
Aydan Karimova
Junior Legal Associate
Aydan Karimova is a Junior Legal Associate at VLM and Partners who advises local and international clients on corporate, commercial, employment, migration, and regulatory matters, combining detailed legal analysis with a practical understanding of the operational needs of businesses entering, investing in, and operating in Azerbaijan.
Aydan’s corporate practice covers the full lifecycle of a business, from incorporation and the establishment of its legal presence in Azerbaijan to ongoing corporate administration, restructuring, and liquidation. She assists clients with companies, branches, and representative offices, as well as with foreign investment and cross-border transactions. She prepares constitutional documents, powers of attorney, and transaction-related documentation and works closely with clients throughout registration and post-incorporation procedures. She also drafts and reviews commercial agreements, advising on contractual risk, liability, and compliance with Azerbaijani legislation.
Her employment and migration practice includes preparing employment documentation, advising on labor and social security requirements, and assisting international companies with the employment and relocation of foreign personnel. Aydan also contributes to legal research, regulatory memoranda, legal opinions, and due diligence reports across the employment, energy, infrastructure, pharmaceutical, and real estate sectors, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, licensing and permitting requirements, and legal and investment risks.
Prior to joining VLM and Partners, Aydan gained public-sector experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations, focusing on international cooperation, treaty practice, and public international law. She also completed an internship at a district court, where she gained practical exposure to judicial procedures, case files, and procedural documentation.
Core Practice Areas
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Corporate and Commercial Law
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Mergers and Acquisitions
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Commercial Contracts
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Employment Law
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Migration Law
Languages
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English
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Turkish
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Russian
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Azerbaijani
Education
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ADA University – LL.M. in Private Law
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Baku State University - Bachelor of Laws
Key Accomplishments
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Contributed to the preparation of legal due diligence reports and regulatory assessments for renewable energy and infrastructure projects supported by a leading multilateral development institution, focusing on applicable legal frameworks, licensing and permitting requirements, land matters, investment risks, and project compliance.
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Prepared comprehensive legal advice for major foreign investors entering the Azerbaijani market, including a renewable energy company and a large-scale construction and real estate group, covering market-entry strategy, corporate establishment, regulatory requirements, contractual arrangements, and the legal framework applicable to their proposed operations;
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Provided end-to-end legal support to foreign investors establishing and developing their operations in Azerbaijan, including the incorporation of local entities, corporate structuring, preparation of constitutional and registration documents, banking arrangements, electronic signatures, and ongoing corporate compliance.
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Assisted international companies with the relocation and employment of foreign personnel, managing work permit and temporary residence permit procedures for employees and their family members and advising on related employment, registration, and administrative requirements.
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Awarded a Graduate Research Assistantship grant, combining postgraduate legal studies with active academic research alongside faculty members on scholarly projects and publications, while further developing advanced legal research and analytical skills.
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Actively participated as a volunteer in major international events and initiatives held in Azerbaijan, including COP29 and ITU WTDC-25, supporting international engagement and cooperation in a multicultural environment.
