Firms To Watch: Employment

Ulaş Baysal and Muhittin Astarlı are the key names at Baysal & Demir, which was founded in March 2021.

Employment in Turkey

Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership

Banu Mert heads the practice at Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership, which has ‘strong expertise in labour law and regulations’, and represents an international and domestic client base in all areas of employment, including advisory work, terminations and collective bargaining agreements. The practice handles employment mandates concerning the Istanbul Airport project.

Practice head(s):

Banu Mert

Testimonials

‘GSI has strong expertise in Labour Law and regulations. They do have a strong team in order to provide the best solutions for the companies.’

‘We can reach to the team members 24/7. They are hands-on Lawyers which help us to see the right picture. They are living in our organization which allows them to see the clear picture.’

Key clients

İGA Airport

İGA Construction

NORTH MARMARA

ABDULJAWAD HOLDING

IDE TECHNOLOGIES

BANK OF CHINA

KALYON HOLDING

GEZER HOLDING

KALYON HOLDING

INTEGRAL MEDYA

ULUDAĞ ELEKTRİK DAĞITIM ANONİM ŞİRKETİ

HT PARTNERS

IGA HAVALİMANI İŞLETMESİ A.Ş.

YENİ DUNYA FOUNDATION

TARIM KREDİ

İGA Airport

İGA Construction

NORTH MARMARA

ABDULJAWAD HOLDING

IDE TECHNOLOGIES

BANK OF CHINA

KALYON HOLDING

GEZER HOLDING

KALYON HOLDING

INTEGRAL MEDYA

ULUDAĞ ELEKTRİK DAĞITIM ANONİM ŞİRKETİ

HT PARTNERS

IGA HAVALİMANI İŞLETMESİ A.Ş.

YENİ DUNYA FOUNDATION

TARIM KREDİ

Work highlights

  • Advising IGA on the management of its employment processes for sub-contractors and undertakers from a legal perspective.
  • Advised IDE TECHNOLOGIES on the process of its investment in Turkey, especially for non-citizen employees.
  • Advising Uludağ Elektrik on general employment matters.

Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership

Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership is particularly well known for its strength handling cross-border disputes, negotiations, restructurings, collective bargaining, terminations and employee transfers as well as day-to-day employment-related matters. Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen, who is experienced in managing collective bargaining agreements, compensation lawsuits, and reinstatement disputes, and Ufuk Yalçın, who handles employee dispute cases among other matters, jointly head the department. Senior associates Esra Canpulat Eğilmez and Begüm Ergin are other names to note.

Practice head(s):

Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen; Ufuk Yalçın

Other key lawyers:

Esra Canpulat Eğilmez and Begüm Ergin

Testimonials

‘Their experience and business oriented approach on CBA negotiations, finding the right balance between legal risks and business priorities. We recommend Begüm Ergin.’

Key clients

Royal Canin

Bloomberg

Foot Locker

Refinitiv

Nitto Bento Group

Pramerica

Mondi Olmuksan

Trelleborg İstanbul

Granite Services International Inc.

Dytech

Monster Energy

OBSS Bilişim Bilgisayar Hizmetleri Danışmanlık Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi

Vibracoustic CV Air Springs Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Work highlights

  • Assisting Thomson Reuters in its daily corporate needs, particularly in the area of employment and managing collective bargaining negotiations with the union.
  • Advising Bloomberg in relation to its day-to-day employment related matters and also union related matters, specific to collective bargaining processes with Türkiye Gazeteciler Sendikası.
  • Legal assistance to Monster Energy in relation to its day-to-day employment-related matters.

Moroglu Arseven

Moroglu Arseven fields a team of ‘experts’, who handle contentious and non-contentious work, and garner praise for their ‘excellent knowledge of the workings and needs of international companies with regard to cross-border work’. Department-head İpek Ünlü Tık has a solid track record representing clients during all stages of their employment negotiations, disputes, disciplinary procedures and terminations, and is also experienced in social security-related matters. Benan Arseven, Burcu Tuzcu Ersin, who handles transactional and project-based mandates, and senior associate Kaan Başer, are other key names.

Practice head(s):

İpek Ünlü Tık

Other key lawyers:

Benan Arseven; Burcu Tuzcu; Kaan Başer

Testimonials

‘Excellent knowledge of the workings and needs of international companies with regard to cross-border work. High level of accessibility.’

‘Burcu Tuzcu Ersin. Combines high knowledge of international topics, practical advice and high personal commitment.’

‘Moroglu Arseven – experts in employment law, excellent practitioners. Their understanding of clients’ needs and approach of finding appropriate solutions are very comforting.’

‘Very hands on, business oriented and experts in employment practice.’

Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki

The team at Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki is ‘very responsive, knowledgeable and orientated towards practical solutions’. The practice acts for clients from a wide range of sectors from hotels and leisure to technology, manufacturing and retail. to retailers, Its workload includes assisting with employment contracts, internal regulations, disciplinary procedures, and litigation relating to discrimination, unlawful harassment and unfair dismissal. Galip M. Selcuk, who is particularly experienced in negotiating executive employment agreements, heads the team, closely supported by counsel Gözde Manav Kılıçbeyli, who represents clients in employment-related mediation processes.

Practice head(s):

Galip M. Selçuk

Other key lawyers:

Gözde Manav Kılıçbeyli

Testimonials

‘The team is very responsive, knowledgeable and orientated towards practical solutions.’

‘Gözde Manav Kılıçbeyli  is thoughtful in her approach, sees issues clearly and works to resolve them in a constructive way that is much appreciated.’

Key clients

WBS

Wyndham Hotel Group

Ocean Network Express

Ansell

FMC

Novus

Hoya

Ontex Group

Moët Hennessy

Work highlights

  • Advised Hoya on a unilateral employment termination concerning an employee who acted against good faith and ethics, based on just cause.
  • Advised Ontex Group on Covid-19 pandemic measures applicable in workplaces, and remote work regulations.
  • Advised WBS on the revision of workplace policies, termination of employment agreements, and issuance of employee warnings.

Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants

Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants is well-versed in advising on a wide range of issues that arise in the employment sphere, including day-to-day matters such as contracts and dismissal procedures, work permits for foreign employees, and handling disputes related to claims arising from workplace accidents or the dismissal of senior executives and staff. Zihni Bilgehan and Ergün Ersoy jointly head the department, which is known for its notable expertise in the shipping industry.

Practice head(s):

Zihni Bilgehan; Ergun Ersoy

Key clients

China Telecom

Hapag Lloyd

CD Media Turkey

Dialog Semiconductor

Paypal

DNV GL

Solenis

Ebay Inc. (Gittigidiyor)

The Standard Club UK Ltd.

GEDENLINES

Work highlights

  • Advised a media services provider and production company on film/TV unions in Turkey that represent above-the-line talent (actors, directors, writers) and below-the-line (crew).
  • Advised China Telecom Turkey on various employment law matters.
  • Advised a research organisation on the prerequisites for/legal consequences of the Covid-19 vaccine testing requirements in terms of employment law and data protection law.

Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein

The practice at Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein, which is praised for its ‘ high quality opinions’. The team, which includes senior associate Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun, is particularly renowned for its litigation strength, but is also proficient at handling advisory matters, including redundancies, restructurings and the termination of senior executives' employment, as well as social security matters, immigration, compliance and investigations. The department advises local and multinational clients, and can draw from the resources of the firm's network of offices. Since publication, Sertaç Kokenek left the firm.

Other key lawyers:

Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun

Testimonials

‘Unique expertise, excellent knowledge, high quality opinions. Always trusted.’

‘Multi ways of thinking considering business needs, expertise, excellent knowledge.’

‘They are responsive and provide detailed analysis.’

‘Their availability is this team’s leading capability.’

‘Loyalty & accountability & commitment to quality are the key strengths of the team.’

‘Outstanding communication skills & ability to draw reasonable, logical conclusions & trustful approach are the key qualifications that make them special. I would like to thank Elif Nur Cakir.’

Work highlights

  • Acting for a multinational manufacturer of sportswear, apparel and equipment on its global restructuring project, which aims to change its operating model through a cross-border merger.
  • Representing a multinational technology company in an employment receivables lawsuit filed by a former employee, who was working for the client in Turkey.
  • Advised a global data analytics, insights and brand consulting company with respect to its multijurisdictional restructuring project, which also affected its Turkish business and employees.

Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm

Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm's team handles contentious and non-contentious employment mandates relating to immigration law, trade unions and collective bargaining, social security law and work health and safety law. The practice has a particular focus on the food and beverage, energy, finance, and automotive sectors, and is headed by ‘sharp and smart’ lawyer and skilled mediator Ahu Pamukkale Günbay, Duygu Abbasoğlu, and immigration specialist Başar Kural.

Practice head(s):

Ahu Pamukkale; Duygu Abbasoğlu Ceyhan; Başar Kural

Testimonials

‘People focused practice and genuinely responsive advice.’

‘Both Ahu and Duygyu are outstanding commercial lawyers, a real pleasure to deal with, and clearly experts in the field of Turkish labour law.’

‘Professional; quick response; pragmatic, experienced.’

‘They are all solution oriented and flexible.’

‘All are technically very qualified and experienced which makes the life of the client much easier.’

‘It is always easy to reach them out by any means. They also are quite collaborative.’

‘The lawyers of the firm are all expert in their own fields and always available when we need assistance.’

‘Ahu Pamukkale – sharp and smart lawyer.’

Key clients

Acelity – KCI

Acted

Atlas Ship Supply

Biomarin

Caritas Czech Republic

Cava Machines

Chemonics International

Convatec

Danish Refugee Council

Digital Virgo

Doğsan/Doğpa Medical Devices

Erai

GC Europe

Grup İmaj

HEF Group

I Global Law

International Rescue Committee

ITC Infotech

Kar Automative Group

Konak Hotel

Kuryetel

Lely – IT Company

Lely – Robotic Milking

Manpower

Nestlé

Newell

NN Group – Insurance Company

Randstad

Wilben Trade

Yandex

Work highlights

  • Advised GC Europe on the transfer of all employment contracts of employees working in a liaison office to the newly incorporated company following closure of the liaison office.
  • Advised NN Group on putting more than 30 employees on unpaid leave a during termination ban in Turkey due to the pandemic.
  • Advised Lely on the transfer of employment contracts from a third party to Lely IT company in line with Covid-19 restrictions and finalised the transfer of the employment contract project following the removal of the termination ban.

Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli

Maral Minasyan, who was promoted to partner in January 2022 and is a ‘huge asset for labour and employment issues’, heads Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli‘s employment team, which advises on labour union law and collective bargaining agreements, occupational health and safety, social security, foreign employee work permits and litigation. Skilled litigator Okan Demirkan brings additional expertise to the practice, and is particularly involved in the negotiation, drafting and termination process of senior executives’ employment contracts.

Practice head(s):

Okan Demirkan; Maral Minasyan

Testimonials

‘Have worked with Maral Minasyan and her team. They are detail-oriented and knowledgeable.’

‘They have a good balance of legal advice delivered in a practical, succinct way, which is important when dealing with busy stakeholders who aren’t familiar with the region.’

‘They seem to have a good commercial approach, being clear about the advice but providing that in a more user-friendly way.’

‘Working closely with Maral Minaysan and have had a great experience throughout the years.’

‘For Covid-19 concerns, was proactive to keep us informed on regulations about benefits, layoffs and how to deal with our staff.’

‘Maral Minasyan is a huge asset for labor and employment issues, thinking ahead on issues and providing clear advice.’

‘Quick to respond to clients’ needs. They make the effort to get a proper understanding of the business – which helps in providing quick solutions and responses.’

‘Very competent team, international approach, deep knowledge of local and multinational company expectations.’

Key clients

Twitter

Tchibo

Lego

Boyner

Dyson

Vestas Wind Systems A/S

GE Transportation (Wabtec)

Upfield Europe B.V.

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation

Gusto (former Zen Payroll)

BMS Group

Pure Salmon

Advanced Micro Devices, inc.

SI Group

AMN Healthcare

Beijing Dajia Internet Information Technology Co., Ltd

Scientific Games Corporation

Netflix

Uber

Spotify

Tik Tok

The Boston Consulting Group

Agence France-Presse

Al Jazeera Media Network

The Washington Post

Deloitte

Philip Morris Turkey

Hugo Boss

Gucci

Moncler

Fendi

Superdry

Peek & Cloppenburg

Tom Tailor

Hilton

Walt Disney Company Limited

TPI Composites

Cigna

Magneti Marelli

LR Health & Beauty Systems

UL

Talanx International

Mediterra Private Equity

Veritas Technologies LLC

Louis Dreyfus Company

Hedef Filo

Abdi Ibrahim Pharmaceuticals

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

Vitol

Stokke Company

VHV Group

Bunzl plc

NetApp

OKI Europe

Nutanix Inc.

Alsim Alarko

Vito Enerji

SDL Multilingual Services

C.R. Bard, Inc.

Gilead Sciences

Inchcape Shipping Services (UK) Limited

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Wilko Retail Ltd.

FMC Corporation

World Courier

Fresenius Kabi

GP Strategies Limited

CyberArk

Bristol Myers-Squibb

Packet Design LLC

Veser

Vansan

Emergent Bio Solutions

MetLife

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.

Qualcomm

DynCorp International

Dialog Semiconductor (UK) Limited

Watts Water Technologies

LOGO Yazılım

UiPath

Pure Storage

RWE Technology

Unico Sigorta

Roxcel

Glencore Energy

Redknee

Demir Hayat

Lyoness

Elif Plastik

Dover Corporation

Vava Cars

Cummins

Neilsen

Merlin Entertainments Ltd

Lemongrass Consulting

SAI Global

Magellan Health

Prometeon Tyre Group S.R.L.

Innerworkings, Inc.

Schmiedewerke Gröditz GmbH

Work highlights

  • Advising all Turkish subsidiaries of Hugo Boss on their employment-related matters and disputes, involving both white- and blue-collar employees.
  • Advising Dyson on its employment-related daily queries.
  • Advising Gucci on all aspects of employment law on a retainer basis.

Moral | Kinikoglu | Pamukkale | Kökenek Attorney Partnership

Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale | Kökenek Attorney Partnership ‘has a network of lawyers that cover all of Turkey and give really effective insight regarding employment matters’. Özgür Güner, who was promoted to partner in 2021 and has a focus n advisory work, mitigation of risks, dispute resolution and litigation matters, jointly heads the team with Efe Kınıkoglu, who has a good track record handling white-collar mandates. The group is particularly knowledgeable in the pharmaceutical, healthcare, heavy industry and automotive sectors.

Practice head(s):

Özgür Güner; Efe Kınıkoğlu

Testimonials

‘The firm has a network of lawyers that cover all of Turkey and give really effective insight regarding employment matters.’

‘Mr. Özgür Güner and Mr. Efe Kınıkoğlu provide the client with high quality services in day to day and future employment matters.’

‘The strong parts of the team are their agile approach, open communication and empathy with the clients.’

‘When it comes to billing, we work with them with retainer basis fees. We have never faced with an invoice that we do not agree with.’

‘Özgür Güner: has a very deep legal knowledge compared to his competitors. Every advice he gives finds its place in practice. Thanks to him, we always have a risk-free communication. He knows our company and our industry very well.’

‘All members of MORAL & PARTNERS team are creative, enthusiastic, customer-oriented lawyers with good technical knowledge and excellent communication skills.’

‘Their advice is always clear, concise and provided with a quick turnaround.’

‘They invest in and use technology efficiently. They developed an efficient reporting software which enables the client – law firm relationship to be more collaborative, available, connected and transparent.’

Key clients

Stellantis ( Ex Groupe PSA)

DHL (Global Logistics Giant)

Borusan Holding

Japan Tobacco International

Borusan ( CAT construction plant and equipments)

Eczacıbaşı Holding ( And its 24 group companies)

Borusan Logistics

Borcelik

Syngenta

Eczacibaşi Tüketim Ürünleri

Borusan Alenka Energy

Borusan İş Makinaları

Tricon Energy

Borusan Manheim

Borusan EnBw

Borusan Suspan

Careem

Fokker Elmo

Fersan

Columbia Sports -Gözalan Group

Barçın Sports

Ortopromedicals

Volkan Itfaiye

Güralp Vinç

Agromila

Doğanay Turnip Juice

Work highlights

  • Advising Borusan Conglomerate on all kinds of employment advisory and employment-related litigation.
  • Representing a cybersecurity company in a mobbing lawsuit directed to the senior manager of the client.
  • Advising Eczacıbaşı Tüketim Ürünleri on its daily operations regarding employment law, employment law risk management advisory and representing it in employment law related cases.

Paksoy

Elvan Aziz heads the ‘knowledgeable, dedicated, resourceful and committed’ practice at Paksoy. The team regularly advices multinational and local companies on option/ incentive schemes and general strategy building HR issues, both hiring and terminations. The department is also particularly experienced in strategising and implementing the transfer of employees and has recently increased its activity handling union-related matters.

Practice head(s):

Elvan Aziz

Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable, dedicated, resourceful and committed to client needs. They are fantastic to work with.’

‘Elvan Aziz is exceptional. She has deep Turkish employment law knowledge and always made herself available during a demanding deal cycle.’

‘Paksoy has an excellent team of lawyers. Have used them for both banking transactions, as well as on employment matters.’

‘Paksoy’s experts in employment law are excellent practitioners. Their understanding of clients needs and approach of finding appropriate solutions are very comforting.’

‘Elvan Aziz is very hands on, business oriented and an expert person in the employment practice.’

Key clients

Cisco Systems

Credit Suisse

Hepsiburada

Essity

Facebook

Fast Retailing

Genel Energy

General Dynamics

JP Morgan

Mercury

Siniora Food

Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office

The ‘highly responsive team’ at Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office advises some major international names on a variety of matters, including collective redundancies, employment issues in business transfers, harmonisation procedures, outsourcing agreements, disciplinary actions, as well as termination procedures. Experienced corporate and real estate lawyer Emre Atayilmaz heads the department.

Practice head(s):

Emre Atayilmaz

Testimonials

‘Quick response to any enquiries’

‘Highly responsive team.’

Key clients

Ralph Lauren

United Textiles Company

Almodo

ETC Group

Comita

Oka Restaurant

Beaute Kozmetik

HH Global

Guzel Enerji

Rotork

Croda

Bener Law Office

Bener Law Office is, according to one client, ‘a valuable partner for employment matters’, assisting several international companies such as Visa, Warner Bros or Bosch with a wide range of matters, including employment agreements, terminations, remote working structures, restructurings, collective dismissals, and union relations. Batuhan Şahmay heads the practice, with a particular focus on employment consultancy-related mandates.

Practice head(s):

Batuhan Şahmay

Testimonials

Bener is always a valuable partner for employment matters with their vast experience and knowledge along with their client-centric approach.’

Batuhan Samay: Very quick response times, concise and clear advice, flexible and considerate in discussions, easy to work with.’

‘I work with many law firms across the world, Batuhan for sure is one, if not, the best partner I have worked with so far.’

They are the most proactive and responsive firm I have ever seen.’

The team is very organized and responsive.’

‘As soon as the client reaches out, the team sets a deadline for the task (which is always reasonable), informs the client and always meets that deadline.’  

Batuhan Şahmay is a leading expert in employment law. His advice is comprehensive and communicated in a clear manner.’

They are really good at evaluating the real market and law necessities.’

Key clients

Visa

Azelis

British Council

Mastercard

Air France

Regus

Lego

Unilever

Bosch

Intersport

Banvit

Philips

Michael Page

Franke

Ricoh

Bridgepoint

Warner Bros

Western Union

McAfee

Mitsubishi

Work highlights

  • Advised an international food production company on employment related matters (including but not limited to employment documentation drafting, audits, termination related matters and disciplinary actions implementation).
  • Advised Visa on an employment contract review and drafting employment documentation, and a review of company policies.
  • Advised a client on temporary employment relationship-related matters/secondments and government inspections regarding such matters.

BTS & Partners

BTS & Partners is particularly singled out for its understanding of the ‘specific features of advising start-ups and tech companies’. The department is headed by Selin Beceni and Zeynep Unlu, who also specialises in IT & Telecoms as well as IP. The advises international clients on their domestic operations, mainly employment terminations, regulatory compliance, reorganisations and restructuring work. In addition, the practice receives a significant amount of referral work from its international network.

Practice head(s):

Selin Beceni; Zeynep Unlu

Testimonials

‘Strong knowledge of employment law in Turkey.’

‘Zeynep was instrumental in finding a solution to settle the case. She is an ultimate problem solver. Her availability and response times were second to none. She has a broad expertise in software industry and HR related matters.’

‘Selin Beceni is always available and provides an excellent service to our international clients.’

‘BTS are always very responsive and commercial with their advice and we always use them for Turkish law queries. They are very highly rated by our team.’

‘The team fully understands the specific features of advising start-ups and tech companies.’

‘BTS employment team has outstanding industry understanding and knowledge of technology. They have technical and constantly up-to-date skills, high response times and service levels.’

‘Zeynep is exceptional with her clarity, particular attention to the client’s business and knowledge of the sector. She stands out for her authority and competence in the regulatory field.’

‘Expertise in software development industry (IP, licensing, business partnerships, contracts) and multi-lingual experience in contracts.’

Key clients

ACCO Brands (Esselte Leitz)

Avanti

Bitpanda

British Telecom

Enocta

Genpact

Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

Razer

RTB House

Russell Reynolds Associates

Sabre

Work highlights

  • Advising British Telecom on the due establishment, development and adjustment of employment law practices and policies.
  • Advising Orrick in the context of the transforming business needs of the business environment in Turkey.  
  • Advising Genpact on employment law matters in Turkey.

Egemenoglu Law Firm

The employment practice at Egemenoglu Law Firm is made up of ‘highly knowledgeable and experienced lawyers, who provide a high-quality serviceThe department is a popular choice, primarily among domestic clients, who seek out its expertise in day-to-day employment matters, employment-related litigation, contracts, social security matters and collective labour matters. Key names include Dilek Gürsan, Yunus Egemenoğlu, and senior associates Fazilet Karabacaklar and Sinem Çetinkaya.

Practice head(s):

Dilek Gürsan; Fazilet Karabacaklar

Other key lawyers:

Yunus Egemenoğlu; Sinem Çetinkaya

Testimonials

‘Egemenoglu’s overall level of service in the field of employment law is great.’

‘During the pandemic, thanks to their considerably quick response times, they enabled us to take action quickly in the face of government decisions/implementations that many companies/businesses hesitated about.’ 

‘The team have a strong background in employment matters and know their business. They were also caring and helpful during the pandemic.’

‘Their Employment Law team consists of highly knowledgeable and experienced lawyers, who provide a high-quality service.’

‘Egemenoglu Law Firm provides our companies concerning all aspects of law and therefore we are familiar with almost every partner and associate in their Bursa office.’

Sinem Cetinkaya – delighted to work with a lawyer that is highly skilled and has vast experience.

‘Egemenoglu Firm provides services with experienced lawyers who are specialized in many branches.’

‘You can get quick answers to your questions. In addition due to the fact that more than one lawyer is involved in the same branch, the issues are evaluated by more than one lawyer so there is an advantage of multiple perspectives.’

Key clients

Akınal

Arcon

Arzum

Ayakkabı Dünyası

Bayrak Rubber

Çimtaş Pipe and Çimtaş Precision Machining

DRD Fleet Leasing

Eyüp Sabri Tuncer

MarinSA Denizcilik

Maysan Mando Automotive Parts

Onko Koçsel Pharmaceuticals

Panasonic Life Solutions

Pro-Per

Saydam Fabrics

Teknogon

Turkmen Group

Üçge

Vivense

Work highlights

  • Advising the Turkish subsidiary of Panasonic, regarding all aspects of Turkish employment and social security law.
  • Advising a Turkish subsidiary of a manufacturer of aluminium and alloy bars, regarding its collective labour agreement negotiations with Turk Metal and also, with respect to all aspects of Turkish employment and security law.
  • Advising Groupe PSA on a day-to-day basis on employment and social security matters.

Gün + Partners

Gün + Partners covers the gamut of employment mandates, including litigation and advisory, restructurings, terminations, employment contracts, collective bargaining, and business immigration. Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın and managing associate Beril Yayla Sapan, who has experience in litigation relating to employment termination, employment-related debts, mobbing and discrimination claims, are the key names. Pelin Baysal left the firm

Practice head(s):

Aysel Korkmaz Yatkın; Beril Yayla Sapan

Testimonials

‘The team is expert in labor law and very approachable. I can reach out to them when needed easily. They are coming back to us very quickly.’

‘Expert on labor law, create alternatives, understand the business needs.’

‘Availability, reactivity, clarity, business oriented practical solutions.’

‘Operational support provided at each stage, from beginning to closure. Feel really supported to solve matters.’

Excellent client relationship management and cross jurisdiction advice.

Work highlights

  • Represented a client in an action filed against a union in Turkey which claims that it has authority to conclude a collective bargaining agreement.
  • Assisted a medical devices company in an internal investigation. Also representing the client in a dispute concerning the share option entitlements of a high-level executive.
  • Assisted a client with an employment termination for an employee who attempted to disclose the client’s private and confidential information by way of contacting a former employee.

Güner Law Office

The ‘excellentBurçak Kurt Biçer heads the employment department at Güner Law Office. It regularly advises international and domestic clients on day-to-day employment matters, settlement agreements, lay-offs and the termination of employment agreements, as well as mediation and court proceedings. The team is also a go-to for several international firms for referral work.

Practice head(s):

Burçak Kurt Biçer

Testimonials

‘Completely reliable, outstanding, available and always feel confident in their advice.’

‘Burcak Kurt Bicer is excellent. She commands respect and is very business friendly – no question is too big or too small.’

Key clients

Discovery Networks

Ferro Turkey

Konecranes Turkey

Kone Turkey

ICANN Turkey

Clifford Chance LLP

Deloitte LLP

Forcepoint Turkey

Tractel SAS

Sicame SAS

The New York Times Company (Turkey Liaison Office)

PolyOne Turkey

Avient Turkey

Suez Turkey

Syneos Health (through HSF London)

Work highlights

  • Providing day-to-day labour law consultancy to Discovery Corporate Services regarding termination of employees, changes to working conditions, preparation and revision of settlement agreements.
  • Advising Ferro Turkey on the preparation and amendment of employment agreements, employee lay-offs, internal employment regulations and policies, and preparation of settlement agreements.
  • Advising PolyOne Turkey on the termination of employment agreements, preparation of employment agreements and mutual termination agreements, representation of the client in mediation proceedings with former employees.

Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak

Ali Osman Ak, who has broad experience advising on HR management, recruitment and dismissal matters, heads the practice at Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak, which works in association with Gide Loyrette Nouel. The department is also known for handling document preparation, litigation, social security, union law and mediation.

Practice head(s):

Ali Osman Ak

Key clients

Ak Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Groupe Lactalis)

Akdeniz Turistik Tesisler A.Ş. (Club Med)

Volvo Group Otomotiv Ticaret Ltd. Şti. (Volvo Trucks)

MDS AP Tech Yazılım Ürünleri ve Bilişim Hizmetleri Ticaret Ltd. Şti.

Ca Technologies Yazılım ve Bilişim Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi

Bel Karper Gıda Sanayi A.Ş.

Match Group

Zeplin Yazılım Sistemleri ve Bilgi Teknolojileri A.Ş.

Work highlights

  • Advised Ak Gida on the preparation and adaptation of internal documentation including template contracts and regulations for remote and hybrid working and the re-organisation of the headcount.
  • Advised Bel Karper on the collective bargaining process and and negotiations with the authorised labour union.
  • Advised Match Group on a new employment contract based on remote working.

TURUNÇ

Noyan Turunç heads the practice at TURUNÇ, which attracts praise for its ‘understanding of US market needs’. The team advises on the drafting of employee agreements and internal policies, employee rights and employment terminations and foreign employees’ work permits as well as handling employment disputes. Senior associate Gizem Günel is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Noyan Turunç; Gizem Günel

Testimonials

Turunc has an impressive pool of individuals who are excellent in employment law and their associates’ level of knowledge is partner-level.’

‘They are able to understand the issues from the core, combine a commercial approach with a depth of expertise and come up with innovative solutions.’

Gizem Gunel’s depth of experience of employment law is exceptional. Very committed.’

Understanding of U.S. market needs and practices and the ability to summarize Turkish law in an easy-to-digest manner for a U.S. audience. All around professional, easy to deal with and highly competent team.’

Gizem Gunel is excellent at providing easy-to-implement advice. She’s very diligent while being super responsive and a great communicator.’

I really like how Turunç’s employment team works in harmony with their M&A team. Many Turkish companies have employment compliance problems and this is an risk that we need to tackle during negotiations as well as post-closing. The Turunç team provides accurate and workable solutions to these risks.’

Key clients

Boğaziçi Ventures

beWise

Caffè Nero

Kuika

System Optima

Camper Shoes

Hoover/Candy

Acquia, Inc.

SC Johnson

Itochu

Taxim Capital

Al Fakher

Work highlights

  • Advised Camper on employment law issues related to its retail store employees in Turkey.
  • Advised beWise on developing the framework for its own multinational compliance model to enable small businesses and freelancers to invoice their customers through beWise.
  • Assisted System Optima with setting up a global employee stock option plan.

Çakmak Attorney Partnership

Çakmak Attorney Partnership has a solid employment law offering with specific sector expertise in energy, construction, banking, transportation, and health industries. The group has recently been involved in complex union matters, while remaining busy handling advisory work relating to employment strategy, as well as employment terminations related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The practice is headed by Zeynep Çakmak and Mesut Çakmak, who are closely supported by recently appointed counsel Gülşen Engin. Senior associate Elif Demiröz is another name to note.

Practice head(s):

Mesut Çakmak; Zeynep Çakmak

Other key lawyers:

Gülşen Engin; Elif Demiröz

Testimonials

‘The team analyses the matter, communicates and collaborates both with clients and among themselves.’

‘The team members are very responsive and sensitive in meeting the deadlines.’

‘The individuals are always quite flexible and always available regardless of difficult work conditions caused by the pandemic.’

Key clients

Bank Julius Baer

Baymina Enerji A.Ş.

China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC)

Gates Corporation (Regular Employment Matters)

Singapore Embassy

Uni-Mar Enerji Yatırımları A.Ş.

Visa Europe

Western Union

Bank Julius Baer

Baymina Enerji A.Ş.

China Railway Rolling Stock Corp (CRRC)

Gates Corporation (Regular Employment Matters)

Singapore Embassy

Uni-Mar Enerji Yatırımları A.Ş.

Visa Europe

Western Union

Work highlights

  • Representing CRRC in employment matters relating to its operations in Turkey, such as preparing employment contracts and advising on work permit-related matters.
  • Advising the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore on its daily operational and employment matters.
  • Representing Uni-Mar in nine labour law related lawsuits concerning reinstatement, labour law-related receivables and compensation claims.

ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office

ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office's team is led by Alara Baykal and Gokce Sanlierli. The group handles employee relations, outsourcing, pension and benefit plans, employee terminations and employment arbitration and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Alara Baykal; Gokce Sanlierli

Key clients

Hane Hotels

IFS

Jato Dynamics

Lexmark

Ligman

Misirli

NorthgateArinso

RemotePass

Sagemcom

Telecom Italia Sparkle

Work highlights

  • Advising Bipo on the incorporation and structure of its first service organisation in Turkey.
  • Assisting RemotePass with compliance with Turkish laws and for employment registration, payroll, controversy issues along with taxation support.
  • Advising DNZ Endustri on an expansion plan concerning the establishment of a new production plant.

Aksan Law Firm

Aksan Law Firm houses a ‘very strong, professional and reliable team’ headed by Muhammet Aksan, Mehmet Taş and Fatma Gamze Telli. The group acts for clients from a variety of sectors in employment disputes as well as advising on employment contracts and terminations, health and safety regulations, and relations with trade unions.

Practice head(s):

Muhammet Aksan; Mehmet Taş; Fatma Gamze Telli

Testimonials

‘They always offer a full range of consultancy services, they offer a comprehensive service covering every field with their expertise in different fields.’

‘They provide opinions for all of our questions in a very detailed and accurate manner and always guide us in the most appropriate way.’

‘The team we work with is expert in their fields, always accessible, polite, and helpful. They offer top-notch service. They respond to every request from us in the shortest time and in the best way possible.’

‘The working team is well-versed in their subjects, so they understand correctly and give the right direction.’

‘Quick response to questions asked.’

‘Aksan Law Firm has a very strong, professional and reliable team.’

‘They are all reachable whenever necessary. This makes you feel comfortable as a company that you can rely on these people. Their collaboration is unique.’

Key clients

Digidustry Teknoloji Danışmanlık A.Ş. – Derichebourg Tesis Yönetimi Çevre Havacılık Hizmetleri Anonim Şirketi

Securitas Güvenlik Entegre Çözümleri A.Ş.

Zülfikarlar Group Companies

Kom Tekstil ve Konfeksiyon Sanayi A.Ş.

Kırann Kurumsal Tekstil Sanayi ve Dış Ticaret Limited Şirketi

KTM Kimyevi Maddeler İthalat İhracat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Trakya Elektrik Üretim ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Boehringer Ingelheim İlaç ve Tic. A.Ş.

Cevahir Group Companies

Kullar Proje Geliştirme Danışmanlık ve Gayrimenkul Yatırımı A.Ş.

CBC Law

Altug Ozgun heads the practice at CETINKAYA, which handles employment relations, recruitment and termination of employment contracts, day-to-day HR issues and negotiations with trade unions. Senior associate Ozgur Yasasin is also noted.

Practice head(s):

Altug Ozgun

Other key lawyers:

Ozgur Yasasin

Testimonials

They are a very good team. Responsive and knowledgeable.’

‘They work with our HR team closely and have changed the way we work. We are very pleased with the level of service.’

Altug Ozgun- He is a true leader in employment. His in-house experience definitely makes him understand our environment better than other practitioners. His compliance knowledge and grasp helps us avoid employment and hr problems.

Ozgur Yasasin is a star. He helped us avoid and solve serious employment cases. His academic style and advocacy skills make him unique.’

We are extremely satisfied with the service that we have received since the first day we started working with CETİNKAYA. The legal advice given is extremely accurate and logical.’

Since we are extremely satisfied with our company, upon our recommendation our business partners working with us also started to work with Cetinkaya.’

Gökçe

Gökçe's team is particularly well-versed in managing employment agreements, unilateral termination and mutual rescission of employment agreements, transfer of employees and workplaces, as well as representing clients in a variety of disputes. Müberra Gürdal, former Chief Justice of the Istanbul Commercial Court, heads the team.

Practice head(s):

Müberra Gürdal

Testimonials

Gökçe’s employment team has an extensive experience of all types of employment matters.’

‘All of the associates, including partners, are easy to reach anytime which makes it easy to find an appropriate solution to any type of problems arising from various disputes.’

‘Gökçe embrace our legal problems and conducts it until the end from the beginning of it, with every aspect of it included.’

Gökçe always respond to our other requests without any delay. They keep us informed all the time with the current status of our lawsuits.’

‘Young associates have a passion to work with their clients with enthusiasm all the time. The team is solution-oriented, has high communication skills and is always easy to reach.’

Gökçe team is really good in understanding my need and expectations so I feel myself comfortable and secure when working with this law office.’

‘They have great know-how and experience in handling the full service of employment and labour law issues.’

They are always available, practical and punctual.’

Key clients

Inofab

Narcade

Alpla Plastic

Mükellef

Temacc

B.Braun

Usla Academy

Figopara

Melik Atalay

Uğur Sönmez

Work highlights

  • Representing Figopara in lawsuits filed against the company by two of its former employees claiming wrongful termination of their employment contracts.
  • Advising USLA in relation to obligatory mediation process of a dispute arising from an employment contract.
  • Acting for to B. Braun in labour law disputes that arose during the project of transferring the branch of the client’s company.

TUNCA ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP

TUNCA ATTORNEY PARTNERSHIP advises multinational corporates, large domestic companies and public institutions across a range of sectors, including pharmaceutical, energy, and construction. Sidar Tunca and Ayşegül Filiz are the key names in the department, which is well versed in contentious and non-contentious matters.

Practice head(s):

Sidar Tunca; Ayşegül Filiz

Testimonials

‘Tunca Law Office is unique for us because of its trustworthiness and professionalism.’

‘They are reasonable when it comes to prices, and its capability allows it to handle the most significant transactions and cases quickly, even on very short notices.’

‘Everyone in Tunca Law’s team has very high technical skills tailored for the most complicated and innovative jobs.’

‘Thanks to these skills and the teamwork that exists within each and every member of the Tunca Law family, Tunca Law has came to be well-known for performing high-stakes, cutting-edge transactions.’

‘They always provide us with the best service and satisfy our needs.’

‘They are patient and deliver excellent and quick outcomes even when they are under pressure.’

‘Tunca Law provides us with high-quality legal services at fair and reasonable costs.’

‘Sidar Tunca is a knowledgeable, constructive, helpful and responsive attorney.’

Key clients

İlaç Endüstrisi İşverenler Sendikası (İEİS)

Abdi İbrahim İlaç Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education Directorate General For Life Long Learning / Promoting Integration of Syrian Kids into the Turkish Education System (PIKTES) Coordinatorship

Anagold Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Tüprag Metal Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Energo-Pro İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Caba İnşaat Enerji Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Gürbağ İnşaat Mühendislik Madencilik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

WYG International Danışmanlık Ltd. Şti.

Mövenpick Hotel&Resorts

Kuzu Toplu Konut İnşaat A.Ş.

FTZ Akaryakıt Otomotiv İnşaat Taahhüt Tekstil Gıda Paketleme Sanayi ve Ticaret Ltd. Şti.

Elvan Gıda San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

TOBB Ekonomi ve Teknoloji Üniversitesi

Teleses Telekominikasyon İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Tefirom İnşaat Enerji San. ve Tic. A.Ş.

Ulubol İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Work highlights

  • Advising İlaç Endüstrisi İşverenler Sendikası on a variety of employment law issues, including health legislation, filing lawsuits against unlawful regulatory actions in order to protect the rights of members, labor law, and social security law.
  • Acting for Abdi İbrahim on cross-border employment issues, including employee transfers, employee remuneration, and termination issues.
  • Advising The Ministry of National Education on its educational project to promote the integration of Syrian children into the Turkish education system (PIKTES).

Yavuz & Uyanik

Yavuz & Uyanik handles day-to-day advisory and employment litigation matters. ‘Highly skilled’ practitioner Murat Uyanık heads the department, which is a key name for clients from the insurance sector.

Practice head(s):

Murat Uyanık

Testimonials

‘Murat Uyanık can solve all the problems we experience in line with the sectoral conditions thanks to his ability.’

‘Murat Uyanık is a lawyer who understands extremely well what the clients need and also works with them as a business partners. His knowledge and expertise in his field are of great value for us.’

‘Yavuz & Uyanik satisfy the needs of our company operating in the insurance sector across Turkey thanks to its wide lawyer network available in every region of Turkey.’

‘The team listened and learned about my experience and then skilfully provided accurate, efficient and friendly counsel to me.’

‘We work with Yavuz & Uyanik within the scope of labor law and they are very competent in this area. They have a strong team and good processes and always good collaboration.’

Key clients

Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş.

L’Oreal Türkiye Kozmetik San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.

Ontex Tüketim Ürünleri San. Ve Tic. A.Ş

Sirena Marine Denizcilik A.Ş.

Ashfield Sağlık Hizmetleri Tic. Ltd. Şti.

Axa Sigorta A.Ş.

Kıraça Holding A.Ş.

Ray Sigorta A.Ş.

Gulf Sigorta A.Ş.

Türkiye Sigorta A.Ş. (Former Güneş Sigorta)

Cushman&Wakefield Gayrimenkul Danışmanları Mümessillik ve Turizm Hizmetleri A.Ş.

Ciner Group of Companies

BGC Partners Menkul Değerler A.Ş. (BGC Partners)

Rhea Girişim Sermayesi Yatırım Ortaklığı A.Ş.

Yazici Attorney Partnership

Yazici Attorney Partnership's employment team works closely with its dispute resolution practice to acts for clients in disputes concerning reinstatement, terminations, general advisory work, permits, contracts, collective labour law matters and redundancies. Elif Karagözoğlu, Şener Özkan and İnci Akın are the key contacts.

Practice head(s):

Elif Karagözoğlu; İnci Akın; Şener Özkan

Testimonials

‘Yazıcı’s team blends its employment law practice with its dispute resolution practice, and therefore they are always able to provide clear, valuable and proactive advice.’

‘Elif Karagözoğlu is very accessible and has a great depth of legal knowledge.’

‘Şener Özkan, who is also responsible for the dispute resolution team, is a great strategist and always provides transparent and clear advice.’

‘They are familiar with our company and our group company for a long time, and have all the history about us.’

‘The team is experienced on the subject topics. The team comprises of more than one person with vast knowledge on different subjects.’

‘The people are capable of dealing with a vast selection of topics.’

‘Kerem Aric and Sener Ozkan professionally lead their team of senior associates and associates.’

Key clients

Leonardo Turkey Havacılık Savunma ve Güvenlik Sistemleri A.Ş.

Aviagen Anadolu Ana Damızlık Tavukçuluk Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Nüve Sanayi Malzemeleri İmalat ve Ticaret A.Ş.

Transatlantic Exploration Mediterranean International Pty. Ltd. Turkey Ankara Branch (headquarters in Australia)

Sicim-Yüksel-Akkord Joint Venture

Taq Taq Operating Company Limited

Genetec Inc.

Turner International Proje Yonetimi Ltd. Sti.

Genel Makina Tic. Ve San. Tic A.S. (“Genel Makina”)

Bosphorus Gaz Corporation A.S.

Work highlights

  • Advising Aviagen on labour law matters.
  • Advising Turner on labour law matters.
  • Advising Genetec Inc.’s Turkish subsidiary on the management of employment contracts, termination of employment contracts and Turkish labour law in general.

YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS

Döne Yalcin heads the ‘highly responsive’ employment practice at YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS, which mainly handles contract work, transactional work, including the employment aspects of M&A and asset deals, and is notably solid handling collective labour disputes and mass terminations as a result of restructuring and bankruptcy. Counsel Sinan Abra offers key support.

Practice head(s):

Döne Yalçın

Other key lawyers:

Sinan Abra

Testimonials

‘Commitment and collaboration at a high level.’

‘Sinan Abra – I believe he is a great professional using a lot of his private time to invest in potential future partnerships. Responsive and dedicated to timelines.’

‘The team was highly responsive and engaged, ensuring that we had the support we needed when we needed it.’

‘They proactively advised us on key issues and gave us the advice we needed to make good decisions and resolve the issues in a positive manner.’

‘We worked closely with counsel Sinan Abra and he was absolutely critical to our successful resolution of the case. He was responsive, knowledgeable, thorough, and quickly mastered key technical issues to give us the advice we needed. He did a fantastic job!’

Work highlights

  • Advised a European steel producer on the removal of its CEO (also acting as the chairman) due to non-compliant behaviour.
  • Advising a global food producer on various employment law issues, ranging from all sorts of termination issues, government assistance and termination restriction regimes applicable due to Covid-19.

Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership

The practice at Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership is known for combining its daily retainer services with employment-related litigation expertise. Buğra Aydın and Erman Öncel head the team, which handles daily matters ranging from preparation of HR documents to dismissal and termination procedures, and acts for clients in disputes and mediation procedures.

Practice head(s):

Buğra Aydın; Erman Öncel

Testimonials

‘The team always provided responses to our queries in a timely manner and were available whenever we needed to contact them.’

‘Efficiency in handling urgent matters.’

‘Great knowledge about what they are doing.’

‘Quickly understanding the business and guiding us in an effective way. Fast responses time and pro-active in new laws which might effect our business.’

‘Buğra is very responsive and excellent in his knowledge about the law and business practice. He guides you and gives very relevant advice.’

Key clients

Flender AG

Yargıcı Konfeksiyon İhracat ve Ticaret A.Ş.

GlaxoSmithKline plc

Vertiv Co

Geberit AG

Al Jazeera Media Network

Stryker Corporation

Saralle Group

Page Group (Michael Page)

Persan Tekstil

Nidec Corporation

Seger Horns

GÜBRETAŞ (Gübre Fabrikaları Türk A.Ş.)

Work highlights

  • Advised Vertiv Co on several top management dismissal and termination procedures.
  • Representing GlaxoSmithKline before employment courts, fine-tuning HR practices to the new judicial and legal developments.
  • Advised Michaelpage on the restructuring of HR and employment practices and sets of employment law documents.