PREMIUM

Smirnova Alliana

Lawyer

USA / Houston

Cost

200 $/hour

Information

About the consultant

I am Alliana (Alla) Smirnova—an international transactional lawyer and business advisor with 15+ years of experience across Europe, Asia, and now the U.S. I’ve held senior legal and business positions at EY, Shell (Sakhalin II LNG), and a $2B PE/VC fund. I’ve also worked with a multi-family office in Singapore and lived in Qatar. I moved to the U.S. four years ago, completed an LL.M., and passed the U.S. Bar (Missouri; awaiting results from the Texas Bar). I’m currently based in Houston. I also hold an Executive MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I also practice international family law—particularly in cross-border divorces, complex asset division, and custody cases. For the past two years, I’ve served as a court mediator in Houston for divorce proceedings and also engage in international arbitration.

The language the consultant communicates

Rewards and recognition:

Education:

Moscow State Institute of International Relations (University), MFA Russia – MGIMO Doctor of Law (JD), International Law
National University of Singapore, NUS School of Law International Arbitration | 2019 – 2020
University of Houston Law Center Master of Laws (LL.M.), American/U.S. Law, Legal Studies, Jurisprudence | 2022 – 2023
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Executive MBA

Experience

Head of Legal Credit Europe Bank Russia | 1997–2001, Moscow Provided full legal support for the establishment of the Russian subsidiary of Finansbank (Suisse) S.A. Drafted all types of banking and commercial agreements, supported account openings, investment projects, licensing, real estate deals, and branch operations. Member of the Credit Committee. Advised on banking, civil, international private, tax, customs, and employment law. Managed corporate affairs and HR matters. Liaised with the Central Bank and state authorities.
General Counsel – Russia & CIS EY | 2001–2005, Moscow Led EY's legal operations in Russia and 6 CIS countries. Managed legal departments across the region. Provided legal support for audit, tax, finance, IP, IT, and advisory services. Key projects: EY–Arthur Andersen merger in 2002, due diligence of CIS offices, legal restructuring, and partnership model implementation.
Head of Corporate & Commercial Legal Sakhalin Energy (Shell, Gazprom, Mitsui, Mitsubishi) | 2005–2008, Sakhalin Legal support for corporate governance, commercial contracts, and project financing of Sakhalin II. Board secretary. Member of key governing and tender bodies. Provided legal analysis of the Production Sharing Agreement, LNG and oil sale transactions, and maritime law matters.
Director, Investments & Legal S-Group Capital Management | 2009–2015, Moscow PE/VC fund management. Legal due diligence, mergers and acquisitions, IP matters, investment project analysis, and contract drafting.
Co-Founder Ziggy Kids | 2013–2019, USA Distributor of children’s apparel for the CIS market. Represented American and European brands. Worked with leading retail chains including Detsky Mir. Focus on brand development and intellectual property.
Partner MarcWhittaker | 2018–2021, Singapore Multi-family office offering legal, corporate, immigration, estate planning, tax, and financial advisory. Focused on private capital and legacy structuring.
Co-Founder ReGene Inc | 2020–Present, USA Biotech startup developing regenerative medicine solutions.
Of Counsel Filippov Law Group, PLLC | 2023–Present, Houston Advisory on Russian law, international contracts, mediation, immigration and family law, energy and business law. Legal opinions and analysis.
Mediator and Arbitrator Concordia ADR | 2020–Present, Houston Civil, commercial, and family mediation. Cooperation with Texas courts and Dispute Resolution Centers. Works as a Parent Coordinator and mediator for Russian-speaking communities across the U.S.