Nizomiddin Shakhabutdinov is known among bank specialists and lawyers in Uzbekistan for his deep knowledge and unique experience in the banking and finance sector with a particular emphasis on project finance in Uzbekistan. He started his legal career in 1996 specializing in banking and finance law, structured and secured transactions, real estate, and corporate law.

From 1996 to 2000 Nizomiddin worked as in-house counsel of the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NBU), the largest commercial bank of Uzbekistan. As a member of the credit committee, Nizomiddin participated in the review and approval of financing projects based on the requirements of the credit and investment policies of NBU and the Uzbek legislation.

In 2000 Nizomiddin jointly with other lawyers established a law firm, where he successfully provided legal services to banks, leasing, and insurance companies of Uzbekistan.

In January 2005 Nizomiddin entered into a partnership agreement with Mr. Azamat Fayzullaev on the establishment of the “Leges Advokat” law firm.

Nizomiddin successfully represents foreign investors in the largest projects of Uzbekistan in oil and gas, telecom, textile, and banking industries.

Nizomiddin is highly regarded by such leading legal directories as Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, which list him as a recommended lawyer in Uzbekistan. He is renowned for his "high level of professionalism and availability, especially when issues require immediate attention”.

Representative Legal Matters

• Acting as a local counsel for a large scale project on development, financing, and construction of a gas and petrochemical complex in Uzbekistan;
• Acting as a local counsel for a Chinese bank in its financing of one of the largest commercial banks of Uzbekistan;
• Acting as a local counsel for an international telecommunication company and providing day-to-day legal assistance on issues and questions related to its business in Uzbekistan;
• Acting as a local counsel for a leading global pharmaceutical company in its marketing and distribution operations in Uzbekistan;
• Acting as a local counsel for a leading global tobacco company in its marketing and distribution operations in Uzbekistan. Providing complex legal advice in relation to setting up a plant for the production of tobacco products in Uzbekistan;
• Acting as a local counsel for a foreign investor in its acquisition of two textile factories with further investment obligations;
• Assisting a Chinese mobile operator in its proposed acquisition of one of the Uzbek mobile services providers by conducting a comprehensive legal due diligence review of the target company and advising the client on various Uzbek law issues;
• Acting as a local counsel for a foreign consortium of investors (foreign state-owned and private companies) in its acquisition of a local paper mill with further investment obligations as per the investment agreement.

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Uzbekistan Bar Association