Dynamic Female Entrepreneur Leads Thriving Law Practice

Gulnara A. Kalikova, founder and Senior Partner of Kalikova and Associates, is an example of the potential of Kyrgyzstan’s new generation of leaders.

After establishing herself as an attorney in Kyrgyzstan, in 2001 she decided to continue her studies in the US. After graduating from the LL.M. program at Harvard Law School, she returned to Kyrgyzstan and opened her own law practice instead of taking a more secure job with an international law firm.

The firm she founded is now thriving, but Gulnara Kalikova does not view this success as static. She says, “I believe that professional success means doing a job you like and trying to do it well. I prefer constant change and my business gives me this opportunity. For me, success is defined as the constant pursuit of a goal.” She is proud of building up the firm from one attorney to a strong professional team of 20 lawyers who have had extensive experience in providing legal support for major FDI projects in Kyrgyzstan.

Gulnara Kalikova demonstrates that women can achieve their professional goals in Kyrgyzstan. She says, “My advice to other female entrepreneurs here is to be active, positive and optimistic. Do not wait for gifts from life and do not hope that everything will happen on its own. Do not be afraid of taking on responsibility, and, finally, do not despair if something goes wrong.” In recognition of her accomplishments, Gulnara Kalikova has been listed in the international legal directory ‘Who Is Who in Legal’ since 2003.