GOLAW
Europe Guide 2025
GOLAW
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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, 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
58 items provided by GOLAW
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
‘Golden parachutes’ for top managers in Ukraine
When dismissing a top manager, as well as any other employee, the employer is obliged to cover their full unpaid salary and compensation for unused leaves. The payment of additional bonuses and rewards, which are not directly established by the law, depends on the employer’s decision an
THE SUPREME COURT UPHELD THE POSITION OF ATTORNEYS ON THE CLOSURE OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the courts of previous instances to close the criminal proceeding against the official of pharmaceutical company.
GOLAW LAWYERS DEFENDED THEIR POSITION IN A COMPLEX CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
GOLAW lawyers defended their position regarding early appeal of the detective on procedural restrictions in the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS DEFEND THE CANADIAN INVESTOR TIU CANADA
TIU Canada is a leading Canadian investor that has invested more than $ 65 million in Ukrainian solar energy over the past four years and became the first investor in Ukraine under the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).
Foreign companies doing business in Ukraine in 2021: tax issues to consider
In the middle of 2020, significant tax reform was introduced in Ukraine. The newly adopted changes aim at implementing the BEPS plan into Ukrainian legislation and can influence significantly the presence of foreign business here.
New Mode of Corporate Governance: One-Tier Boards to be Introduced in Ukraine
Businesses all around the world face enormous challenges due to pandemic. Good governance is in demand like never before. Both public and private companies have recognized that corporate governance affects directly their financial performance and long-term development. The governments have seen the
Will business owners be personally liable for their companies in Ukraine?
Business owners got used to the idea that the legal entity shields them from personal liability for activities of their companies. Indeed, the rule is that company’s assets and liabilities are separate from those of shareholders’, thus limiting personal liability to the invested capital.
The new special economic zone for IT business in Ukraine:“Diia city” in details
The new ambitious project of the Ukrainian government “Diia City” has been presented in the summer of this year as a concept of a special legal framework for the IT industry. The initiative was reflected in several draft laws, but some have been rejected already.
GOLAW Partner Max Lebedev elected as a Vice Chairman of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency Board
GOLAW law firm Partner Max Lebedev has been elected as a Vice Chairman of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency Board (EUEA) for 2021. The decision was taken during the General Meeting of the EUEA members on December 18, 2020.
GOLAW recognized in Top 100 Restructuring and insolvency companies worldwide by GRR 2020
GOLAW Law firm has been ranked in the Global Restructuring Review 100 list, an annual independent guide to the world's leading law firms for cross-border restructurings and insolvencies.
GOLAW recognized among the top 10 leading law firms of Ukraine
GOLAW is recognized among the top 10 market leaders according to the all-Ukrainian study ‘50 Leading Law Firms of Ukraine’, which is annually held by the prestigious Publishing House ‘Legal Practice’.
GOLAW Partner Iryna Kalnytska spoke at the ‘11th annual international taxation in CEE’ conference
GOLAW partner Iryna Kalnytska spoke at the ‘11th Annual International Taxation in CEE’ online conference which took place on December, 3-4.
Ukrainian banks vs unfair corporate debtors: the recent context
Most of the problematic debtors are corporate clients, and the reasons for that vary from solvency problems to fraud and a range of other unfair actions on part of the businesses’ owners.
GOLAW has successfully defended the global retail company in criminal proceedings
GOLAW Law Firm has successfully defended the global retail company against groundless charges of large-scale tax evasion totalling 4.5 million Hryvna.
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
‘Golden parachutes’ for top managers in Ukraine
When dismissing a top manager, as well as any other employee, the employer is obliged to cover their full unpaid salary and compensation for unused leaves. The payment of additional bonuses and rewards, which are not directly established by the law, depends on the employer’s decision an
THE SUPREME COURT UPHELD THE POSITION OF ATTORNEYS ON THE CLOSURE OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the courts of previous instances to close the criminal proceeding against the official of pharmaceutical company.
GOLAW LAWYERS DEFENDED THEIR POSITION IN A COMPLEX CRIMINAL PROCEEDING
GOLAW lawyers defended their position regarding early appeal of the detective on procedural restrictions in the High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine.
GOLAW ATTORNEYS DEFEND THE CANADIAN INVESTOR TIU CANADA
TIU Canada is a leading Canadian investor that has invested more than $ 65 million in Ukrainian solar energy over the past four years and became the first investor in Ukraine under the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).
Foreign companies doing business in Ukraine in 2021: tax issues to consider
In the middle of 2020, significant tax reform was introduced in Ukraine. The newly adopted changes aim at implementing the BEPS plan into Ukrainian legislation and can influence significantly the presence of foreign business here.
New Mode of Corporate Governance: One-Tier Boards to be Introduced in Ukraine
Businesses all around the world face enormous challenges due to pandemic. Good governance is in demand like never before. Both public and private companies have recognized that corporate governance affects directly their financial performance and long-term development. The governments have seen the
Will business owners be personally liable for their companies in Ukraine?
Business owners got used to the idea that the legal entity shields them from personal liability for activities of their companies. Indeed, the rule is that company’s assets and liabilities are separate from those of shareholders’, thus limiting personal liability to the invested capital.
The new special economic zone for IT business in Ukraine:“Diia city” in details
The new ambitious project of the Ukrainian government “Diia City” has been presented in the summer of this year as a concept of a special legal framework for the IT industry. The initiative was reflected in several draft laws, but some have been rejected already.
GOLAW Partner Max Lebedev elected as a Vice Chairman of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency Board
GOLAW law firm Partner Max Lebedev has been elected as a Vice Chairman of the European-Ukrainian Energy Agency Board (EUEA) for 2021. The decision was taken during the General Meeting of the EUEA members on December 18, 2020.
GOLAW recognized in Top 100 Restructuring and insolvency companies worldwide by GRR 2020
GOLAW Law firm has been ranked in the Global Restructuring Review 100 list, an annual independent guide to the world's leading law firms for cross-border restructurings and insolvencies.
GOLAW recognized among the top 10 leading law firms of Ukraine
GOLAW is recognized among the top 10 market leaders according to the all-Ukrainian study ‘50 Leading Law Firms of Ukraine’, which is annually held by the prestigious Publishing House ‘Legal Practice’.
GOLAW Partner Iryna Kalnytska spoke at the ‘11th annual international taxation in CEE’ conference
GOLAW partner Iryna Kalnytska spoke at the ‘11th Annual International Taxation in CEE’ online conference which took place on December, 3-4.
Ukrainian banks vs unfair corporate debtors: the recent context
Most of the problematic debtors are corporate clients, and the reasons for that vary from solvency problems to fraud and a range of other unfair actions on part of the businesses’ owners.
GOLAW has successfully defended the global retail company in criminal proceedings
GOLAW Law Firm has successfully defended the global retail company against groundless charges of large-scale tax evasion totalling 4.5 million Hryvna.