Rybalkin, Gortsunyan, Dyakin and Partners (RGD) is pleased to announce the appointment of new partners with effect from January 1, 2024: Alexander Geda, Alexander Lazarev, and Gayane Nadzharova.

“The appointment of new partners is an important step for our firm. Last year, we faced new professional challenges but continued to look for non-trivial solutions despite the constantly changing conditions. Colleagues who have been promoted make an invaluable contribution to the future of the law firm, helping to strengthen its position in the legal services market. I am sure that together we will achieve even greater heights. I sincerely congratulate everyone!” said RGD Managing Partner Maria Blagovolina.

“I will now gladly continue developing RGD’s Finance Practice as a partner. It is a great honor! I want to thank the firm’s founders, partners, and colleagues for their trust. I am sure that we will achieve even greater success together, and the most exciting and challenging projects await us,” said Alexander Geda commenting on his appointment.

The range of services provided by RGD is expanding. The firm has established a new practice as a division of Dispute Resolution Practice that will focus on protection of business reputation. RGD professionals have unique experience in this field, helping clients both in Russia and abroad. The new practice will give comprehensive advice on protecting honor, dignity, and business reputation, represent clients’ interests in Russia and abroad, provide strategic support in interaction with the media, and much more. Gayane Nadzharova and Alexander Lazarev will become co-heads of the practice.

“We have significant experience advising clients on effective interaction with the media and fighting defamatory statements. It is difficult to overestimate the relevance and significance of this area of work since freedom of speech – a recognized, globally protected and fundamental institute – has recently been used contrary to its original purpose. We are all witnessing the alarming consequences of this phenomenon now,” said Gayane Nadzharova.

“A response to the rapid changes in the legal environment, the creation of the new practice also reflects a transition from quantity to quality: we have made this decision after accumulating a wealth of industry experience. Judicial and non-judicial efforts to protect our clients’ honor, dignity, and business reputation in Russia and abroad have been a significant part of our work for many years but have recently taken on particular importance. We see excellent prospects for this area of work,” added Alexander Lazarev.