At a post-holidays AstapovLawyers' Partners meeting adopted a strategy paper for the year 2010. This important document fits into their overall five-year development strategy dated adopted in the year 2008.

As its heading suggests the document sets out all the main development objectives of the Firm and parameters of growth and expansion.

Among the main objectives of development are: expansion of oil and gas, energy and mining practice with strong emphasis on Russian market, further development of the Firm's unique expertise in the area of carbon emission and environmental law and participation in large scale international projects in this respect, participation in the projects associated with post-crisis nationalizations in the region of CIS, strong emphasis on the Central Asia operations.

Among the main pillars of growth the document emphasizes highest quality and ethical standards and team spirit.

Mr. Oleh Malskyy, Partner of AstapovLawyers, commented: "Being a systemic Firm it is important for us to have a clear development strategy to ensure our sustainable growth and remain fully operational and effective". Mr. Andrey Astapov adds: "We attach much importance to our development in Russia where we see a strong market despite the crisis. We have substantial client base in the region and remain a devoted Law Firm for them. This year we will become even closer to many of our clients both in terms of geographic reach and scope of our services".