ADL Disputes Team - Mukhit Yeleuov

Mukhit Yeleuov

Partner

Astana, Kazakhstan

mukhit.yeleuov@adldisputes.com

+7 701 786 24 34

Overview

Mukhit Yeleuov is a co-founding partner at ADL Yeleuov, Shaikenov & Partners. He is based in Astana and heads the firm’s Astana office.

Mukhit is a disputes lawyer with over 20 years of experience. He was a partner and the head of Kazakhstan dispute resolution practice at an international law firm.
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Mukhit has advised on numerous high-stakes disputes in Kazakhstan and disputes arising out of Kazakhstan or Central Asia. He has represented many clients in international arbitration, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court, and various Kazakhstan courts (including the Supreme Court).

Mukhit acts as a Kazakh law expert for foreign and international tribunals and occasionally sits as an arbitrator.

Mukhit is a Board Member of the Kazakhstan Bar Association (KazBar). He is also a former co-chair of the KazBar’s Arbitration and Litigation Committee. He regularly speaks and writes on arbitration and civil procedure matters. Mukhit is fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian, and speaks Turkish.

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Recognition

Legal 500:

Arbitration Powerlist

CIS and Caucuses

Legal 500:

Leading Individual in Dispute Resolution, Kazakhstan

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Chambers:

Band 1 in Dispute Resolution, Kazakhstan

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Education

2024

Harvard University (Harvard Kennedy School)
‍
Master of Public Administration

2006

Indiana University (Maurer School of Law)
‍
Doctor of Juridical Science

2000

Indiana University (Maurer School of Law)
‍
Master of Laws (LLM)

1999

Kazakh National University

Bachelor of International Law

Selective Recent Experience

Commercial Disputes

Representing a LARGE KAZAKHSTAN MINING AND METALS COMPANY in the International Arbitration Centre (“IAC”) arbitration arising out of a multi-million-claim dollar under a supply contract with an Indian producer of industrial equipment.

Defended a subsidiary of a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court against a multi-hundred-million-dollar claim arising out of a sale of shares in an oil and gas company.

Represented a FOREIGN CRYPTO MINING COMPANY in Kazakhstan International Arbitrage (KIA) arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute under a crypto-mining contract with a Kazakh data center. The dispute was settled on favorable conditions.

Advised a KAZAKH COMPANY on an ICC arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute under a JV agreement with a foreign company.

Defended an ENGLISH PLC in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court against a multi-million-dollar claim brought by a law firm. The claim was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.

Represented a LARGE KOREAN CONGLOMERATE in the Kazakhstan Supreme Court proceedings related to a multi-million-dollar sale of a subsidiary company and several land plots in Almaty.

Advised a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY on a potential multimillion-dollar claim by its contractor arising out of a customs dispute involving the contractor.

Advised an OILFIELD SERVICES COMPANY in a dispute related to the recovery of leased equipment from a lessee.

Defended a LARGE SERVICES PROVIDER in Kazakhstan courts against a multi-million claim by a building owner arising out of a fire at a building leased from the owner. The claim was dismissed in full.

Construction Disputes

Acted as a party-appointed Kazakh law expert in a Dubai-seated arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute between a CONTRACTOR and a subcontractor for the construction of the tallest building in Central Asia. The dispute centered on the interpretation of numerous provisions of a construction contract as well as Kazakh law provisions on construction contracts and the principle of good faith behavior. The arbitration involved complex claims, counterclaims, and contract termination, with issues of contractual performance, notifications, etc.

Advised a BUILDING OWNER in a Dubai-seated arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute between the owner and a contractor for the construction of the tallest building in Central Asia. The arbitration involved complex claims, and counterclaims, with issues of contractual performance, etc.

Represented a TURKISH CONTRACTOR in a 200-million-dollar dispute with a building owner related to alleged defects in construction work, attempted use of a guarantee for a defect notification period, and other issues.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in several multimillion-dollar disputes with several developers, a landowner, and the state registration authority.

Represented A MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with a local subcontractor related to works and claims under a subcontract agreement.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with several individuals and the state registration authority in connection with disputed title to apartments (worth several million dollars) and registration of the title.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with a developer over a failure to pay over US$40 million for construction work.

Advised a CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT on a major litigation matter related to engineering, procurement, and construction issues.

Advised a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY on dispute resolution provisions of several multi-billion contracts with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Professional Malpractice Disputes

Advised a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM on a multimillion-dollar claim in an English court by a large Kazakh bank asserting a breach of contractual obligations and audit standards.

Defended a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM in a Kazakhstan court against a claim brought by a large state-owned industrial company asserting breach of contractual obligations and audit standards.

Advised a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM on an inspection by the Office of the Public Prosecutor related to an audit of a large bank.

Represented an INDIVIDUAL on a medical malpractice claim against a local clinic tried in Kazakhstan courts.

Customs Disputes

Represented a GLOBAL FAST FASHION COMPANY (and its seven subsidiaries) in several interrelated multi-million-dollar customs disputes related to royalties for know-how, IT, and company name.

Represented a GLOBAL CONSUMER GOODS COMPANY in several interrelated disputes with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs classification of multicomponent goods.

Represented a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY in several interrelated disputes with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company and its contractor in connection with the issue of the proper declarant (importer of record) and other issues.

Represented a GLOBAL CONSUMER GOODS COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs duties and penalties related to royalties.

Represented a LARGE OIL PRODUCTS COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs duties and penalties related to the classification of goods for customs purposes.

Represented a KAZAKHSTAN SUBSIDIARY OF A MAJOR FOREIGN COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to excise duties.

Tax Disputes

Represented a LARGE OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY in a dispute with the tax authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar tax claims against the company in connection with disallowance of local branch expenses.

Represented a LARGE OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY in a dispute with the tax authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar tax claims against the company in connection with the disallowance of head office general and administrative expenses.

Represented a SMALL OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY in a dispute with the tax authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar tax claims against the company in connection with disallowance of head office general and administrative expenses.

Admissions

Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Bar Association)

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court

Relevant Publications

"Kazakhstan" GAR Investment Treaty Arbitration Update 2020 – GAR Inside (with Patricia Nacimiento, Herbert Smith Freehills), 2020

"Kazakhstan" GAR Investment Treaty Arbitration Update 2019 – GAR Inside (with Patricia Nacimiento, Herbert Smith Freehills), 2019

“Investment Climate and Dispute Resolution: Some Problems and Solutions”, 2017

“Civil Procedure: Some Problems of Proving”, 2017

Mukhit Yeleuov

Partner

Astana, Kazakhstan

mukhit.yeleuov@adldisputes.com

+7 701 786 24 34

Overview

Mukhit Yeleuov is a co-founding partner at ADL Yeleuov, Shaikenov & Partners. He is based in Astana and heads the firm’s Astana office.

Mukhit is a disputes lawyer with over 20 years of experience. He was a partner and the head of Kazakhstan dispute resolution practice at an international law firm.

Mukhit has advised on numerous high-stakes disputes in Kazakhstan and disputes arising out of Kazakhstan or Central Asia. He has represented many clients in international arbitration, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court, and various Kazakhstan courts (including the Supreme Court).

Mukhit acts as a Kazakh law expert for foreign and international tribunals and occasionally sits as an arbitrator.

Mukhit is a Board Member of the Kazakhstan Bar Association (KazBar). He is also a former co-chair of the KazBar’s Arbitration and Litigation Committee. He regularly speaks and writes on arbitration and civil procedure matters. Mukhit is fluent in English, Kazakh, and Russian, and speaks Turkish.

Recognition

Chambers:

Band 1 in Dispute Resolution, Kazakhstan

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Legal 500:

Leading Individual in Dispute Resolution, Kazakhstan

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Legal 500:

Arbitration Powerlist

CIS and Caucuses

Education

2024

Harvard University (Harvard Kennedy School)

Master of Public Administration

2006

Indiana University (Maurer School of Law)

Doctor of Juridical Science

2000

Indiana University (Maurer School of Law)

Master of Laws (LLM)

1999

Kazakh National University

Bachelor of International Law

Selective Recent Experience – Commercial Disputes

Representing a LARGE KAZAKHSTAN MINING AND METALS COMPANY in the International Arbitration Centre (“IAC”) arbitration arising out of a multi-million-claim dollar under a supply contract with an Indian producer of industrial equipment.

Defended a subsidiary of a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court against a multi-hundred-million-dollar claim arising out of a sale of shares in an oil and gas company.

Represented a FOREIGN CRYPTO MINING COMPANY in Kazakhstan International Arbitrage (KIA) arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute under a crypto-mining contract with a Kazakh data center. The dispute was settled on favorable conditions.

Advised a KAZAKH COMPANY on an ICC arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute under a JV agreement with a foreign company.

Defended an ENGLISH PLC in the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court against a multi-million-dollar claim brought by a law firm. The claim was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds.

Represented a LARGE KOREAN CONGLOMERATE in the Kazakhstan Supreme Court proceedings related to a multi-million-dollar sale of a subsidiary company and several land plots in Almaty.

Advised a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY on a potential multimillion-dollar claim by its contractor arising out of a customs dispute involving the contractor.

Advised an OILFIELD SERVICES COMPANY in a dispute related to the recovery of leased equipment from a lessee.

Defended a LARGE SERVICES PROVIDER in Kazakhstan courts against a multi-million claim by a building owner arising out of a fire at a building leased from the owner. The claim was dismissed in full.

Selective Recent Experience – Construction Disputes

Acted as a party-appointed Kazakh law expert in a Dubai-seated arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute between a CONTRACTOR and a subcontractor for the construction of the tallest building in Central Asia. The dispute centered on the interpretation of numerous provisions of a construction contract as well as Kazakh law provisions on construction contracts and the principle of good faith behavior. The arbitration involved complex claims, counterclaims, and contract termination, with issues of contractual performance, notifications, etc.

Advised a BUILDING OWNER in a Dubai-seated arbitration arising out of a multi-million-dollar dispute between the owner and a contractor for the construction of the tallest building in Central Asia. The arbitration involved complex claims, and counterclaims, with issues of contractual performance, etc.

Represented a TURKISH CONTRACTOR in a 200-million-dollar dispute with a building owner related to alleged defects in construction work, attempted use of a guarantee for a defect notification period, and other issues.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in several multimillion-dollar disputes with several developers, a landowner, and the state registration authority.

Represented A MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with a local subcontractor related to works and claims under a subcontract agreement.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with several individuals and the state registration authority in connection with disputed title to apartments (worth several million dollars) and registration of the title.

Represented a MAJOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR in a dispute with a developer over a failure to pay over US$40 million for construction work.

Advised a CONFIDENTIAL CLIENT on a major litigation matter related to engineering, procurement, and construction issues.

Advised a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY on dispute resolution provisions of several multi-billion contracts with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Selective Recent Experience – Professional Malpractice
Disputes

Advised a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM on a multimillion-dollar claim in an English court by a large Kazakh bank asserting a breach of contractual obligations and audit standards.

Defended a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM in a Kazakhstan court against a claim brought by a large state-owned industrial company asserting breach of contractual obligations and audit standards.

Advised a "BIG FOUR" AUDITING FIRM on an inspection by the Office of the Public Prosecutor related to an audit of a large bank.

Represented an INDIVIDUAL on a medical malpractice claim against a local clinic tried in Kazakhstan courts.

Selective Recent Experience – Customs Disputes

Represented a GLOBAL FAST FASHION COMPANY (and its seven subsidiaries) in several interrelated multi-million-dollar customs disputes related to royalties for know-how, IT, and company name.

Represented a GLOBAL CONSUMER GOODS COMPANY in several interrelated disputes with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs classification of multicomponent goods.

Represented a GLOBAL OIL AND GAS COMPANY in several interrelated disputes with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company and its contractor in connection with the issue of the proper declarant (importer of record) and other issues.

Represented a GLOBAL CONSUMER GOODS COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs duties and penalties related to royalties.

Represented a LARGE OIL PRODUCTS COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar claims against the company in connection with customs duties and penalties related to the classification of goods for customs purposes.

Represented a KAZAKHSTAN SUBSIDIARY OF A MAJOR FOREIGN COMPANY in a dispute with the customs authorities, pertaining to excise duties.

Selective Recent Experience – Tax Disputes

Represented a LARGE OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY in a dispute with the tax authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar tax claims against the company in connection with disallowance of local branch expenses.

Represented a SMALL OIL AND GAS ENGINEERING AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANY in a dispute with the tax authorities, pertaining to multimillion-dollar tax claims against the company in connection with disallowance of head office general and administrative expenses.

Admissions

Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan Bar Association)

The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) Court

Relevant Publications

"Kazakhstan" GAR Investment Treaty Arbitration Update 2020 – GAR Inside (with Patricia Nacimiento, Herbert Smith Freehills), 2020

"Kazakhstan" GAR Investment Treaty Arbitration Update 2019 – GAR Inside (with Patricia Nacimiento, Herbert Smith Freehills), 2019

“Investment Climate and Dispute Resolution: Some Problems and Solutions”, 2017

“Civil Procedure: Some Problems of Proving”, 2017