Yerkebulan M.

Lead legal counsel for a large-scale international construction project, responsible for end-to-end legal support from structuring and land acquisition through design, construction, and handover. I manage negotiation and drafting of EPC/FIDIC contracts, consultancy and subcontractor agreements, procurement and services contracts, and related financing and security documentation. From the incorporation of the company within the jurisdiction of the Astana International Financial Centre, I was directly involved in establishing the company as a subsidiary of a European parent entity. I supported the preparation and adoption of the sole shareholder’s resolution of the parent company on the incorporation of the subsidiary and ensured the proper structuring and legal implementation of the corporate framework. I have fully overseen all corporate and regulatory procedures, including bank account opening, implementation of internal policies, and ensuring compliance with the applicable AIFC regulations and framework. I have thoroughly studied the AIFC legal regime and applied it in practice throughout the company’s day-to-day operations. In addition, I structured and implemented all procedures related to the engagement of foreign personnel, including obtaining work permits and arranging work visas in accordance with AIFC requirements and applicable migration regulations. I advise senior management on legal risk and strategy, oversee claims and dispute resolution, coordinate external counsel across jurisdictions, and ensure full compliance with local law, international standards, and internal policies including anti-corruption, sanctions, competition, and HSE. My focus is to protect the project’s legal and commercial interests while enabling timely, safe, and cost-efficient project delivery.

Senior Legal & Compliance leader with deep experience in corporate law, regulatory licensing and governance in the tobacco industry. Founded and led the Legal & Compliance function — designing contract management, policies, compliance frameworks and audit readiness; securing production approvals; turning legal risk into strategic advantage. Selected achievements • Built Legal & Compliance function (policies & contract lifecycle) and led it from inception. • Secured manufacturing licence and registrations for tobacco production; managed gov and tax interactions. • Resolved force majeure and regulatory crises that threatened operations — unblocked permissions, accelerated approvals and preserved launch timelines. • Recovered company funds and resolved major reimbursement and debt disputes via negotiation and structured settlements. • Implemented contract lifecycle governance and controls, reducing regulatory and commercial exposure. • Represented the company in international negotiations — business trip to KT&G (Seoul); met with VP on cross-border legal and governance matters. • Managed licensing, audits and inspections to maintain continuous compliance under scrutiny. • Converted regulatory obligations into commercial enablers by aligning compliance with product, quality and commercial goals. Core competencies: Regulatory licensing; Gov-relations; Corporate governance; Contract lifecycle & commercial contracts; Crisis & operational risk; Dispute resolution & fund recovery; Cross-border legal strategy; Internal investigations & compliance monitoring; Team leadership. Role snapshot — Head of Legal & Compliance (in-house, tobacco) Lead counsel for corporate, regulatory and commercial matters. Own licensing strategy, regulatory submissions, renewals and appeals. Design and enforce compliance frameworks and internal controls; advise exec team and board on governance and risk; coordinate cross-functional legal support and manage high-value disputes and external counsel

Providing comprehensive legal support to businesses and individuals, specializing in contract law, corporate compliance, regulatory advisory, and dispute resolution. Advising clients on risk mitigation strategies, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Representing clients in negotiations and providing expert legal opinions on complex matters. Core Competencies: ✔ Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation ✔ Corporate & Commercial Law Advisory ✔ Compliance & Regulatory Risk Management ✔ Dispute Resolution & Legal Strategy Offering tailored legal solutions to meet diverse client needs with precision and professionalism.

Advise on various legal matters at the request of the company; Monitor legal changes; Interpret legal rules and regulations; Lead Compliance Counsel Compliance experience. High level of knowledge applicable to providing a broad range of services. Knowledge of Ethics & Compliance principles, concepts, procedures and terminology for review, examination, processing of a range of documents. Knowledge of various research sources, electronic ones, to conduct research & analyze information on a wide range of Ethics & Compliance issues. Ability to interpret and apply Ethics & Compliance instruments, develop & present results, recommendations, Opinions clearly and concisely. Develop clear goals Draft, amend and interpret contracts; Work with service contracts; Review contracts for compliance with the legal requirements and internal procedures, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation steps; Draft and amend internal policies and procedures. Expert appraisal of agreements. Drafting agreements, supplementary agreements, legal documents, internal documents of the Company, and various business agreements in English, Russian and Kazakh languages. Negotiate agreements with foreign partners, clients, and contractors (international companies) in English, Russian and Kazakh languages.

Providing comprehensive legal support to businesses and individuals, specializing in contract law, corporate compliance, regulatory advisory, and dispute resolution. Advising clients on risk mitigation strategies, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Representing clients in negotiations and providing expert legal opinions on complex matters. Core Competencies: ✔ Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation ✔ Corporate & Commercial Law Advisory ✔ Compliance & Regulatory Risk Management ✔ Dispute Resolution & Legal Strategy Offering tailored legal solutions to meet diverse client needs with precision and professionalism.

Assisted Lawyers in preparation for trials and court proceedings; Identified appropriate laws, and other materials for assigned cases; Compiled, analyzed, and organized information. Supported case preparation by providing case summaries and materials for mediation conferences; preparing pleadings. Preparation for legal proceedings; drafting legal documentation, conducting search for necessary judicial practice; analysis of similar litigation practice; preparation of cases and drawing up of inquiries in court cases; legal examination of contracts. Assisting in preparation of procedural documents. Conducting legal work for oil and gas organizations. Protecting the interests of oil and gas organizations in resolving issues related to additional charge of taxes, as well as assisting in preparation of complaints/appeal and other required documents for the results of the tax audit/inspection and performing other work with the Tax authorities.

Providing comprehensive legal support to businesses and individuals, specializing in contract law, corporate compliance, regulatory advisory, and dispute resolution. Advising clients on risk mitigation strategies, drafting and reviewing legal documents, and ensuring adherence to applicable laws and regulations. Representing clients in negotiations and providing expert legal opinions on complex matters. Core Competencies: ✔ Contract Drafting, Review & Negotiation ✔ Corporate & Commercial Law Advisory ✔ Compliance & Regulatory Risk Management ✔ Dispute Resolution & Legal Strategy Offering tailored legal solutions to meet diverse client needs with precision and professionalism.

As part of my role, I provided comprehensive legal and project support for DP World’s initiatives in Kazakhstan, including the development of the Special Economic Zone “Khorgos–Eastern Gate”. My work encompassed both short-term project assignments and legal support for strategic infrastructure development. Key responsibilities and contributions: Supported the completion of the first project phase in Nur-Sultan (now Astana) and participated in preparatory work for the second phase on the Kazakhstan–China border. Assisted in the establishment of a new Joint Stock Company for the purposes of the Special Economic Zone and facilitated the appointment of a new CEO. Provided legal and operational support for international projects in the fields of construction, logistics, infrastructure, railways, terminal services, container management, and special economic zones. Drafted, reviewed, and adapted contracts and corporate documents in both English and Russian, ensuring compliance with Kazakh and international legal standards. Conducted business correspondence with international stakeholders and government authorities, supporting negotiations and documentation processes. Delivered legal analysis and recommendations to minimize risks and ensure regulatory compliance in cross-border projects. About DP World: DP World is a global leader in logistics, ports, and supply chain solutions, and a part of Dubai World, owned by the Government of the UAE. According to Drewry Shipping Consultants (London, UK), DP World ranked as the third-largest global port operator in 2011. Today, it manages over 80 terminals in 40+ countries, handling nearly 10% of global container trade and achieving a record 88 million TEUs throughput in 2024. The company employs more than 115,000 professionals from 166 nationalities across 79 countries, while expanding with 180 new offices and over 430 business units in 86 countries worldwide.

Assisted attorneys in preparation for trials and court proceedings; Identified appropriate laws, and other materials for assigned cases; Compiled, analyzed, and organized information. Supported case preparation by providing case summaries and materials for mediation conferences; preparing pleadings. Preparation for legal proceedings; drafting legal documentation, conducting search for necessary judicial practice; analysis of similar litigation practice; preparation of cases and drawing up of inquiries in court cases; legal examination of contracts.