Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm > Istanbul, Turkey > Firm Profile
Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm Offices
Esentepe Mh. Kore Sehitleri Cd.
No:33/1 Sisli
ISTANBUL
Turkey
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Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm > The Legal 500 Rankings
Turkey > Employment Tier 2
At Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm, ‘the employment team is highly experienced in labour law’, receives mandates from a variety of clients, and ‘is aware of the practice, court decisions and application of the law in Turkey’. Indeed, practice heads Ahu Pamukkale and Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan are experienced in labour law, and are active in related disputes, with the former being a qualified mediator and arbitrator, and the latter heading up the firm’s litigation practice. As well as compliance and day-to-day employment issues, the group also deals with a range of restructuring mandates.Practice head(s):
Ahu Pamukkale; Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan
Other key lawyers:
Ahu Günbay
Testimonials
‘Exceptional dedication to the client and accuracy when defining next steps.’
‘Exceptional quality when it comes to understanding business needs and providing guidance. Always available and very short response times. High-quality feedback and clear direction.’
‘We have been working with the team for the last three years and they have always provided very reliable solutions to the cases. They were quick to direct us to their team members with specific expertise for different cases and never forgot to follow up on the outcome of the service we have received.’
‘Both Ahu Pamukkale and Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan have been very dynamic in our cases. It is important to for us to feel comfortable that our lawyers are doing the best that can be done and we don’t have to check whether there could be a better approach. We know our partners are not “marketing” a service but practically accomplishing their promises.’
‘The employment team is highly experienced in labour law. The team has so many clients and therefore they come across many different cases of companies in different sectors. They are all aware of the practice, court decisions and application of the law in Turkey. Therefore, they respond immediately when assistance is needed with very practical advice. In other words, the team does not just feed us with the law but helps us consider their advice in commercial context. They are always reachable and fully dedicated to the clients where they act like our company is their only client.’
‘Ahu Pamukkale is our company’s main contact. We are always very confident in the advice she gives and we really trust her legal opinions. She is always up to date with the changes in legislation. She is always hands-on and very practical.’
‘They are expert, agile and very fast to respond. Considering that labour law is a very wide area, they offer expertise in any kind of questions a company might have and stand in an objective point of view to provide a balance between the client company and the employees’ mutual best interest. Especially Ahu Pamukkale and Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan are very seasoned professionals in their field. They are very easy to access, available any time and very good at communication.’
‘Günbay is a law firm specialising in labour law and trade unions. They understand the dynamics of the sectors they work in, do not give opinions full of theoretical and academic information which are far from practice and reality. All of the work is carried out by an experienced team at the partner level, and they are available 24/7.’
Key clients
3M
Acelity – KCI
Acted
Al Tayer Group
Atlas Ship Supply
Biomarin
BNP Paribas Cardif
Cava Machines
Chemonics International
Convatec
Damco
Danish Refugee Council
Dentsply Sirona
Digital Virgo
Doğsan/Doğpa Medical Devices
Erai
Flexati
Goal
International Crisis Group
Maersk
Mitsubishi
Work highlights
- Advised Maersk on employment matters concerning business transfer following the acquisition of Hamburg Süd.
- Assisted Mitsubishi with the closure of a liaison office and employment matters following incorporation of legal entity.
- Represented International Crisis Group in inspections conducted by labour organisations and the Social Security Institution.
Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm > Firm Profile
The firm: Günbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm (GKA) is incorporated in 2016 by very well-known lawyers who are experts in their fields. The proactive and ambitious team aims to provide the highest quality, constant, tailor-made and practical legal solutions for its local and international clients in all sizes and various sectors. The firm was established by three founding partners and currently there are nine lawyers in total within the firm.
The team has extensive knowledge and expertise in advising its clients specifically in complex legal issues including but not limited to employment, corporate, litigation and tax matters.
The team is a trustworthy solution partner in consultancy and litigation matters and gives advice and provides services based on analysing the legal issues through sector specific perspective and know-how. The team informs its clients about the legislative developments on a timely basis. The firm has alliances with Turkish law firms in Ankara and Izmir.
Following the first year of our incorporation, GKA is ranked as “Leading Law Firm” and the founding partners are qualified as “Recommended Lawyers” on Employment Law in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 rankings of The Legal 500.
Areas of practice: GKA is one of Turkey’s few leading law firms housing a team of lawyers fully specialised in employment law. Our employment team focuses on high-profile employment and labour law, immigration law, social security law, trade union and collective bargaining law, work health and safety law matters in various sectors and provides proactive counselling to lead our clients through laws and regulations. Our underlying drive is to develop and implement employment policies designed to minimise risk and avoid litigation for employer from all industries. We act for clients in industries including but not limited to pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, consumer products, services, technology, energy and charity.
Our compliance team provides specialised legal advice in all corporate compliance matters such as implementing data protection compliance rules, fraud, misappropriation, forgery of documents and unfair competition, internal and criminal investigations, legal proceedings and criminal litigation, abuse of trust by employees and directors and liabilities of directors and managers.
Our firm’s corporate and commercial law practitioners advise on every phase of a company’s establishment and growth, such as incorporation, capital financing, licensing and commercial agreements, public and private securities offerings, mergers & acquisitions and day-to-day company representation. Our firm establishes close working relationships with its clients and provides professional advice by considering their needs and the specifics of their industries. Preparing tailored full due diligence or executive reports depending on the needs of the clients, drafting, negotiating and reviewing share purchase and shareholders’ agreements, obtaining all necessary permits and accomplishing closing transactions are fulfilled by our firm.
The tax department of our firm has extensive experience on tax consulting and litigation and provides legal services in all matters relating to tax. Our objective is to help our clients manage their tax issues in the most effective way. In line with this aim, out tax department provides diverse perspectives and expertise to help clients maintain an effective relationship with the tax authorities throughout all the challenges of tax audit, tax compliance and tax planning. Our tax team has far-reaching tax expertise and is fully equipped to offer assistance in tax litigation and investigations, transfer pricing and taxation of corporate restructuring transactions. Our services include tax litigation, technical support in tax ruling application processes, preparation of documents and lists, and reviewing reports during tax inspections, and tax consulting during the reconciliation phase. We also assist in customs disputes and investigations, which has recently gained significant importance in Turkey.
Our firm’s dispute resolution team has extensive experience in providing assistance to sector leading businesses, operating both locally and abroad, in all aspects of preventing disputes and aiming to resolve issues prior to trial. Our lawyers collaborate with clients and their counterparts to identify and execute the most advantageous business-oriented solutions, either by pursuing or by defending in litigation proceedings, or through alternative methods such as mediation. Our approach is to help our clients avoid litigation wherever possible. When litigation is unavoidable, we discuss with our clients their objectives and evaluate the legal, commercial, reputational risks involved. We proceed on a basis tailored to our clients’ needs in line with our team’s experience. We represent international and local clients in high-level disputes before commercial, employment, administrative, tax, administrative and criminal courts and appeal processes. We also provide mediation services for civil law disputes including those with foreign elements, as regards to matters that are at the parties’ disposal, as one of our founding partners, Att. Ahu Pamukkale is a mediator registered under Ministry of Justice.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment and Labour Law | Ahu Pamukkale | apamukkale@gkalaw.com | |
| Corporate and Commercial Law | Başar Kural | bkural@gkalaw.com | |
| Compliance and Ethics | Ahu Pamukkale | apamukkale@gkalaw.com | |
| Compliance and Ethics | Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan | dabbasoglu@gkalaw.com | |
| Immigration Law | Başar Kural | bkural@gkalaw.com | |
| Dispute Resolution | Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan | dabbasoglu@gkalaw.com | |
| Tax Law | Mustafa Sevgin | msevgin@gkalaw.com | |
| Contract Law | Başar Kural | bkural@gkalaw.com | |
| Data Protection Law | Berk Atun | batun@gkalaw.com |
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mrs Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan | Mrs. Duygu Abbasoglu Ceyhan heads the Dispute Resolution Department of GKA Law… | View Profile |
|
Mr Başar Kural | Mr. Başar Kural heads the Corporate Department of GKA Law Firm. | View Profile |
|
Ms Ahu Pamukkale | Ms. Ahu Pamukkale heads the Employment Law Department of GKA Law Firm. | View Profile |
Languages
English French TurkishDiversity
As GKA Law Firm, diversity is one of our priorities in the workplace which has been a key topic since our firm was established in 2016. We are proud to have a team with combination of men and women with unique-quality backgrounds who bring dynamism, innovation, creativity and empathy to the firm.
Furthermore, GKA Law Firm has a very transparent practice preventing conflicts with regards to recruiting, retaining, and promoting the qualified lawyers and staff. We hire and employ paralegals, lawyers, and administrative personnel regardless of their age, gender, race, origin, religion or sexual orientation and we provide equal conditions for all individuals. We trust in the power of diversity which is increasing the motivation and loyalty of staff.
GKA Law Firm deems educational diversity important as well. As GKA Law Firm has many multinational clients, we proudly say that the lawyers and administrative personnel with different educational background speak different languages to provide high-level services to our clients all over the world. Our diversity and social inclusion policy also focus on disabilities. Our office is accessible and providing a barrier-free movement to create a welcoming workplace for all disabled individuals.
We believe that diversity starts at the top where two-third of our shareholder partners are women. Moreover, three-fourth of our staff, who undertake leadership positions in the firm, are women too. We aim to build a level of diversity to provide unrivalled example to the next generation of Turkey’s female leaders.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Convatec
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: We are very satisfied with the services of the Gunbay-Kural-Abbasoglu Law firm. Not only are the partners very responsive, on point, and very experienced, but all associates for specific projects also carry the same spirit and provide excellent solutions and execution. The law firm has profound experience dealing with general and specific corporate issues and provides excellent solutions and outcomes. Highly recommended business partner for reliable, quick, and profound expertise and support.
CLIENT: Danish Refugee Council
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: We are glad to work with GKA Consulting for employment and general regulatory legal services relevant to our field of operations in Turkey. We found them very experienced, with good understanding of local legal framework and our internal procedures. They are always responsive and professional in terms of communication on a timely manner and in good quality responses to our queries. GKA supported us with advices clearly projecting future risks within the context of Turkiye’s legal framework.
CLIENT: BNP Paribas Cardif
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: GKA Law Firm has a very skillful and trusted team especially in labor law. From junior lawyer to its partners, all of the team members provide top tier quality legal advice from a most needed standpoint of every company: “employer’s perspective”. As a multinational and a global company, we prefer GKA due to broad and well-thought solutions they provide which also touches stakeholders globally. Their skillful governance and solutions introduce an established cooperation between HR and legal departments, which allows companies smooth processes. With their extensive practice in labor law, GKA lawyers are to the point and on time, has good follow-up notion and always have up to date information on complex procedures.
CLIENT: 3M
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: I was first introduced to Ahu Pamukkale and Gunbay several years ago when we had a number of HR and labor law issues to resolve simultanously related to our then Turkey operations. Ahu and her team provided very sensible, commercial and pragmatic advice, guiding us step-by-step, in a geography I had very little personal legal experience in. She was always responsive and timely, always thinking of risk mitigation for my organisation and always thinking of innovative “out-of-the-box” potential solutions for us. As a result, Ahu and her firm Gunbay are my go-to firm for labor law matters and more generally for all commercial law matters as well. She has my utmost trust and confidence to handle complex matters with a global perspective. As a firm, Gunbay is small but growing, and as a result, can give clients like my organisation a real personal relationship with all levels of lawyers at the firm, which for me, has been a real bonus.
CLIENT: Maersk
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: I have been working with GKA Law and Ahu Pamukkale for the last six years and as Maersk, we are working with them for one year. Apart from being a trusted legal counsel, they are true experts on their field. I recommend my colleagues in other companies to consider GKA Law as a potential legal partner as I completely trust them with Turkish labour law and represent my company in the best way possible. I hope to see them more successful in the future.
CLIENT: Lely
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: We have been working with Ahu and her team for some years now and we rely on Gunbay for all legal matters regarding our operation in Turkey. The whole time I worked with her, I have found Ahu to be a very professional business partner. She has always been accessible, responsive and easy to communicate with. Her knowledge, communication style, pragmatic and calm manner, thorough and detailed approach and impeccable business ethics have never failed to impress and her proficiency in English and cross cultural communication have also proven to be very effective in communicating with our legal team in Netherlands. Günbay has gained our trust in taking us through a number of critical situations and decisions in Turkey and we intend to continue to work with them in the many years to come.
CLIENT: Randstad
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: We have been working with GKA Law for over two years. In particular, we receive legal support on work permits and Employment Law when necessary. We are very pleased and satisfied with the services we have received during this time. Specifically Basar provides support to our customers’ questions working both day and night. We are thankful that they are always being our supporters. We will continue to work with pleasure.
CLIENT: NN Group
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: Started to work several years ago with Ahu Pamukkale / GKA in several HR and labor law topics. Ahu Pamukkale / GKA became a trusted advisor, always responsive delivering high quality advice. Advice related to actual issues or advice to reduce risk from policy / legal labor law framework perspective, or related to specific topics. Ahu Pamukkale / GKA values are aligned to our company values of clear, care, commit. Looking forward to continue the cooperation with Ahu Pamukkale as trusted legal business partner for many years to come.
CLIENT: TMEIC
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: The best thing about having GKA Law Firm representing you, is that you can count on them to give you the best legal advice available. Basar Kural, as an attorney, he will go above and beyond to make sure his costumers are taken care of. To have an attorney on your side that is very patient and perform well, is very valuable. I recommend Basar Kural to anyone who needs assistance of an immigration attorney in Turkey.
CLIENT: Maxeon Solar Technologies
COMPANY/FIRM: Gunbay Kural Abbasoğlu Law Firm
TESTIMONIAL: Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu has been accompanying us with our Turkish entity for several years. M. Başar Kural has proved to be extremely reactive and provides sound advice fitted for our needs. It is important in a complex country like Turkey to be able to rely on a firm and trustworthy partner who interfaces with local administrations, simplifies the many hurdles and helps corporate matters be solved. I would definitely recommend him and his firm.
International Capabilities
GKA Law Firm provide consultancy services to clients on foreign and international laws and assist with co-ordinating joint projects in corporation with global and well-known foreign law firms to ensure that its clients can get the legal consultancy and representation services in every major market around the world.
Our clients
GKA Law Firm is providing its multinational clients including:
- International non-governmental organizations
- American and European medical device companies
- International insurance companies
- Global luxury brands
- International pharmaceutical companies
Our network
Our firm in partnership with global law firms help our clients meet their business objectives in all of the places in which they do business. The clients we serve internationally receive consultancy services combined with substantial time and cost savings and improved efficiencies. We offer our clients joined up delivery of their projects wherever they operate, delivered by people who work in the same high standards.
- Employment