GOLAW
Europe Guide 2025
About
Managing Partner: Valentyn Gvozdiy
Senior Partner: Sergiy Oberkovych
Number of Partners: 6
Number of Other Fee-Earners: 40+
International Office: Berlin, Germany
GOLAW is a full-service law firm with a strong international presence, providing comprehensive legal solutions to businesses and individuals across a wide range of industries. Established in 2003, the firm has grown to become one of the leading legal advisors in Ukraine, with an additional office in Berlin, Germany. GOLAW is recognised for its business-oriented approach, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering tailored legal strategies that drive success for clients. The firm’s team consists of experienced professionals with extensive expertise in corporate law, dispute resolution, taxation, compliance, and regulatory matters.
GOLAW is consistently ranked among the top law firms by international legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, The Legal 500, ITR World Tax, Benchmark Litigation Europe, Lexology Index and IFLR1000. The firm is actively involved in legislative initiatives and works closely with international business associations, contributing to the development of a favourable business environment in Ukraine and beyond.
1. Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Number of Partners: 2
Number of Fee-Earners: 6
GOLAW has a strong track record in representing clients in high-stakes commercial disputes, complex litigation, and international arbitration. The firm provides strategic legal support in resolving corporate conflicts, contract disputes, and debt recovery cases. GOLAW has successfully represented multinational corporations in Ukrainian courts and international tribunals. Recent work includes defending a global pharmaceutical company in a multi-jurisdictional commercial dispute.
Key Contact: Kateryna Manoylenko, [email protected] , +38 (063) 435 77 93
2. Corporate Law & M&A
Number of Partners: 1
Number of Fee-Earners: 6
GOLAW advises corporate clients on all aspects of M&A transactions, joint ventures, corporate governance, and business restructuring. The firm provides legal guidance on regulatory compliance and investment structuring for both domestic and international businesses. Recent experience includes advising a leading European energy company on acquiring renewable energy assets in Ukraine.
Key Contact: Oleksandr Melnyk, [email protected] , +38 (093) 797 97 23
3. Criminal Law & White-Collar Defence
Number of Partners: 2
Number of Fee-Earners: 3
GOLAW provides robust defence in white-collar crime cases, representing clients in investigations, compliance audits, and criminal proceedings. The firm specialises in fraud, anti-corruption compliance, financial crimes, and corporate liability matters. GOLAW has successfully defended executives and companies in complex cross-border investigations and regulatory proceedings.
Key Contact: Igor Glushko, [email protected] , +38 (068) 970 76 75
4. Tax, Restructuring, Claims & Recoveries
Number of Partners: 1
Number of Fee-Earners: 4
GOLAW offers expert legal support in tax planning, corporate restructuring, and debt recovery. The firm represents clients in tax audits, customs disputes, and litigation against regulatory authorities. Recent work includes successfully defending a global IT company in a high-value tax dispute with Ukrainian authorities.
Key Contact: Viktoriia Bublichenko, [email protected] , +38 (097) 290 24 25
GOLAW regularly represents multinational corporations and international investors in Ukraine, ensuring seamless legal support for cross-border transactions, compliance, and dispute resolution. The firm has advised on high-profile foreign investments in the energy sector, assisted European companies in entering the Ukrainian market, and represented international clients in complex cross-border litigation.
Practice Areas:
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation
- Tax and Customs
- Energy & Natural Resources
- Labour & Employment
- White-Collar Crime
- Banking & Finance
- Real Estate & Construction
- Intellectual Property
- Compliance & Regulatory
- Zorianyi Business Center, 31/33 Kniaziv Ostrozkykh St, Kyiv, Ukraine, 01010
- Hasenheide, 78 Berlin, Germany, 10967
GOLAW remains committed to providing innovative legal solutions, ensuring compliance, and protecting clients’ interests across industries and jurisdictions.
Ranked Offices
Provided by GOLAW
Articles, highlights and press releases
72 items provided by GOLAW
Foreclosure on mortgaged property: key changes due to the imposition of martial law
Overall, foreclosure on mortgaged property is an effective tool for protecting the creditor’s rights in the event of the debtor’s failure to fulfill their obligations.
Violation of military registration rules: does the "Reserv+" system work for paying fines?
Despite the progressive idea of simplifying minor case reviews, the mechanism is not yet fully functional.
Litigation regarding wellness payments to employees of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” is ongoing
The court proceedings are ongoing. The lawyers of the GOLAW law firm, representing the trade union’s interests in court, remain confident that justice will be restored and the rule of law will prevail.
Is it a mineral deal or a deal about more than just minerals?
The U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund creates new opportunities for critical mineral and energy projects in Ukraine, but its governance structure and profit distribution raise important questions about long-term balance of interests between the partners.
Legalisation of foreign citizens in Ukraine: key points
Ukrainian legislation enables foreign citizens to live and work legally based on a temporary residence permit. The process is relatively quick and non-bureaucratic if the application package is prepared correctly.
Recognition of a non-resident’s representative office in Ukraine as a permanent establishment
Foreign businesses should take approaches into account when planning their activities in Ukraine in order to minimize the risks of tax disputes, additional tax assessments, and other negative consequences.
Ukraine Continuously Eases Currency Transfer Rules
The NBU continues to gradually liberalize the framework for cross-border transfers from Ukraine, expanding the range of permitted transactions and easing restrictions introduced at the start of martial law.
NBU eases foreign exchange restrictions
NBU resolution No. 95 is an important step in the liberalisation of foreign currency regulation, providing businesses with more management. The innovations are particularly beneficial for companies with foreign investors and those actively operating in international markets.
Peculiarities of cloud service operations in Ukraine
Companies that adapt to the new regulations in a timely manner will gain significant competitive advantages and secure a foothold in one of the most dynamic markets in Eastern Europe.
Recovery of expenses for professional legal aid: practice, problems and prospects
While courts tend to limit compensation amounts, a careful approach to collecting evidence, properly substantiating expenses and maintaining a consistent legal strategy can significantly increase the amount of compensation.
Legal side of M&A in the Ukrainian energy sector: stages, risks and key aspects
Despite the war, energy remains one of the most attractive industries for investors: in 2024 it provided 21% of the total income of the economy. This stimulates activity in the M&A market, where complex transactions require comprehensive legal support.
Labor disputes: Top 10 court decisions of 2024
In this article, we will look at the trends in labor disputes by analyzing the main decisions of the Supreme Court in 2024.
Typical mistakes employers make when reserving employees
The updated Procedure streamlines the employee reservation mechanism, yet still demands a diligent approach from employers and a clear understanding of the applicable rules. Following the instructions will help to avoid mistakes and ensure predictable and stable operation of businesses.
Company actions during a tax audit
GOLAW provides full legal support before, during, and after tax audits: from analyzing risks and ensuring compliance to preparing objections, challenging tax notices in and out of court, and building a GR strategy tailored to each case.
Conditions for electricity import for businesses in Ukraine
Ukraine is actively developing mechanisms for electricity import, which enables the expansion of energy capacity and offers strong opportunities for business growth.
Charter capital formation of LLC in Ukraine: why is it important for you?
Ensuring the proper formation of charter capital is essential both for protecting the financial and corporate rights of participants and for safeguarding the rights of potential future acquirers of shares in charter capital.
GOLAW HAS PROVED THE ABSENCE OF GROUNDS TO RECOGNIZE THE AGREEMENT INVALID IN COURT
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PROVED THE ABSENCE OF GROUNDS TO RECOGNIZE THE AGREEMENT ESTIMATING OVER UAH 60 MILLION INVALID IN COURT
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the interests of the university rector in a labor dispute
The rector of one of the Ukrainian higher education institutions was dismissed with multiple violations of the law. The appellate court upheld the arguments of GOLAW attorneys and confirmed the fact of the rector's illegal dismissal.
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the Client's Interests in Property Division Dispute
GOLAW has defended the property interests of one of the former spouse in the case regarding the division of their joint property.
GOLAW is pleased to announce Pavlo Loginov as a new partner of GOLAW law firm.
The court case of the Canadian investor TIU Canada may set a dangerous precedent in Ukraine
GOLAW attorneys Kateryna Manoylenko and Kateryna Tsvetkova presented a full overview of the current state of affairs between TIU Canada and the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant during a press conference held at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on the 15TH of September.
ROYALTIES TO NON-RESIDENT: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Royalty payment is among the most complex topics in Ukraine's taxes, especially when it applies to a non-resident. With the recent changes to the Tax Code of Ukraine, businesses need to evaluate if their taxes fall under the definition of royalties and what they actually should pay.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THE RIGHTS OF THE ILLEGALLY DISMISSED PROSECUTOR
The court upheld the legal position of GOLAW attorneys, found the dismissal unlawful, as well as granted the average salary for the entire period of forced absence to the client.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THE INTERESTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL RETAILER
GOLAW law firm has successfully defended the interests of the international company – a well-known retailer of branded clothing, footwear and accessories, in a tax dispute.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE PROVEN IN COURT THE VALIDITY OF AN AGREEMENT VALUED AT MORE THAN EUR 1.5 MLN
GOLAW attorneys at law due to their well-founded position and quality arguments convinced the court to prove the validity of an agreement valued at more than EUR 1.5 mln
GOLAW HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
GOLAW HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM “UKRAINIAN LAW FIRMS: A HANDBOOK FOR FOREIGN CLIENTS 2021
GOLAW has defended the interests of the international cosmetic manufacturer
GOLAW lawyers have successfully defended the interests of the leading international cosmetic manufacturer Evyap Trading Ukraine in a tax dispute
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the Prosecutor from unlawful dismissal
The project was run by a team of GOLAW attorneys – Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Kateryna Manoylenko, Counsel at Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice – Kateryna Tsvetkova, as well as Attorney at law at Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice – Anastasiia Nikolenko.
GOLAW has successfully defended the interests of the farm in a dispute with the tax authorities
GOLAW has successfully provided the registration of the farm's tax invoice at the amount of over UAH 3 million
Cloud Future of SaaS Agreements in Ukraine
Ukrainian legislature indeed has recognized that cloud services will gain even more traction. The bill on cloud services, which is going through the second reading in the parliament, is the evidence to that. The bill is aimed at implementation of state policy on giving the priority to cloud services
Foreclosure on mortgaged property: key changes due to the imposition of martial law
Overall, foreclosure on mortgaged property is an effective tool for protecting the creditor’s rights in the event of the debtor’s failure to fulfill their obligations.
Violation of military registration rules: does the "Reserv+" system work for paying fines?
Despite the progressive idea of simplifying minor case reviews, the mechanism is not yet fully functional.
Litigation regarding wellness payments to employees of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia” is ongoing
The court proceedings are ongoing. The lawyers of the GOLAW law firm, representing the trade union’s interests in court, remain confident that justice will be restored and the rule of law will prevail.
Is it a mineral deal or a deal about more than just minerals?
The U.S.–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund creates new opportunities for critical mineral and energy projects in Ukraine, but its governance structure and profit distribution raise important questions about long-term balance of interests between the partners.
Legalisation of foreign citizens in Ukraine: key points
Ukrainian legislation enables foreign citizens to live and work legally based on a temporary residence permit. The process is relatively quick and non-bureaucratic if the application package is prepared correctly.
Recognition of a non-resident’s representative office in Ukraine as a permanent establishment
Foreign businesses should take approaches into account when planning their activities in Ukraine in order to minimize the risks of tax disputes, additional tax assessments, and other negative consequences.
Ukraine Continuously Eases Currency Transfer Rules
The NBU continues to gradually liberalize the framework for cross-border transfers from Ukraine, expanding the range of permitted transactions and easing restrictions introduced at the start of martial law.
NBU eases foreign exchange restrictions
NBU resolution No. 95 is an important step in the liberalisation of foreign currency regulation, providing businesses with more management. The innovations are particularly beneficial for companies with foreign investors and those actively operating in international markets.
Peculiarities of cloud service operations in Ukraine
Companies that adapt to the new regulations in a timely manner will gain significant competitive advantages and secure a foothold in one of the most dynamic markets in Eastern Europe.
Recovery of expenses for professional legal aid: practice, problems and prospects
While courts tend to limit compensation amounts, a careful approach to collecting evidence, properly substantiating expenses and maintaining a consistent legal strategy can significantly increase the amount of compensation.
Legal side of M&A in the Ukrainian energy sector: stages, risks and key aspects
Despite the war, energy remains one of the most attractive industries for investors: in 2024 it provided 21% of the total income of the economy. This stimulates activity in the M&A market, where complex transactions require comprehensive legal support.
Labor disputes: Top 10 court decisions of 2024
In this article, we will look at the trends in labor disputes by analyzing the main decisions of the Supreme Court in 2024.
Typical mistakes employers make when reserving employees
The updated Procedure streamlines the employee reservation mechanism, yet still demands a diligent approach from employers and a clear understanding of the applicable rules. Following the instructions will help to avoid mistakes and ensure predictable and stable operation of businesses.
Company actions during a tax audit
GOLAW provides full legal support before, during, and after tax audits: from analyzing risks and ensuring compliance to preparing objections, challenging tax notices in and out of court, and building a GR strategy tailored to each case.
Conditions for electricity import for businesses in Ukraine
Ukraine is actively developing mechanisms for electricity import, which enables the expansion of energy capacity and offers strong opportunities for business growth.
Charter capital formation of LLC in Ukraine: why is it important for you?
Ensuring the proper formation of charter capital is essential both for protecting the financial and corporate rights of participants and for safeguarding the rights of potential future acquirers of shares in charter capital.
GOLAW HAS PROVED THE ABSENCE OF GROUNDS TO RECOGNIZE THE AGREEMENT INVALID IN COURT
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY PROVED THE ABSENCE OF GROUNDS TO RECOGNIZE THE AGREEMENT ESTIMATING OVER UAH 60 MILLION INVALID IN COURT
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the interests of the university rector in a labor dispute
The rector of one of the Ukrainian higher education institutions was dismissed with multiple violations of the law. The appellate court upheld the arguments of GOLAW attorneys and confirmed the fact of the rector's illegal dismissal.
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the Client's Interests in Property Division Dispute
GOLAW has defended the property interests of one of the former spouse in the case regarding the division of their joint property.
GOLAW is pleased to announce Pavlo Loginov as a new partner of GOLAW law firm.
The court case of the Canadian investor TIU Canada may set a dangerous precedent in Ukraine
GOLAW attorneys Kateryna Manoylenko and Kateryna Tsvetkova presented a full overview of the current state of affairs between TIU Canada and the Nikopol Ferroalloy Plant during a press conference held at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on the 15TH of September.
ROYALTIES TO NON-RESIDENT: RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Royalty payment is among the most complex topics in Ukraine's taxes, especially when it applies to a non-resident. With the recent changes to the Tax Code of Ukraine, businesses need to evaluate if their taxes fall under the definition of royalties and what they actually should pay.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THE RIGHTS OF THE ILLEGALLY DISMISSED PROSECUTOR
The court upheld the legal position of GOLAW attorneys, found the dismissal unlawful, as well as granted the average salary for the entire period of forced absence to the client.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDED THE INTERESTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL RETAILER
GOLAW law firm has successfully defended the interests of the international company – a well-known retailer of branded clothing, footwear and accessories, in a tax dispute.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS HAVE PROVEN IN COURT THE VALIDITY OF AN AGREEMENT VALUED AT MORE THAN EUR 1.5 MLN
GOLAW attorneys at law due to their well-founded position and quality arguments convinced the court to prove the validity of an agreement valued at more than EUR 1.5 mln
GOLAW HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
GOLAW HAS BEEN RECOGNISED BY THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PROGRAM “UKRAINIAN LAW FIRMS: A HANDBOOK FOR FOREIGN CLIENTS 2021
GOLAW has defended the interests of the international cosmetic manufacturer
GOLAW lawyers have successfully defended the interests of the leading international cosmetic manufacturer Evyap Trading Ukraine in a tax dispute
GOLAW attorneys have successfully defended the Prosecutor from unlawful dismissal
The project was run by a team of GOLAW attorneys – Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Kateryna Manoylenko, Counsel at Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice – Kateryna Tsvetkova, as well as Attorney at law at Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice – Anastasiia Nikolenko.
GOLAW has successfully defended the interests of the farm in a dispute with the tax authorities
GOLAW has successfully provided the registration of the farm's tax invoice at the amount of over UAH 3 million
Cloud Future of SaaS Agreements in Ukraine
Ukrainian legislature indeed has recognized that cloud services will gain even more traction. The bill on cloud services, which is going through the second reading in the parliament, is the evidence to that. The bill is aimed at implementation of state policy on giving the priority to cloud services