Erdem & Erdem Law Office > Istanbul, Turkey > Firm Profile

Erdem & Erdem Law Office
Ferko Signature, Büyükdere Caddesi
No. 175, Kat. 3
34394 Esentepe - Sisli, Istanbul
Turkey

Turkey > Dispute resolution Tier 1

Erdem & Erdem Law Office’s full-spectrum dispute resolution practice is routinely involved in major commercial disputes, while it also excels in administrative law, bankruptcy litigation and arbitration cases. Despite already possessing a sizeable market share of contentious work in Turkey, the group added a further 12 clients to its roster over the past year, including multinationals such as Tricon Dry Chemicals and Nordholm. Department co-head Piraye Erdem contributes more than 35 years of experience in resolving commercial disputes. Fellow co-head Süleyman Sevinç is noted for his significant arbitration expertise. Other key contacts include Ercüment Erdem, who is a go-to arbitration specialist, and up-and-coming litigator Alper Uzun. Managing associate Sevgi Unsal Ozden and senior associate Duygu Öner Ayçiçek provide support.

Practice head(s):

Piraye Erdem; Süleyman Sevinç

Other key lawyers:

Ercüment Erdem; Alper Uzun; Sevgi Unsal Ozden; Duygu Öner Ayçiçek; Mert Karamustafaoğlu; Tilbe Birengel

Testimonials

‘Alper Uzun provided excellent client management and service regarding our litigation case, with an understanding of the business needs.’

‘Ercüment Erdem, Mert Karamustafaoğlu and Suleyman Sevinç are exceptional commercial and competition litigators. They are true professionals, who go beyond the client’s needs. Apart from their in-depth knowledge, they are very good at determining negotiation or litigation strategy.’

‘Very strong and knowledgeable dispute resolution team that gets the desired results.’

‘A hard-working and diligent team that is always on top of matters. Tilbe Birengel is an exceptional lawyer.’

‘Attorneys are very knowledgeable in their fields of work and very approachable. They are quick to understand your queries and concerns and their responses are usually prompt.’

‘The team is always on top of the cases and we receive its full attention. Always ready to discuss and advise on “out of the box” ideas and strategies to improve the merits of the cases.’

‘Lawyers are nice people but also very knowledgeable and responsive. They deliver good service!’

Key clients

Yildirim Holding A.S.

Belport Holdings SARL and Belport Development Limited

Uber & Uber Turkey Yazillm ve Teknoloji Hizmetleri ŞTİ. (Uber Turkey)

Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği (Mersin International Port)

LG Electronics

Enerjisa Baskent Elektrik Perakende A.S.

Enerjisa Toroslar Elektrik Perakende Satis A.S.

Enerjisa Istanbul Anadolu Yakasi Elektrik Perakende Satis A.S.

Tricon Dry Chemicals

PR Middle East

Coca Cola Meşrubat Pazarlama Dan. San. Tic. A.s.

Eurochem Trading GmbH

Akinon Internet Yatirim ve Proje Gelistirme A.S

Kumport Liman Hizmetleri ve Lojistik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.

Yildiz entegre agac san. ve tic. A.S.

Istanbul Gubre Sanayi A.S

Howden Axial Fans APS

Enerjisa Elektrik Enerjisi Toptan Satis A.S.

Turkiye IS Bankasi A.S.

BMC Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.

BMC Otomotiv ve Ticaret A.S.

EMAAR

Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fabrikalari A.S.

Trakya Cam A.Ş.

CMS Jant Sanayii A.Ş.

CMS Jant Ve Makina Sanayii AS

Credendo Short Term and Credendo Single Risk

GFK

Supreme Group

Mivan-Kier

Westford Trade Services

RM Line

IFP (International Forest Products)

Çolakoğlu Metalurji

Nordholm GmbH

Work highlights

  • Representing Yıldırım Holding and its subsidiaries in various commercial disputes, including litigation regarding ownership of shares and administrative lawsuits concerning environmental impact assessment reports, among other matters.
  • Representing LG Electronics in a lawsuit filed by a leading Turkish electronics manufacturer against eight global companies for compensation of damages.
  • Representing Uber BV and Uber Turkey in litigation before the Turkish courts.

Turkey > Banking, finance and capital markets Tier 2

Lawyers at Erdem & Erdem Law Office are valued by sources for their ability to provide ‘concise and clear answers’. The firm is traditionally best known for its reputation in the banking and finance field, where it acts for a diverse portfolio of domestic and international lenders and corporate borrowers, but recently bolstered its capital markets offering: in September 2023, İbrahim Onur Baysal – former head of legal at Karsan Holding who previously held an in-house position at the Capital Markets Board of Turkey – joined the firm as leader of the capital markets practice. Senior partner Ercüment Erdem and corporate head Özgür Kocabaşoğlu additionally co-lead the department, with support from managing associate Didem Adlığ.

Practice head(s):

Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu; İbrahim Onur Baysal

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team is responsive, client-friendly, listen to client needs/requests and provide concise and clear answers.’

‘Didem Adlığ and her team display the knowledge of the regulatory and legal landscape and provide a quick and clear response specifically tailored for the situation at hand.’

Key clients

HSBC UK

Deutsche Bank / Turkey

Türkiye İş Bankası

Yıldırım Holding

Türkiye Finans Katılım Bankası

Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları

QNB Finansbank

Göçtur Turizm Yatırım ve Ticaret

Samruk – Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fun Joint Stock Company

İş Portföy Yönetim

Work highlights

  • Advising Türkiye İş Bankası on banking and capital markets law, including transactional and day-to-day matters.
  • Advising QNB Finansbank on the structuring of Step Halıcılık Group in Türkiye.

Turkey > Competition Tier 2

With its ‘unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and client-centric competition law solutions‘, Erdem & Erdem Law Office advises financial institutions and major domestic and multinationals across the automotive, hospitality, beverages, manufacturing, logistics, tech, energy and consumer goods sectors. The practice’s full service covers investigations, merger control matters, contracts and distributorship systems. The practice is led in Istanbul and Izmir by Mert Karamustafaoğlu, who draws on his 15-year experience in Turkish Competition Authority in the design of compliance programs; and founder and senior partner Ercüment Erdem. Other key figures include managing associate Ecem Süsoy Uygun, a specialist in merger control and exemption filings, and senior associates Merve Bakırcı and Can Yıldız.

Practice head(s):

Mert Karamustafaoğlu; Ercüment Erdem

Testimonials

‘Erdem & Erdem, with its highly skilled team, not only provides distinguished services, but also provides practical and efficient solutions in most complex competition law matters.’

‘Mert Karamustafaoglu and Ecem Susoy Uygun are outstanding and distinguished solution partners, who provide constructive, effective and prompt services. They have deep knowledge on practices of regulatory authorities, and they are highly competent and qualified counsels.’

‘Mert Karamustafaoğlu is excellent in competition law and guides his clients through the ever-changing legal landscape. He is well-versed in business-related competition and regulatory challenges, while Ercüment Erdem is a competent senior partner with great experience and legal skills in this area.’

‘Erdem & Erdem’s competition practice distinguishes itself through its unwavering dedication to providing comprehensive and client-centric competition law solutions. Led by professionals like Ecem Susoy Uygun, a rising star senior associate, the team’s deep expertise ensures clients receive top-notch guidance in navigating complex regulatory landscapes.’

‘Mert Karamustafaoğlu is a distinguished leader in the field of competition law. His exceptional expertise, unwavering commitment to client success, and outstanding leadership qualities make him stand out among competitors.’

Key clients

TEB (Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş.)

TEB Arval Araç Filo Kiralama A.Ş.

Gemlik Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.

Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları A.Ş

DyDo Drinco İçecek Satış ve Pazarlama A.Ş.

Arvato Lojistik Dış Ticaret ve E-Ticaret Hizmetleri A.Ş.

İstanbul Gübre Sanayii A.Ş.

Red Bull Gıda Dağıtım ve Pazarlama Ticaret Ltd.

Yemek Sepeti Elektronik İletişim Perakende Gıda A.Ş

McDonalds (Anadolu Restoran İşletmeleri Ltd. Şti.)

Anadolu Grubu

Adel Kalemcilik Ticaret ve Sanayi A.Ş.

Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi

Anadolu İsuzu

Anadolu Motor

Anadolu Etap İçecek

Çelik Motor Ticaret A.Ş.

Anadolu Efes Biracılık ve Malt Sanayi A.Ş.

AEP Anadolu Etap Penkon Gıda ve Tarım Ürünleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Enerjisa Enerji A.Ş.

CMA CGM

Figo Ticari Bilgi ve Uygulama Platformu A.Ş.

Karel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. A subsidiary of Doğan Holding

Gama Enerji A.Ş.

Kumport Liman Hizmetleri A.Ş.

Alshaya Group

Yıldız Entegre Ağaç San. Ve Tic A.Ş.

Carrefoursa Carrefour Sabancı Ticaret Merkezi Anonim Şirketi

Çolakoğlu Metalürji A.Ş.

Iş Bankası (Türkiye İş Bankası A.Ş.)

Şekerbank T.A.Ş.

LGE Electronics

Mercedes-Benz Finansman Türk A.Ş.

Sagard SAS

Work highlights

  • Represented TEB, the joint venture of BNP Paribas, in a preliminary investigation before the Turkish Competition Authority regarding activities of payment facilitators, resulting in the decision not to launch a full-fledged investigation.
  • Represented Gemlik Gübre in an investigation launched by the Turkish Competition Board based on allegations that fertilizer suppliers violated competition legislations, and successfully avoided administrative monetary fines against the client.
  • Representing Anadolu Etap Tarım in the merger control filing submitted to the Competition Authority with regard to a transaction concerning the acquisition by Coca-Cola İçecek A.Ş. of 80 % of the share and the sole control of Anadolu Etap Penkon Gıda ve İçecek Ürünleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Turkey > Compliance Tier 2

Noted for their ‘impressive’ legislative knowledge, Erdem & Erdem Law Office‘s diverse offering handles the full range of national and international trade compliance and anti-corruption issues, often representing clients in inquiries. Leading the team from Istanbul and İzmir, Mert Karamustafaoğlu  is adept at assisting clients with a broad range of compliance projects, particularly in relation to competition and personal data protection, and Özgür Kocabaşoğlu, who leads the firm’s corporate practice, is well versed in corporate governance matters, advising board members on management audits and internal investigations. İzmir’s Sevgi Unsal Ozden regularly assists both domestic and international corporations with the application of their personal data protection compliance programmes.

Practice head(s):

Mert Karamustafaoğlu

Testimonials

‘Erdem & Erdem has been the right choice for us. They are creative, responsible, available and easy to connect with. Their command of legislation is especially impressive.’

‘Özgür Kocabaşoğlu and Sevgi Ünsal Özden create a great working atmosphere. They are specialists who are friendly and easy to understand when it comes to solve complex problems. Özgür Kocabaşoğlu’s great leadership capabilities combined with Sevgi Ünsal Özden’s creative solutions make this team even better.’

‘They take all legal precautions on time and before the job is completed.’

Key clients

KumportLiman Hizmetleri A.Ş.

Turkon Konteyner Taşımacılık ve Denizcilik A.Ş

Yılport Holding A.Ş.

Norm Holding A.Ş.

Çolakoğlu Metalurji A.Ş.

Anadolu Isuzu Otomotiv Sanayii ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Xiaomi Turkey Teknoloji Limited Şirketi

Samsunspor Futbol Kulübü A.Ş.

Samsunspor Mağazacılık ve Sportif Ürünler San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

Akinon İnternet Yatırım ve Proje Geliştirme A.Ş.

SLT Medikal ve Sağlık Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti. (SapioLife)

Şişecam

Yilport Gavle Container AB

Yilport Gavle AB

Polymetcore Trading

Yıldırım holding

İş Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş.

Livewell Giyilebilir Sağlık Ürün ve Hizmet ve Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

International Chamber of Commerce

Trigo Çözüm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Tohum Türkiye Otizm Erken Tanı ve Eğitim Vakfı

Tohum Türkiye Otizm Erken Tanı ve Eğitim Vakfı İktisadi İşletmesi

DyDo Drinco İçecek Satış ve Pazarlama A.Ş.

AG Anadolu Grubu Holding A.Ş

Çelik Motor

Work highlights

  • Advised Çolakoğlu Metalurji on inquiries related to its personal data processing activities, along with the preparation of memorandums, and the implementation of anti-corruption compliance programmes.
  • Advised Livewell, active in wearable health products, on day-to-day data protection inquiries.
  • Advised Yılport Holding on the preparation of a legal memorandum in relation to the questions regarding the US and EU economic sanctions regime.

Turkey > Project finance/projects Tier 3

Erdem & Erdem Law Office’s projects team enjoys a close relationship with glass producer Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları, but also brings experience in representing credit providers, joint venture partners and contractors on projects-related matters. Firm founder Ercüment Erdem jointly steers the practice alongside corporate and finance partner Ozgur Kocabasoglu. Managing associate Didem Adlığ provides support.

Practice head(s):

Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu

Key clients

Türkiye Şişe ve Cam Fabrikaları

Yılport Holding

Turkey > Tax Tier 3

Praised for its ‘impressive track record of successfully navigating complex tax issues’ Erdem & Erdem Law Office advises automotive, shipping, real estate, insurance and banking corporates on restructuring, administrative fines, and complex tax litigation. The practice is led by Canan Doksat who was appointed to partner in January 2023, and brings experience in disputes and reconciliation procedures against customs duties and fines. Key support is provided at the associate level by Beyza Günsel Sürücü.

Practice head(s):

Canan Doksat

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The team at Erdem & Erdem boasts an impressive track record of successfully navigating complex tax issues. Their seasoned attorneys have a deep understanding of tax laws and regulations, ensuring that clients receive the most effective counsel and representation.’

‘Canan Doksat possesses an in-depth understanding of complex tax matters, and her ability to provide insightful guidance and solutions to clients is truly impressive.’

Key clients

İş Bankası

Mersin International Port

Şişecam

H Bayraktar

Bilyoner

Ege Fren

Turkon Holding

Ege Endüstri

Kartaca

Kumport Liman İşletmeleri

Bayraktar Holding

Neapco

Chedid

Work highlights

  • Advising Ege Fren on tax litigation in relation to the tax case to be initiated with the cancellation claim of the earthquake tax.
  • Advising Bayraktar Holding on a restructuring project in three phases: a merger, a capital increase through internal sources, and asymmetric full spin-off transactions.

Turkey > Commercial, corporate and M&A Tier 4

Erdem & Erdem Law Office leverages the experience of its Istanbul and Izmir-based team to advise a diverse client base of domestic and multinational corporates spanning industries ranging from tech, luxury goods, energy, manufacturing and tech to mining, chemicals, retail and tourism, on everyday matters and M&A, joint ventures and share transfers. The team is led by founder and senior partner Ercüment Erdem, who draws on significant experience in the practice area; and multi-jurisdictional transactional expert Özgür Kocabaşoğlu. Also of note is Tuna Çolgar, who leads the firm’s Gulf Countries Desk; and Izmer office manager Sevgi Unsal Ozden.

Practice head(s):

Ercüment Erdem; Özgür Kocabaşoğlu

Other key lawyers:

Tuna Çolgar; Sevgi Ünsal Özden; Melissa Balıkçı Sezen; Hazel Coşkun Baylan; Rüştü Mert Kaşka

Testimonials

‘Erdem & Erdem has a diverse team bringing a broader range of perspectives.’

‘Tuna Çolgar has an exceptional expertise, dedication and client-centric approach. He possesses outstanding communication skills and adaptability.’

‘The team is always responsive, communicative and complies with deadlines. 

‘All of them are pro-active, competent and have a fast turnaround. Özgür Kocabaşoğlu, Tuna Çolgar, Melissa Balıkçı Sezen, Rüştü Mert Kaşka.’

‘We can always count on the team to start working on a task immediately. They have very good accessibility and response times. Ercüment Erdem is an exceptionally experienced and highly skilled partner and team leader with sound judgement, while Özgür Kocabaşoğlu is a highly dedicated partner with exceptional legal skills in his field and is very experienced, especially in the port sector. Tuna Çolgar successfully conducts all due diligence processes and is an effective leader in team coordination. Melissa Balıkçı Sezen is extremely knowledgeable and comfortable making assessments in different jurisdictions and assisting us in our decision making. Rüştü Mert Kaşka demonstrates a great awareness of the market and its characteristics, providing reliable and timely guidance.’

Key clients

Yıldırım International Investment Holding B.V.

Yılport Holding

CMS Jant Sanayi A.Ş.

CMS Jant Makine Sanayii A.Ş.

Yves Saint Laurent

Gucci

Bottega Veneta

Penti

Norm Holding A.Ş.

Mersin Uluslararası Liman İşletmeciliği A.Ş. (MIP)

Şişecam

RENK GmbH

TEPAŞ Elektrik ve Mekanik Ev Cihazları Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Uber

Yıldırım Holding

Akinon Internet Yatırım ve Proje Geliştirme A.Ş.

İş Portföy

Sapio Life Turkey

Livewell Giyilebilir Sağlık Ürün Hizmet ve Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

Invitrx

Göçtur

Kumport

Turkon

VTS Group

Acıbadem Sağlık Hizmetleri ve Tic. A.Ş.

Work highlights

  • Providing legal assistance to CMS Jant on their day-to-day corporate matters such as preparing and revising all commercial agreements.
  • Advising Şişecam on structuring the deal, drafting and negotiating MoU and drafting the share subscription agreement.
  • Providing daily corporate support to Norm Holding, including drafting and revising commercial agreements, offering legal guidance on their execution, managing contractual claims, and structuring group entities in Germany, the Netherlands, and the US.

Turkey > Employment Tier 4

Erdem & Erdem Law Office assists clients with both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. Piraye Erdem and Süleyman Sevinç are at the helm of the team, which ‘offers a very good service because of both its depth of theoretical knowledge and extensive experience of practical application’.

Practice head(s):

Piraye Erdem; Süleyman Sevinç

Testimonials

The firm was very well dedicated to specialised topics. We have received a well-organised service that is to the point to our concerns and issues with a well-established team. Service providing team was very capable, organised and well prepared for all kinds of needs. We always easily accessed all levels of personnel. They are a reachable and diversified service provider. Billing, contracts, and work were handled and communicated well.’

‘The individuals that we have worked with were always well prepared and the team was always selected with highly relevant people that match our requirements. Technical and influential skills of all level personnel was exceeding our expectation making them very capable among their colleagues and competitors. We always have received a service quality that exceeds our expectations.’

‘The team offers a very good service because of both its depth of theoretical knowledge and extensive experience of practical application.’

‘Erdem & Erdem’s communication skills are strong. They have a high reputation in the sector. Since their client diversity is high and their clients are of high quality, they have a high potential to conduct comparative research. It is a preferred law firm for us because the areas it serves are diverse.’

‘Süleyman Sevinç worked devotedly for us.’

Key clients

İş Portföy Yönetimi A.Ş.

Aktor & Arbiogaz

Yıldırım Holding A.Ş.

Feka Otomotiv Mamulleri Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Emaar Libadiye Gayrimenkul Gelistirme A.S.

Ekmekcioglu Family

Enerjisa

Oterra Operations ApS

Livewell Giyilebilir Sağlık Ürün Hizmet ve Teknolojileri San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

Kemin Kimyasal Ürünler Dış Ticaret ve Pazarlama Ltd. Şti.

CMS Jant Sanayi A.Ş.

CMS Jant Makine Sanayii A.Ş.

Kumport Liman Hizmetleri ve Lojistik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

KL Meta Dijital Sanat ve 3D Modelleme Ajansı A.Ş.

Turkon

UBER B.V.

Uber Türkiye Yazılım ve Teknoloji Hizmetleri Ltd. Şti. (Uber Turkey)

Work highlights

  • Representing Aktor & Arbiogaz before the courts regarding several case files arising out of a workplace accident.
  • Assisted Livewell with daily labour law inquiries and daily retainer work on employment law matters.
  • Assisted CMS Jant Sanayi with daily labour law inquiries and daily retainer work on employment law matters.

Turkey > Energy Tier 4

Erdem & Erdem Law Office advises a diverse client base of energy companies, oil and gas corporations, independent energy producers and infrastructure firms. Led by Tuna Çolgar, the team handles a variety of matters, including cross-border transactions, and project financing. Mert Karamustafaoğlu is recommended for his handling of competition law issues within the energy sector. The team was strengthened by the arrival of ex-energy advisor Tolga Turan in October 2022, contributing his longstanding in-house experience within the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Tuna Çolgar

Other key lawyers:

Testimonials

‘The firm’s strength lies in having an experienced and expert team. They are equipped with lawyers, consultants, and support staff, each with years of expertise in their respective fields.’

‘Tuna Çolgar is undoubtedly a standout individual among the professionals at Erdem & Erdem Consultancy Ltd. He not only brings expertise and legal knowledge to the table but also stands out for his strong work ethics and customer-centric approach.’

‘Tuna Colgar stands out for his problem-solving mindset. He is known for his ability to tackle every challenging case or legal issue effectively. Furthermore, his communication skills and teamwork abilities add significant value both to colleagues and clients.’

‘They have seen many cases and are very experienced. They are very good advisors.’

Key clients

İş Enerji Yatırımları

Penti Çorap

Eti Krom A.Ş.

Privatisation Administration of Republic of Turkey

Türkiye Elektrik İletim Anonim Şirketi

Sanko Enerji

Yıldırım Enerji

Yellow Door Energy

Meram Enerji Dağıtım

Ege Gaz

Norm Holding

Work highlights

  • Advising Sanko Energy on energy law, day-to-day questions on regulatory and corporate matters, and potential investments.

Turkey > IT and telecoms

Erdem & Erdem Law Office‘s team regularly advises on technology investments and contractual matters in the IT space. Ozgur Kocabasoglu heads up the practice.

The firm: Erdem & Erdem is an international law firm, operating for over 35 years and dedicated to providing practical business solutions to a diverse range of local and global clients, with offices in Istanbul and Izmir in Türkiye and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The firm’s mission is to deliver high-calibre and trustworthy legal solutions by synthesizing innovative strategies with sustainable practices.

Areas of practice

Corporate and M&A: Erdem & Erdem advises local and international clients operating in a wide range of industries on all aspects of company law. These processes comprise all stages of the company’s life cycle, from preparation and establishment of the articles of association through dissolution and liquidation. The firm advises public and private companies, private equity firms, financial sponsors, investment banks, governmental entities in a variety of complex, cross-border and strategic transactions. They handle a wide range of M&A transactions and represent their clients in diverse roles on any given project. The firm has decades of diverse experience in the field of international contracts. Team members are known for their in-depth know-how and extensive experience in drafting and negotiating all types of commercial contracts, such as agency, franchise, supply and distribution and commission arrangements, foreign representative and consultancy agreements.

Competition and Compliance: The competition team assist the clients with comparative analyses of competition evaluations, antitrust programs, mergers and acquisitions, contract design, and dealership systems, from the perspectives of European Union and Turkish competition legislation. Erdem & Erdem represented the largest regulated and networked companies in Turkiye, Europe and Asia in some of the most controversial competition law subjects. McDonalds, RedBull, Arvato and YemekSepeti are among the clients of the firm. Erdem & Erdem compliance experts provide compliance consulting services and design and implement personalized compliance programs with a holistic approach, particularly in the areas of competition, data protection, anti-corruption, and labor regulations.

Banking and Finance: The firm advises corporate borrowers, private equity funds, financial advisers, commercial banks, investment banks in construction and acquisition finance and refinance, project finance, banking and capital market transactions, including issuances of high-yield debt security, secured and unsecured debt offerings and private placements. The firm also provides legal opinion to the borrower and the Lenders.

Capital Markets: Our capital markets lawyers provide consulting services to issuers, mutual funds, private equity funds, and financial institutions in the debt and equity capital markets and derivatives markets, which includes secured and unsecured loan issuances, capital increases, formations, IPO’s as well as private placements.

International Arbitration: The arbitration practice of the firm is one of its most well-known areas of expertise. The team handles cases involving commercial and treaty disputes that arise in Western Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East under the rules of every major arbitration system and in a wide range of industries, including energy, mining, manufacturing, transportation, telecommunications, construction, finance, manufacturing, and sports.

Litigation & Bankruptcy: The distinguished feature of the litigation team is the experience of the lawyers who have handled litigation in almost every major practice area, including M&As and post-closing disputes, insurance, transportation, breach of contract, partnership and joint venture disputes, real estate contracts, unfair competition, franchise and distributor disputes, government contracts and shareholders disputes.

Tax Law: Taking into account the fact that every commercial transaction comes with tax implications, the firm provides its clients with tax advisory and tax litigation services. By combining its tax law expertise with its extensive knowledge in a wide range of practice areas Erdem & Erdem advises its clients on the tax risks that may be associated with commercial transactions within the scope of its tax advisory services and tax dispute matters.

Technology, Media and Telecommunication: Erdem & Erdem represents a diverse client base in a variety of domains involving technology, including publishing, digital platforms, e-commerce, e-health, fintech, blockchain, advertising, and electronic scooter rental services. Erdem & Erdem offers legal consultancy to internet service providers, fixed phone operators, content providers, and hosting companies for all contracts needed in the sector.

Energy & Renewables: Erdem & Erdem’s experience in the energy industry includes wind, solar, and other renewable energy facilities in addition to natural gas, coal, and oil-fired power plants, cogeneration facilities, projects involving agricultural and municipal solid waste, and hydroelectric projects.

Real estate and construction: The firm represents investors, developers, owners, lenders, prime contractors, REITs, PPPs, subcontractors, architects, port management authorities, airlines and energy utility companies involved in the construction and development of manufacturing, distribution and operational facilities in real estate finance, joint venture, leasing, acquisition and disposition of real estate assets.

Transportation & Logistics: Erdem & Erdem represents a wide range of industry participants in their domestic and international transactions, including transportation firms, logistics cargo firms, vehicle operators, railroad firms, airport operators, port and terminal operators, operators of ro-ro ships, providers of technical maintenance, insurance firms, and financiers.

Intellectual property: The firm offers legal support to clients who create and license intellectual property, work in sectors like telecommunications, the internet, advertising, and media, or engages in intellectual property transactions, like buying an intellectual property portfolio.

 

Department Name Email Telephone
Corporate and M&A Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem ercument@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Corporate and M&A Özgür Kocabaşoğlu ozgurkocabasoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Corporate and M&A Tuna Çolgar tunacolgar@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Competition and Compliance Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem ercument@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Competition and Compliance Mert Karamustafaoğlu mertkaramustafaoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Competition and Compliance Ecem Süsoy Uygun ecemsusoy@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Compliance Sevgi Ünsal Özden sevgiunsal@erdem-erdem.com +90 232 464 66 76
Banking and Finance Özgür Kocabaşoğlu ozgurkocabasoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Banking and Finance Didem Adlığ Sönmez didemadlig@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Capital Markets İbrahim Onur Baysal onurbaysal@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Capital Markets Didem Adlığ Sönmez didemadlig@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
International Arbitratiom Prof Dr Halil Ercüment Erdem ercument@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
International Arbitratiom Piraye Erdem piraye@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Litigation and bankruptcy Piraye Erdem piraye@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Litigation and bankruptcy Süleyman Sevinç suleymansevinc@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Litigation and bankruptcy Alper Uzun alperuzun@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Tax Law Canan Doksat canandoksat@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Technology, Media and Telecommunication Özgür Kocabaşoğlu ozgurkocabasoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Technology, Media and Telecommunication Tuna Çolgar tunacolgar@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Technology, Media and Telecommunication Sevgi Ünsal Özden sevgiunsal@erdem-erdem.com +90 232 464 66 76
Energy and Renewables Tuna Çolgar tunacolgar@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Energy and Renewables Mert Karamustafaoğlu mertkaramustafaoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Real Estate and Construction Tuna Çolgar tunacolgar@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Real Estate and Construction Canan Doksat canandoksat@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Transportation and Logistics Süleyman Sevinç suleymansevinc@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Transportation and Logistics Özgür Kocabaşoğlu ozgurkocabasoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Employment Law Alper Uzun alperuzun@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Employment Law Sevgi Ünsal Özden sevgiunsal@erdem-erdem.com +90 232 464 66 76
Intellectual property Özgür Kocabasoglu ozgurkocabasoglu@erdem-erdem.av.tr +90 212 291 73 83
Photo Name Position Profile
Didem Adlig Sönmez photo Mrs Didem Adlig Sönmez Managing Associate
Merve Bakırcı photo Ms Merve Bakırcı Senior Associate
İbrahim Onur Baysal photo Mr İbrahim Onur Baysal Partner and Capital Markets Leader
Tuna Colgar photo Mr Tuna Colgar Partner
Canan Doksat photo Ms Canan Doksat Partner and Tax Leader
Ercüment Erdem photo Prof Dr Ercüment Erdem Founder and Senior Partner
Piraye Erdem photo Mrs Piraye Erdem Founder and Managing Partner
Mert Karamustafaoglu photo Mr Mert Karamustafaoglu Partner and Competition and Compliance Leader
Ozgur Kocabasoglu photo Mr Ozgur Kocabasoglu Özgür Kocabaşoğlu is a Partner and the Head of Corporate of Erdem…
Duygu Öner Ayçiçek photo Ms Duygu Öner Ayçiçek Senior Associate
Suleyman Sevinc photo Mr Suleyman Sevinc Partner and Head of Dispute Resolution
Sevgi Unsal Ozden photo Mrs Sevgi Unsal Ozden Managing Associate
Ecem Süsoy Uygun photo Mrs Ecem Süsoy Uygun Managing Associate
Alper Uzun photo Mr Alper Uzun Partner and Mediator
Number of lawyers : 32
at this office : 29
English
French
German
Turkish
TerraLex
TAGLaw
Founder and Senior Partner : Ercüment Erdem
Founder and Managing Partner : Piraye Erdem
Other Office : Amsterdam
Other Office : Izmir

Piraye Erdem, Founder and Managing Partner

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Erdem & Erdem from your competitors?

Our customer-oriented practice philosophy developed more than 35-year history has always been one of the elements that make us who we are in Turkey and neighboring geography. For more than 35 years, we have worked in many different industries, in various fields of law, both nationally and internationally. We aim to provide the highest quality legal service to our clients. While doing this, we also aim to create an environment that supports our most significant assets, our employees, to be peaceful, contemporary, and productive. In the turbulent environment caused by the pandemic, many law firms in Turkey had to dismiss their employees, but by clinging to our values, we managed to overcome most of this difficult process without being have to separate ways with a single person, on the contrary, by growing even more.

During the pandemic, we gave importance to the mental health of our employees as much as their physical health, and prioritized their peace and happiness at work. We handled the entire procedure with transparency and informed our employees at every stage. Even we have constantly reviewed and updated the measures we have taken according to their ideas, thoughts and emotional state.

As Erdem & Erdem, we draw our strength from our teammates, who are the best in the industry. Their career development, happiness, stability of their lives and deepening of their legal knowledge are very important to us. We know that employee-centered approach creates highly engaged people and successful organizations. This approach, I believe, is one of the most essential aspects that sets us apart from our competitors.

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

We see constant growth in our anti-trust, personal data protection and anti-corruption areas, therefore we expect that our compliance programs will be in demand due to the international or internal legal environments. We have special compliance programs with an all-over approach in relation to competition, personal data protection, anti-corruption and labor laws.

Erdem & Erdem designs and implements tailor-made compliance policies and programs with the best defensible position possible concerning compliance with the predominant anti-corruption and export control laws. The firm adopts an all-over approach by reviewing existing operations, structure, and corporate governance procedures, and consequently designs or builds on existing compliance programs and corporate controls, including anti-corruption and international trade and sanctions compliance matters, tailored to each client’s corporate culture.

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

As a firm with a strong academic bases, we care about the ongoing development and training of our employees so that they are constantly prepared to respond to the issues and difficulties that our clients, who operate in a variety of industries, encounter. We have established different practice groups or industry teams on banking and finance intellectual property, IT law, start-up law, family businesses, real estate and construction, energy, transportation, and other topics in order to keep our knowledge up to date and provide more systematic and high-quality service. In addition, we prepare annual sectoral reports including the amendments in practices in different industries.

We have also undergone a great change physically last year. As part of our expansion plans, we moved to a new office having a high-tech infrastructure and larger workspaces in Levent, Istanbul. We provide more efficient, innovative and fast service to our clients.

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

It does, constantly with an exponential rate. As a law firm providing services to clients all over the world, we were using video conference systems frequently even before the pandemic transformed this communication method as a common practice. Yet again, we managed to leverage our digital competences to tackle the communication and security problems that the pandemic brought and kept providing legal services to our clients at any place and any time. Thanks to our technology infrastructure, we adopted easily to electronic filing system, virtual hearings and meetings.

We know that technology is helping us to inform our clients swiftly and accurately. Good planning and punctuality have always been a priority for us, and we strive to use all the opportunities provided by information technologies, to ensure this promise of ours.

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

We review our clients’ existing operations and corporate governance procedures, and we prepare tailormade compliance programs for them. We also provide trainings and if need be review clients’ employees’ computers in order to better understand where the client companies stand in terms of their compliance culture and compatibility. We also take note and report the results of these reviews, trainings and examinations, and provide assistance for a more tailored and controlled compliance compatibility within the client companies. As a result, we are able to protect our clients from incurring hefty fines by spotting potential issues ahead of time.

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Among the law firms in Turkey, Erdem & Erdem has one of the highest employee engagements. I believe this commitment is that making us one of the most stable offices in this region. Our lawyers who improves us by developing themselves with the knowledge and experience created by this commitment, regularly examine current legal developments and publish academically-based articles and reports. This help us draw a strategic direction in the region by enabling other lawyers and law firms to act mostly by relying on our opinions.

On the same goal above, Erdem & Erdem also provides Capital Markets Board (SPK) and Competition Board with legal opinions whenever needed. Thus, we believe that we have the role to create a strategic direction and legal stability in Turkey and we strenghten our aim with assisting legal instutitions in the country we operate.  As the business in this region and Turkey grow we keep growing our team and still be there in the next three years to stand with our clients.