+7 778 325 44 44

Lawyer in Almaty — we defend during the investigation and in court from the first call

A lawyer accompanies a client in the court corridor in Almaty
  • First consultation free of charge, available online
  • Urgent attendance upon detention and at interrogation
  • Criminal, civil, family and administrative cases
  • The cost and scope of work are fixed in the contract
Legal practice

We defend suspects and accused persons during the investigation and in court

We attend upon detention, search and summons for interrogation

We handle civil, family and inheritance disputes through to enforcement of the judgment

We appeal rulings in administrative cases

We support companies and families under a retainer agreement

Asel Kurmanova, specialist in the practice's court cases

Tell us what happened and what documents you have on hand — we will tell you what to do in the coming hours and whether the case has prospects.

  • 14years
    of court practice
    We handle cases in the courts of Almaty and the region: from first instance to cassation.
  • 600+
    cases handled
    Criminal, civil, family and administrative — each has its own dedicated specialist.
  • 24/7
    contact in urgent cases
    Arrest and search do not wait for morning: we read WhatsApp messages at night too.
  • 1day
    to review documents
    We review served summons, orders and contracts within one working day.

Defence in criminal cases

At the stage of pre-investigation check, investigation and trial: participation in interrogations, appealing the actions of the investigator, work with expert examinations and defence at hearings.

Urgent attendance upon arrest

We come to the police station or to the investigator, secure a private meeting and are present during the first procedural actions.

Representation in civil court

Disputes over contracts, debts, real estate and compensation for damage — from the pre-action claim and statement of claim to receiving the money under the judgment.

Family cases

Divorce, division of property, alimony, the child's place of residence and visitation arrangements — in court and in negotiations with the other party.

Inheritance and land disputes

Restoration of deadlines, contesting a will, division of inheritance, disputes over plot boundaries and the right to land.

Administrative cases

Appealing fines and orders, defending drivers in licence deprivation cases, disputes with state bodies.

Economic and customs cases

Corporate conflicts, disputes between companies, cases on customs violations and claims by regulatory authorities.

Retainer support

A dedicated lawyer for a company or family: consultations, documents and attendance under a monthly contract.

Need a lawyer right now? Write what happened and where you are

The first conversation is free. If the situation is urgent, we will immediately say what can and cannot be signed before the defence lawyer arrives, and if the case has no prospects, we will say that too.

Message us on WhatsApp +7 778 325 44 44
  • For detainees and their relatives
  • For claimants and defendants in court
  • For companies and executives

Cost

Fees lawyer in Almaty

The amounts are indicative: the final price depends on the category of the case and the stage at which you came to us. We quote it after reviewing the documents and put it in the contract.

Service What is included Cost
Consultation with a lawyer Initial review of the situation and documents free of charge
Written legal opinion Analysis of documents with the relevant legal provisions and options for action from 40,000 ₸
Urgent attendance for a detainee A private meeting and participation in the first procedural steps from 60,000 ₸
Attendance at interrogation For a witness, suspect or victim from 50,000 ₸
Defence at the investigation stage Motions, complaints, participation in investigative actions from 300,000 ₸
Defence in a criminal case in court Preparing the position and attending all hearings from 400,000 ₸
Conducting a civil case in court Statement of claim or response, hearings, work with evidence from 200,000 ₸
Retainer service Assigned lawyer, consultations and documents from 200,000 ₸ per month

This is not a public offer. State duty, expert examinations, notarial acts and translation are paid separately, by receipts — the lawyer does not earn on them.

How it works lawyer: from the first call to the court's decision

Call or message

We find out what happened, where you are and whether there is a deadline expiring today. Urgent situations are dealt with the same hour.

Review of documents

We study summonses, orders, contracts and correspondence. We give an assessment based on the papers, not on a retelling.

Position and plan

We determine what can realistically be achieved, what evidence is needed and in what order to act.

Conversation about risks

We name the weak points of the position before the contract. If the case has no prospects, we say so straight away.

Contract

We fix the scope of work, the cost and the assigned lawyer — with no extra charges during the case.

Pre-trial stage

Claims, complaints, participation in interrogations and negotiations. Some cases end already here.

Court

We prepare the claim or the defence, attend every hearing and, where necessary, appeal the decision.

Enforcement and reporting

We monitor the enforcement of the decision and hand over all case documents to the client.

Need a lawyer today?

Tell us what happened and where you are — we will advise you on what to do in the coming hours.

Describe your situation

Team

Advocates and lawyers of the practice in Almaty

Defence in a criminal case, a court dispute and the documents for it — all within one team: the case is not passed between firms, it is handled by an advocate of the relevant profile.

Nurlan Beketov — Advocate for criminal cases

Nurlan Beketov

Advocate for criminal cases

Defence from the moment of detention: participation in interrogations, appealing the preventive measure, work with expert examinations and the procedural agreement.

  • 21 years of advocacy practice
  • Criminal cases, detention
  • Travel to the client at any time
Saule Tleubayeva — Advocate for family cases

Saule Tleubayeva

Advocate for family cases

Dissolution of marriage, determination of the child's place of residence and contact arrangements, alimony, division of the spouses' common property.

  • 16 years of advocacy practice
  • Disputes over children and division of property
  • Work with guardianship authorities
Arman Doszhanov — Advocate for civil cases

Arman Doszhanov

Advocate for civil cases

Representation in court in contractual, housing, land and inheritance disputes, appeal and cassation.

  • 12 years of advocacy practice
  • Courts of all instances
  • Advocate's requests and expert examinations
Dinara Yerzhanova — Advocate for economic and administrative cases

Dinara Yerzhanova

Advocate for economic and administrative cases

Defence of businesses and executives: tax and customs cases, searches and seizures, disputes with state bodies under the Administrative Procedural Code.

  • 15 years of advocacy practice
  • Economic cases, inspections
  • Support during searches and seizures
Assel Kurmanova — Lawyer for civil cases

Assel Kurmanova

Lawyer for civil cases

Prepares statements of claim, pre-action claims and calculations for the court case, gathers evidence and handles correspondence with government bodies.

  • 14 years of practice
  • Documents for the court case
  • Pre-action procedure and claims
Gulnara Abisheva — Lawyer for family and social matters

Gulnara Abisheva

Lawyer for family and social matters

Maintenance and property division agreements, consents for a child to travel abroad, documents for guardianship authorities and for court.

  • 9 years of practice
  • Family agreements
  • Work with guardianship authorities

Practice

Stories from recent cases handled by our lawyers in Almaty

Details have been changed and anonymised: the content of the case is protected by professional privilege.

Detention

Detained on a fraud complaint — released the next day under an undertaking to appear

Situation
A sales manager was brought to the police station late in the evening: a former buyer had filed a complaint alleging that he had taken an advance payment of 3.2 million tenge for equipment and never delivered it. The investigator suggested he give explanations straight away, “so you can be released faster”, and his wife only found out about the detention three hours later.
What we did
The lawyer arrived at night, secured a private meeting and, before the interview, went through the documents with the client: the supply contract had been concluded by two companies, the money had gone to the LLP's account, and the client had signed the papers under a power of attorney. At the interview, the testimony was given on the basis of those documents, and the lawyer filed a motion to attach the contract, the bank statement and the correspondence with the buyer about the postponed deadlines.
Outcome
The next day the client was released, with an undertaking to appear as the measure of restraint. Two months later the criminal case was terminated for lack of corpus delicti: the dispute was recognised as civil, and the buyer filed a claim against the company.
Witness interview

The chief accountant was summoned as a witness in the director's case — she attended the interview with a lawyer

Situation
An accountant at a construction company was summoned for an interview in a tax evasion case opened against the director. The client was afraid that her signatures on payment orders going back two years would turn her from a witness into an accomplice.
What we did
Before the interview, the lawyer went through with her the list of documents she had signed and the payment approval procedure: all payments went through the director, as confirmed by internal memos and a data export from the accounting software. During the interview, the lawyer monitored the wording of the questions, asked for references to the internal memos to be entered in the record, and secured the correction of two inaccurate phrases before signing.
Outcome
Her status as a witness did not change, and she was not summoned again. In the final case file, her testimony appears exactly as she signed it in the lawyer's presence.
Road traffic accident

An accident involving an injured cyclist ended in a settlement between the parties

Situation
A driver hit a cyclist at an intersection — a fractured shin, moderate harm to health. A pre-trial investigation was opened, the car was seized, and the injured party's relatives demanded 8 million tenge and refused to talk.
What we did
The lawyer secured a forensic motor vehicle examination taking into account the dashcam footage, which showed that the cyclist had ridden through a red light. At the same time, he negotiated with the injured party's representative, prepared a calculation of the actual treatment costs and lost earnings, and a settlement agreement with a receipt confirming the money had been received.
Outcome
The injured party received 2.3 million tenge and filed an application for settlement. The case was terminated on the grounds of settlement between the parties, and the car was returned to the client five weeks after the accident.
Civil dispute

A contractor took an advance payment for renovating a house and disappeared for six months

Situation
The family transferred an advance payment of 4.6 million tenge to the contractor, and the work stopped after a month at the rough finishing stage. The contractor stopped answering calls, and the police refused to accept the complaint as a criminal matter and advised going to court.
What we did
The lawyer commissioned a construction expert examination of the volume of work actually performed, sent a pre-action claim to the individual entrepreneur's registered address and via messenger, and then filed a claim to terminate the contract, recover the unearned advance and a penalty. At the same time, he filed a motion to secure the claim — freezing the defendant's account and car.
Outcome
The expert examination valued the work done at 1.1 million tenge. The court awarded 3.5 million in advance, a penalty and the cost of the expert examination, and the enforcement proceedings closed within four months thanks to the frozen car.
Child's place of residence

The father secured his son's residence with him after the divorce

Situation
After the divorce, the mother moved to another city with their eight-year-old son and stopped letting the father see the child. The father filed a claim to determine the child's place of residence, and the mother counterclaimed to restrict his contact with his son.
What we did
The lawyer gathered evidence of the father's involvement in the child's life: certificates from the school and extracurricular clubs, where it was he who attended parents' meetings and training sessions, a reference from the class teacher, and a psychologist's report on the boy's attachment. He filed motions to interview the child with a teacher present and to examine the living conditions at both parents' homes.
Outcome
The court determined the son's place of residence to be with the father and set the mother's contact arrangements: two weekends a month and half of the summer holidays. The counterclaim was dismissed, and the decision withstood appeal.
Inheritance

She learned of her father's death nine months later — her share in the flat was recovered through court

Situation
The client lives in Germany and learned of her father's death when the inheritance had already been accepted by his two children from a second marriage. The flat in Almaty worth about 38 million tenge was registered in their names in equal shares, and they were about to sell it.
What we did
The lawyer gathered evidence that the missed deadline was for good reason: correspondence showing she had not been informed of the death, a certificate of residence abroad, and a neighbour's testimony. He filed a claim to restore the deadline for accepting the inheritance and redistribute the shares, and before the court's decision he secured a ban on disposing of the flat.
Outcome
The court restored the deadline and recognised the client as an heir on equal terms with the other two children. The shares were recalculated from halves into thirds, and the ban on sale was lifted after the new certificates were registered.
Administrative case

The café was closed at the height of the season — the order was overturned due to procedural violations during the inspection

Situation
Following an unscheduled inspection, the café owner was fined 1.4 million tenge and ordered to suspend operations for three months. The establishment closed in June, staff were put on idle time, and suppliers demanded payment for produce already delivered.
What we did
The lawyer requested the inspection materials and found that the order appointing the inspection had not been registered and the owner had not been notified of its start. He prepared a complaint on these grounds, attaching documents showing that the issues identified had been remedied the next day.
Outcome
The higher court overturned the order and terminated the proceedings. The café reopened three weeks after closing, and no fine had to be paid.
Appeal

A debt under a handwritten receipt was recovered on appeal after the first instance refused

Situation
The client lent an acquaintance 6 million tenge against a handwritten receipt. The court of first instance dismissed the claim: the defendant stated that he had written the receipt under pressure and had not received the money, and the court found the claimant's arguments unproven.
What we did
The lawyer came on board at the appeal stage. They found a bank statement showing the withdrawal of the sum on the day the receipt was written and correspondence in which the defendant asked for a deferral "on the debt", filed a motion for handwriting expert examination, and explained why this evidence had not been submitted earlier.
Outcome
The appeal overturned the decision and awarded 6 million tenge of debt, interest and court costs. The defendant repaid the debt in instalments over eight months within the enforcement proceedings.

Useful information

Lawyer in Almaty: when you need one and how to choose

Nurlan Beketov Criminal defence lawyer
Published: Updated:

A lawyer is usually needed unexpectedly: a relative has been detained, a summons for questioning has arrived, a former partner has filed a claim, or you urgently need to understand what you are signing. At that moment a person searches for contacts in their phone, scrolls through listings and does not always understand who they are contacting — a lawyer with a licence or a legal consultant without that status, who will not be allowed into the interrogation.

Mistakes in such a situation are costly: statements signed without review, conversations with the investigator without defence, documents that are later difficult to challenge. A good lawyer removes part of that risk, but you need to be able to choose one and understand what you are paying for. Below is a practical breakdown of situations, the order of steps and the terms of the engagement.

Lawyer and legal consultant: what the difference is in practice

In criminal proceedings, only a lawyer — a member of the bar with a licence and an order — can act as defence counsel. A legal consultant without that status advises, prepares documents and represents clients in civil court, but if they provide assistance professionally and for payment, they must be a legal consultant and be a member of the chamber of legal consultants. They are not entitled to act as defence counsel in a criminal case.

A lawyer is bound by legal professional privilege and may not disclose the client's information. When deciding whether a lawyer or a legal consultant is needed, look at the substance of the case. A lawyer's legal services are broader: civil, administrative cases, advice to businesses. A comparison of the key differences is in the table.

  • Criminal defence — only a lawyer
  • The order confirms the lawyer's authority in the case; a power of attorney is needed for dispositive actions
  • Legal professional privilege protects the client's information
  • A legal consultant acts under a power of attorney in civil proceedings
How a lawyer differs from a legal consultant
Criterion Lawyer Legal consultant
Criminal defence Yes, under an order No
Status Licence, bar association Legal education, chamber of legal consultants, chamber of legal consultants, chamber of legal consultants
Legal professional privilege Guaranteed by law No separate guarantee
Representation in court In all categories of cases Civil cases, by power of attorney

A lawyer can handle civil cases, but in criminal proceedings only an advocate acts as defence counsel.

When an advocate is needed urgently

The clock is ticking when a person has been detained, a search has begun, or a summons for questioning has been served. After detention without a court order, as a general rule, a person must be released no later than 48 hours, and a minor — after 24 hours. During this period, decisions are made on how the case will be classified and what measure of restraint will be chosen, so the help of an advocate is needed right now.

An advocate is also urgently needed when a ruling or court decision has already been issued and the deadline for appeal is limited — missing the date deprives you of the right to appeal until the court restores the deadline for a valid reason. An advocate answers the call around the clock, records the circumstances, prepares motions and complaints, and travels to the scene. If you need an advocate in such a situation, it is important to reach defence counsel immediately, without waiting for morning.

  • detention or being taken to an authority
  • search, seizure, inspection of a dwelling
  • summons for questioning or confrontation
  • the deadline for appealing a ruling is expiring
  • threat of a measure of restraint being imposed

Calling an advocate upon detention: procedure

You can call an advocate for a detained person as soon as you learn of the detention: defence counsel enters the case from the moment of actual detention or when the person is recognised as a suspect. Before defence counsel arrives, the detained person has the right to know what they are suspected of, to remain silent, not to testify against themselves, and to use the services of an interpreter, while the authority that detained them is obliged to notify relatives of the detention. The main thing for relatives is not to wait, but to call an advocate as soon as information about the detention is received.

You can arrange to call an advocate by phone: state who has been detained, where they are, and what is known about the grounds, and pass the advocate's contact details to the officers or to the detained person. The detained person has the right to meet defence counsel in private before the first questioning, so insist on a meeting, not a conversation in the presence of others. Without defence counsel, limit yourself to finding out where the person has been taken and what the reason for the detention is.

Once the detention period expires, the person must be released if the court has not authorised a measure of restraint: the charge is brought separately and later, and the detention itself does not replace it.

  • find out to which authority the person has been taken and what they are accused of
  • pass this information to the advocate to call defence counsel
  • insist on a private meeting before the first questioning
  • before the advocate arrives, do not discuss the circumstances of the case

The first hours before meeting an advocate: what to do and what to avoid

From the first minutes after detention, a summons for questioning, or receipt of a summons, it is important not to harm yourself. Do not sign documents you do not understand, do not give explanations, do not write a confession, and do not agree to a "conversation" without defence counsel. Keep all the papers you have been given, and remember the time, place, and positions of the people who spoke with you. If possible, record what is happening on your phone and write down the contact details of witnesses.

Everything you tell an advocate becomes advocate-client privilege — they cannot be questioned about this information. Even a chance phrase said in conversation will not go beyond defence counsel. Therefore, before meeting them, do not discuss the circumstances by phone, in messengers, or with anyone other than the advocate. Your task is to collect documents, not to look for those to blame or explain yourself to outsiders.

  • Keep the summons, protocols, and any documents served on you.
  • Write down the details of witnesses and bystanders.
  • Do not sign blank forms or documents you do not understand.
  • Do not discuss the case with anyone other than the advocate.
  • Give the lawyer all the documents, even if they seem unimportant.

Lawyer in court: what court representation includes

Court representation is the lawyer's work in court from reviewing the case file to the judgment entering into force. First, they determine the position: which facts to confirm, which to dispute, which evidence to request. Then they prepare procedural documents and represent the client at hearings.

In court proceedings, the lawyer examines evidence, files motions, questions witnesses and speaks in the pleadings. If the judgment is unsatisfactory, the court lawyer prepares an appeal. A lawyer's court services also include work in higher instances — appeal and cassation.

  • Analysis of documents and development of a legal position
  • Collecting and presenting evidence
  • Participation in hearings and pleadings
  • Preparing and filing an appeal against the judgment

Lawyer consultation online and by phone

An online lawyer consultation covers the initial questions: assessing prospects, reviewing documents, and the procedure to follow when summoned for questioning or to court. Send a scan or photo of the summons, contract or correspondence — the lawyer will point out the risks and tell you which papers to prepare. This saves time if you need to ask a lawyer a question online or clarify tactics before a meeting. When a visit is not necessary, online lawyer services replace a trip to the office. For a resident of Almaty, it is a way to get a lawyer's help online without taking time off work.

A personal meeting is needed before court, investigative actions, and for working with originals: a lawyer consultation in the office allows you to align the position and sign papers. A lawyer consultation by phone is suitable for urgent matters — detention, a search, a summons. If you need a lawyer consultation in Almaty, the online format does not prevent you from coming to the office later: the specialist will already know the materials. To make a consultation with a lawyer productive, formulate your question to the lawyer in advance and gather copies of the documents. Urgent situations and complex cases require the defence lawyer's personal presence.

  • For an online review, send a scan of the summons, contract or correspondence.
  • An urgent question is resolved by phone: detention, search, summons.
  • A personal meeting is needed for court, investigative actions and originals.
  • An online lawyer in Almaty gives an initial assessment before a trip to the office.

How to find a good lawyer in Almaty

When you are looking for a lawyer, check their status: they must be a member of a bar association and hold a valid licence. Ask to see the lawyer's certificate, and verify membership in the register of lawyers on the website of the territorial bar association or the Republican Bar Association. A good lawyer in Almaty does not avoid such questions and will offer to confirm their authority themselves.

Warning signs: a promise of a guaranteed result, refusal to conclude a written legal assistance agreement, a demand for cash without documents, and pressure over deadlines. An honest lawyer will explain the prospects of the case, name the risks and propose a work plan. If the specialist avoids specifics, it is worth continuing your search.

  • Check membership in a bar association.
  • Ask to see the lawyer's certificate.
  • Clarify their specialisation in your category of cases.
  • Discuss the payment procedure and the terms of the legal assistance agreement.

A private lawyer, a law office or a company

The format in which a lawyer in Almaty works affects the speed and intensity of handling the case. A private lawyer handles cases personally, but when they are busy, representation suffers. By law, a lawyer works individually, in a law office or in a legal consultation, while such associations are commonly called a "firm" or "company". A law office is several lawyers who back each other up, while your personal lawyer remains the one with whom you discuss strategy.

A law company with a team is more convenient where a case pulls in related issues. The services of a private lawyer are good in urgent situations. For a long process or ongoing support of a business, a law office in Almaty offers more resources than a sole specialist.

What to consider when choosing a format:

  • Private lawyer — personal handling and quick contact.
  • Law office — several lawyers and mutual cover.
  • Law firm with legal consultants — support on related matters.
  • Personal lawyer — ongoing contact on all matters.
Comparison of formats
Format Composition When it is more convenient
Private lawyer One lawyer Urgent matters, personal contact
Law office Several lawyers Lengthy court case, backup cover
Law company Lawyers and legal consultants Complex disputes, business
Personal lawyer One specialist Ongoing support

The format is chosen to suit the nature of the case and the speed required.

Hiring a lawyer: formats of engagement

You can hire a lawyer in different ways. A one-off consultation — to understand the prospects and risks. An instruction for a single matter — a specific episode: a fine, a contract, a debt. Handling by stages — pre-trial preparation, first instance, appeal. A personal lawyer — ongoing support.

A paid lawyer works under a written agreement that sets out the scope of the instruction and the payment procedure. Lawyer services in Almaty: analysis of documents, procedural papers, representation in court, negotiations. Lawyer services in Almaty are also provided through state-guaranteed legal aid: a lawyer is appointed by the body conducting the criminal proceedings or by the court, and the state pays for their work. If you are unsure about the format, start with a one-off consultation and decide on hiring a lawyer for the whole process later. Lawyer services vary in scope, so state upfront what is included in the instruction.

  • One-off consultation: oral or written review of the situation
  • One case: representation until a decision is issued
  • By stages: a separate agreement for each instance
  • Personal lawyer: ongoing support and contact

Retainer service with a lawyer

Retainer service with a lawyer is chosen when legal issues arise regularly: for an entrepreneur — contracts, inspections, disputes with counterparties; for a manager or accountant — HR and tax matters; for an individual — a long-running case or several cases at once in different instances. Instead of a separate engagement, you get ongoing support and the ability to contact the lawyer on any matter within the agreed scope.

Retainer service usually includes:

  • oral and written consultations on current matters;
  • review of contracts, letters and internal documents;
  • preparation of claims, complaints, applications and procedural documents;
  • negotiations with counterparties and state bodies;
  • support during inspections, court proceedings and enforcement proceedings.

What the cost of a lawyer's services depends on

The cost of a lawyer's services in court depends on the category and stage of the case: one case is a consultation before a summons, another is participation in court hearings, where the scope of work depends on the number of volumes, witnesses and expert examinations. Urgency also matters: a call-out at night or at the weekend is charged differently from a planned meeting at the office. The scope and complexity determine how much time the lawyer will spend studying the materials, preparing procedural documents and attending hearings.

An initial review of the situation may be free, while in-depth work with documents and a written opinion under Kazakhstan law becomes chargeable. The price of hiring a lawyer for the whole case is usually higher than a one-off consultation, but it is not tied to the outcome: a lawyer may not promise a specific result, and the agreement is always concluded in writing. To understand the prices of lawyers in Almaty and the prices for a lawyer's services in Almaty, use the price list on the page: it sets out the current terms.

  • Category and stage of the case: pre-trial work or participation in hearings
  • Volume of materials: number of volumes, witnesses, expert examinations
  • Urgency: a call-out outside working hours or a planned consultation
  • Format: one-off consultation or retainer support

Russian-speaking lawyer and the language of the proceedings

Court proceedings in Kazakhstan are conducted in Kazakh or Russian, and a participant who does not speak the language of the proceedings is entitled to use the services of an interpreter. So a Russian-speaking lawyer in Almaty is commonplace: they conduct correspondence, file motions and speak in court in the language familiar to the client. If the case is heard in Kazakh and you or your relative do not speak it fluently, an interpreter must be requested immediately — before questioning and pleadings begin, otherwise you will later have to challenge evidence already gathered.

Russian-speaking lawyers in Almaty will also help when the case materials, minutes or documents are in Kazakh and you need to understand every wording. This is especially important in criminal and administrative cases, where a misunderstood question or a signed minutes can cost dearly. A Russian-speaking lawyer will assess whether there are any language-related violations in the case and build the defence taking into account the right to translation. If you are unsure whether the specialist can handle a Kazakh-language process, clarify this at the first meeting.

Human rights lawyer and international complaints

A human rights lawyer handles cases where basic guarantees have been violated: torture and ill-treatment, unlawful detention, conditions of detention in places of deprivation of liberty, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, a fair trial. They gather evidence, appeal against the actions of officials, prepare complaints to the prosecutor's office, the Human Rights Commissioner and the court, and seek compensation.

A complaint against Kazakhstan cannot be filed with the European Court of Human Rights: Kazakhstan is not a member of the Council of Europe. If domestic remedies have been exhausted, individual complaints are sent to the UN Human Rights Committee. A complaint to the ECtHR in a Kazakhstan case does not work, but the lawyer will prepare an application to the Committee: gather documents, build the legal position and monitor compliance with the procedure.

  • documenting torture and ill-treatment
  • complaints against unlawful detention and custody
  • protection of freedom of speech and peaceful assembly
  • applications to the UN Human Rights Committee
  • support in fair trial cases

How to prepare for your first meeting with a lawyer

If you have a first meeting with a lawyer ahead, reconstruct the chronology of events: what happened by date, in what order, who was involved and what has already been done — applications to the authorities, submitted statements, responses received. Bring your identity document and all documents relating to the case: contracts, correspondence, summonses, orders, certificates. Write out separately the questions you want to ask — that way the conversation will get to the substance and you will not forget anything.

Tell everything honestly, including facts that are uncomfortable for you: a lawyer builds the defence from the full picture, not from the convenient part of it. Gaps in your account will surface later, and by then it will be harder to put things right. Set out in advance what you want from the case and what outcome is acceptable to you. At the first meeting, clarify the scope of work being offered and what is included in the fee.

  • Dates and the sequence of events.
  • Identity document and case documents.
  • Correspondence, summonses, orders.
  • A list of questions for the lawyer.
  • Your goals and expectations for the case.

Agreement with a lawyer: what to check before signing

Before signing the agreement, check that it clearly sets out the subject of the engagement: which case, what scope and at which stages the lawyer works. The investigation, the court of first instance and the appeal are different stages, and each must be named separately. Clarify who handles the case and what is included in the engagement and what counts as additional work.

Separately discuss the procedure for payment and reimbursement of expenses: what is paid in advance, how the fee is calculated if the case ends early and who covers expert examinations, translations and travel. The agreement must not contain promises to win the case or to refund money if you lose. Look at the termination terms in advance.

  • Subject of the engagement: the specific case, scope of work, stages — investigation, court, appeal
  • Who handles the case and what counts as additional work
  • Procedure for payment by stage and reimbursement of expenses — expert examinations, translations, travel
  • No guarantees of outcome: a lawyer is responsible for the work, not for the result of the case
  • Termination terms: notice, settlement by stage, return of documents

The main conclusion is simple: the earlier a lawyer appears in a case, the fewer mistakes have to be corrected later. Check the status, authority and terms of the agreement before you sign any papers in the case.

Reviews

Reviews of the lawyer's work

4.9
Google
4.9  · 128
Yandex
4.8  · 94
2GIS
4.9  · 156
Zoon
4.7  · 41
Yerbolat K.

My husband was taken away in the evening straight from work, I couldn't sit still and didn't know who to call. It was almost eleven at night, I wrote on WhatsApp, not really hoping for anything. Within an hour the lawyer was already at the station, my husband later told me how it all went. Nurlan took charge of the situation right away, explained what to say and what not to say. I sat at home all night on pins and needles, didn't sleep a minute. In the morning my husband was released, and we could finally breathe. Thank you so much for not abandoning us at a moment like that. To be honest, I didn't believe until the very end that anyone would go out at night.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Svetlana D.

I was called as a witness in my former boss's case. I wouldn't have gone alone, I was scared. With the lawyer everything went calmly, we read the report together and corrected two phrases.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Nurzhan A.

I came to sue a contractor, he took the advance payment and disappeared, I didn't know what to do anymore. They didn't get all the money back but most of it, and at the expense of his car. I definitely wouldn't have thought of the property seizure at the start myself

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for sharing your experience. We're glad we managed to recover most of the sum through the security measures in the case. If the contractor gets in touch again, do come back — we'll see what can be done about the remainder.

Olga M.

I was divorcing my husband, and the main question was where the child would stay. I was scared of courts myself and didn't understand what to do, a friend advised me to at least get an online consultation. I had an online consultation about the divorce, we talked calmly, without pressure. They honestly told me that in a court at the child's place of residence my position was weak and it was better to negotiate. At first I was upset, I thought they would promise me a win. Then I realised that this is what real help is — not dragging me into a losing case. We agreed with my husband ourselves, without scandals and extra expenses. Thank you for your honesty

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Arman T.

I was in a road accident, the injured person was on a bicycle, I was beside myself. I thought that was it, a criminal record. The lawyer got an expert examination and conducted negotiations, the case was closed by reconciliation. Thank you so much

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Zhan na B.

At work they wouldn't let me sign the contract, and a dispute arose with my partner. Not knowing what to do, I asked around among acquaintances and came here. They explained everything to me in plain language, didn't say anything unnecessary. Which documents were needed, where to go — they laid it all out step by step. They didn't rush, and answered my questions too. That's why I calmed down.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Viktor G.

The first instance rejected the case on the receipt, I had completely given up. I came only at the appeal stage. Nurlan found a bank statement and the correspondence, the decision was overturned. I regret not coming straight away

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Aigul S.

The cafe was closed for three months after an inspection, I didn't know where to run. Saule found violations in the inspection itself, the order was overturned. We reopened after three weeks

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Denis P.

I needed to draft a claim letter to a partner, I don't understand this myself. I waited two days for an answer to my written question, I would have liked it faster. But the answer was detailed with references, and I drafted the claim letter myself based on it

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Gaukhar N.

I live abroad, and my father's inheritance was processed without me, I found out after the fact. Everything was handled remotely, I came once for the hearing. My share was returned.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for entrusting us with this case, despite the distance. We're glad your share has been restored. If you need help with the paperwork going forward, we're in touch.

Ruslan E.

A search entered the office and took away the accounting computers. I was very scared at the time, I didn't know who to turn to. I came here through an acquaintance. Once I arrived, the lawyer got there within an hour and wrote down everything that had been taken in a list. Later our equipment was returned in full, and only then did I feel at ease

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

We understand your anxiety during the search, and we're glad we were by your side at such a moment. The full return of the equipment is the result of acting correctly. If you have any questions later, do get in touch.

Marina Zh.

I liked that the price was quoted straight away and it stayed the same in the contract. Before that I had experience with another lawyer, where the amount grew every month. Gulnara explained everything calmly, without pushing.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Timur O.

My 17-year-old son was detained after a fight, my wife and I were in a panic and didn't know what to do. I was looking for a lawyer who would take it on urgently, and acquaintances recommended these ones. The lawyer was at all the interrogations and explained every step to my wife and me. I called him in the evenings and always got an answer, that was reassuring. The case was dropped. Thank you for pulling us out of this nightmare.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Lyudmila V.

I wanted to complain to the European Court, I'd read a lot on the internet and decided to find out more. Saule explained that this doesn't work for Kazakhstan and what the options were. They didn't take money for something useless.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Bauyrzhan Sh.

Subscription legal support for our company for the second year now. When an employee received a summons, the matter was resolved in one day.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for the long cooperation. Glad we could quickly resolve the matter with the employee's summons. Always in touch.

Yekaterina L.

I got a fine for a traffic offence, I'd already accepted it and was about to pay. But I decided to show it to a lawyer anyway, on the advice of acquaintances. The fine was cancelled, even though I'd already accepted it. Thank you for the attention to detail in the protocol.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Asylbek R.

I was looking for a lawyer for a case with a supplier, for a long time I couldn't decide who to trust. Here they immediately told me honestly - the chances are about 50-50, no promises. I liked that, because others just bragged. Then I had to bring a few more documents, waited a couple of days for an answer. In the end we won partially, just like they said

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Inna K.

I was divorcing my husband, and the main sticking point was the flat and his business. I didn't understand any of it myself, I was afraid of being left with nothing. I went to a lawyer on my sister's advice. Divorce with division of the flat and my husband's business. It took a long time, almost a year, but everything was to the point and without scandals. Gulnara was always in touch and explained every stage in plain language. The child lives with me, the flat has been divided. I only breathed out when I got the documents in my hands. Thank you for the patience and support.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Serik M.

I just called to ask what to do about a labor dispute. They explained everything to me over the phone for free, very attentively. They said a lawyer wasn't needed yet and what I could do myself. I even doubted it at first, you rarely see that. But then I went and did everything according to their advice, and it worked out. Thank you very much for the honesty

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for your call! We're glad it was useful for you. If you have any questions in the future, get in touch at any time.

Alyona F.

I put money into 'investments' and lost almost everything, it was very upsetting and embarrassing. The lawyer got me recognised as a civil claimant, and part of the sum has already been returned.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for trusting us with this difficult case. Glad that part of the invested funds could be returned. If new circumstances in the case come up, please get in touch.

Daulet Zh.

It was fine. We won the case. I approached them about a disputed matter with a counterparty. At first I was worried it would drag on. But it all went fairly calmly. The lawyer answered calls and explained what was happening. Sometimes I had to wait for an answer. Overall I'm happy with the result. Thank you for the work.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Zulfiya A.

The land dispute with a neighbour over the boundary of the plot dragged on for three years, I was already tired of it. Dinara ordered a survey, and the court ruled in our favour. The fence was moved.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Pavel N.

The cargo was held at customs, and I was completely at a loss. I was threatened with confiscation, and I didn't understand what for. I was looking for a lawyer who understands customs, I'd already got tangled up in the paperwork myself. I approached them about customs, the cargo was held at the border. They sorted out the documents and the goods codes. It turned out there was an error in the classification, and that's what they picked on. The cargo was released without a fine, even though confiscation was threatened. I was sure I'd lose the goods. Thank you for the help, you really came through.

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Madina Yu.

I was getting ready for a child support hearing and was scared to go alone. They helped me prepare, explained which certificates were needed and how to behave at the hearing. True, I had to wait for answers to a couple of questions. Everything went through on the first try

Service: Lawyer in Almaty

Company response

Thank you for the review. Sorry that you had to wait for answers on some questions — we will take that into account. Glad that everything went through on the first try.

Blog

Lawyer's articles on court, defence and documents

Limitation period: what to check before filing

Limitation period: what to check before filing

When a missed deadline can still be restored, and when it is already too late to argue.

Read the analysis
Securing a claim: why it matters at the start of a case

Securing a claim: why it matters at the start of a case

Why it is worth asking for the defendant's property to be seized together with the claim, and not after the judgment.

Read the analysis
How to prepare documents for a meeting with a lawyer

How to prepare documents for a meeting with a lawyer

A chronology on one sheet and four more things that cut a consultation in half.

Read the analysis
Settlement agreement: when it is better than winning

Settlement agreement: when it is better than winning

How to work out what a court judgment will give you and compare it with an agreement now.

Read the analysis
Legal costs: how to recover the money you paid a lawyer

Legal costs: how to recover the money you paid a lawyer

Which documents are needed for the losing party to compensate the fee of the representative.

Read the analysis
Power of attorney: how to draw it up and how to check it

Power of attorney: how to draw it up and how to check it

What to put in the representative's powers so that they are not stopped in court.

Read the analysis
All blog articles

FAQ

How does an advocate differ from a lawyer?

An advocate holds a licence, has passed attestation and is a member of the bar association. Only an advocate can act as defence counsel in a criminal case, and their work is covered by advocate-client privilege. In civil and family disputes, a lawyer may also represent interests in court.

How quickly will an advocate arrive upon detention?

It depends on the district and the time of day. Write on WhatsApp where the person is and in what status they were brought in — after that we will give a specific time of arrival. Before the defence counsel arrives, the detainee has the right not to give testimony.

Can I get a consultation with an advocate online?

Yes. Documents are sent as scans, and the review is done by video call or in messages. You only need to come in person to sign documents and take part in procedural actions.

Does a witness need an advocate during questioning?

Not necessarily, but it helps if you are connected to the events of the case: you work at the company, signed documents, were nearby. Witness status can change, and an advocate makes sure the testimony is recorded accurately.

How much do an advocate's services cost?

The cost depends on the category of the case, the stage and the volume of work. Guidance on common services is set out in the price block on this page; we give the exact amount after reviewing the documents and fix it in the contract.

Can I change my advocate during a case?

Yes, the client has the right to terminate the contract at any time. A new defence counsel has to familiarise themselves with the case file, so a change mid-proceedings is possible, though it takes time to prepare.

Do you handle cases in Russian?

Yes. Russian is used in the courts of Kazakhstan on an equal footing with Kazakh, and the practice's specialists work in both languages. If a participant does not speak the language of the proceedings, they are provided with an interpreter.

Can I file a complaint with the ECtHR in a case in Kazakhstan?

No: Kazakhstan is not a party to the European Convention on Human Rights. The international mechanism for such cases is a communication to the UN Human Rights Committee after national instances have been exhausted.

Does a lawyer guarantee the result?

No, and such promises should be a red flag: the decision is made by the court. A lawyer is responsible for the quality of the defence, compliance with deadlines, and ensuring that every violation is raised.

Will what I tell my lawyer remain confidential?

Yes. Information you have given to a lawyer in connection with legal assistance is covered by lawyer-client privilege, and a lawyer cannot be questioned as a witness about these circumstances.

Do you work with companies?

Yes, including under a retainer agreement: consultations, claims, support during inspections and questioning of employees. Court cases are usually handled under a separate engagement.

Contacts and maps

Where to find a lawyer in Almaty

Address
1 Abylai Khan Ave, Almaty
Appointments
at the office and by video call, visits around the city
Working hours
Mon–Sun: 10:00–19:00

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Tell us about your situation

The first consultation is free. If the matter can be resolved without court, we will say so directly.

+7 778 325 44 44
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