainian banking practice, will become Gide’s Banking & Finance co-head together with Igor Kasovskiy. Gide Kiev has established a reputable banking practice and belongs to the very few firms with a strong practice of infrastructure and PPP and benefits from its integrated UK law capability through its London office.

Gide’s Kiev office, which consists of 20 lawyers and legal consultants, will be headed by both Julian Ries and the current partner in charge of the Gide office, Bertrand Barrier. Karl Hepp de Sevelinges, now based in Paris, will stay involved in the future activities of Gide in Eastern Europe and particularly in Ukraine.