Associate M&A

Description

About Unicase

Unicase is a leading Central Asian law firm operating locally and internationally, with a strong presence in Kazakhstan, as well as in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Unicase has one of the strongest Expert Teams, well known for regulatory and law drafting capabilities, who, alongside a strong transactional background and expertise, have allowed the firm to win major development projects and continue to be the first-choice advisers for legislation development issues.

Team Overview

Unicase team provides an extensive range of legal services around a number of industry sectors such as Project Finance and Construction, Infrastructure and PPP, Oil & Gas and Mining, Energy and Renewables as well as FMCG and Pharmaceuticals, letting the firm effectively serve businesses at the cutting edge of today’s global economy.

Partners and Senior Associates of Unicase have spent a significant time of their professional careers working for top international law firms and are well familiar with the expectations of both foreign and local clients to the format and content of legal advice, which makes Unicase highly competitive. The professionalism and expertise of the Team are recognised by Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, IFLR 1000, and AsiaLaw Profiles in the four key areas: corporate law and M&A, dispute resolution, infrastructure, energy, and natural resources.

Job Overview

Unicase is looking for an experienced lawyer to join our team in Almaty and Astana. This role will focus on M&A transactions, advising both corporate clients and financial institutions. We combine deep local expertise with international standards, working closely with clients to provide unique legal solutions. Our approach is hands-on and business-oriented, strategic guidance at every stage of a transaction. You’ll be part of a team that collaborates directly with clients, regulators, and industry leaders to drive complex deals forward.

Main tasks:

• Prepare, review, and negotiate legal documents for executing public and private M&A transactions, including offer announcements, scheme and offer documents (for public M&A), sale and purchase agreements (for private M&A), and related ancillary documents.
• Lead and manage large-scale due diligence processes for both sell-side and buy-side transactions.
• Reviewing corporate, contractual, compliance, and regulatory risks to structure a viable deal.
• Securing necessary approvals, licences, and competition law compliance.
• Advising on business structure, drafting SPAs, shareholder agreements, and mitigating legal risks.
• Managing target integration, governance alignment, and adherence to legal frameworks.
• Addressing land use rights, environmental regulations, energy contracts (PPA, GCA), and feasibility studies.
• Contribute to departmental knowledge-sharing efforts and participate in training programmes.
• Guide and mentor junior lawyers, providing support and fostering their professional growth.

Description of role:

• You will uphold integrity while delivering sharp legal advice to clients and collaborating effectively with colleagues;
• You will take charge of day-to-day case management, engage directly with clients, and drive complex matters forward with appropriate guidance from partners;
• You will confidently navigate negotiations with clients and counterparties while clearly understanding client needs and providing practical, cost-effective solutions;
• You will establish and nurture relationships with clients, identifying opportunities to strengthen them;
• You will stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and client developments, collaborating with the business development team to leverage this knowledge for growth;
• You will build and sustain a professional network, both within and outside the firm;
• You will demonstrate strong attention to detail, recognising inconsistencies that may signal quality issues or misalignment with client expectations;
• You will support team members when needed, offering guidance and constructive feedback in an approachable manner;
• You will contribute to fostering a positive workplace culture and participate in training and development initiatives.

Essential skills and experience

The successful candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a top-tier law firm or corporate legal department.
• Experience working with international clients and cross-border transactions.
• Strong knowledge of Kazakhstani law; knowledge of AIFC regulations is an advantage;
• Law degree from a reputable university (LLB, LLM degree from Kazakhstan/ international universities).
• Admission to the Kazakhstan Bar or equivalent legal qualification is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in English and Russian required, Kazakh language is an advantage;
• Experience of drafting, reviewing and negotiating legal documents and agreements.
• Ability to lead team on transactions or designated parts of transactions;
• Experience in or readiness to handle multiple jurisdictions;
• Experience in client interactions, with the ability to understand, address client needs effectively, and build strong client relationships.
• A proactive and team-oriented professional who works efficiently with colleagues at all levels;
• Willingness to learn new skills and broaden expertise across different practice areas.

Recent work

• Unicase advised EBRD in connection with a 255 mln. euro loan to the Kazakhstan Electric Grid Operating Company (KEGOC) for the purpose of financing the second phase of the modernization of KEGOC's substations and high-voltage equipment;
• Advised Total Eren on a transaction involving the construction of the first 1 GW wind project in Kazakhstan with battery storage capacity of up to 500 MW/1 GWh;
• Advsed DEG - Deutsche Investitions-und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH in connection with the planned project finance transaction in Uzbekistan for Hamkorbank JSC concerning USD 20,000,000 term facility agreement;
• Advised Careall Group on a $ 90 million acquisition, 60% equity interest in a Kazakhstan oil company.

Career advancement

Unicase offers a clear career progression path with well-defined expectations, showing transparency in growth and promotion. As part of our team, you will have access to:

• Work closely with the marketing team to publish articles in top international legal journals and contribute to industry insights.
• Leverage Andersen Global’s extensive network to connect with leading professionals and expand your expertise through cross-border collaborations.
• Engage in international forums, industry events, and legal conferences, positioning yourself as a recognised expert in Banking & Finance, M&A.
• Build strong client relationships, enhance your market presence, and participate in business development initiatives that strengthen your professional profile in Central Asia.

Background checks

Unicase conducts staff vetting to meet regulatory and client requirements. Upon accepting a job offer, candidates undergo professional verification and background checks with their consent, in line with legal and regulatory obligations.

Selection process

• CV Review – We assess your qualifications and experience.
• HR Interview – A discussion on your background and career goals.
• Senior Partner Interview – A technical and strategic evaluation.
• Final Decision & Offer – Successful candidates receive an offer to join Unicase.