Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein fields a team which is ‘highly knowledgeable and skilled in the field of employment law’. Practice head Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun, who was promoted to partner in July 2023 and whose ‘level of client-centric service distinguishes her from her peers‘ is supported by senior associate Gökhan Akçaalan, who has experience in both contentious and non-contentious employment matters. As a team, it is able to call upon Baker McKenzie’s global network, allowing it to handle a range of cross-border employment matters for its clients.
Employment in Turkey
Esin Attorney Partnership, a Member Firm of Baker McKenzie International, a Swiss Verein
Practice head(s):
Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun
Other key lawyers:
Gökhan Akçaalan
Testimonials
‘I have nothing but praise for the employment team. They have been an incredible support for our company. They are extremely responsive and their legal advice is always practical and pragmatic.’
‘Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun is fantastic – very responsive, knowledgeable and commercially minded.’
‘Esin has a truly exceptional employment law practice. What sets this practice apart is not only their deep legal expertise but also their commitment to delivering innovative solutions for their clients.’
‘The team at Esin Attorney Partnership is highly knowledgeable and skilled in the field of employment law. What makes them unique is their ability to seamlessly blend international best practices with a deep understanding of the local legal landscape. This fusion of global and local expertise allows them to provide clients with comprehensive and tailored solutions that are both legally sound and practical in the context of Turkey.’
‘In terms of strengths and key capabilities, the team excels in providing strategic advice on complex employment issues, including labour disputes, compliance, and workforce management. They have a track record of successfully navigating the intricacies of Turkish labour laws and regulations, which can be quite challenging for businesses operating in the region.’
‘Elif Nur Cakir Vurgun has consistently demonstrated exceptional qualities that make her stand out in the legal field and set her apart from competitors. Her contributions to the firm’s employment law practice are truly remarkable.’
‘What sets the firm apart is its unwavering dedication to its clients. It approaches every case with a high level of commitment, ensuring that we receive the best possible legal advice and representation. The team’s in-depth knowledge of employment law, coupled with its ability to navigate complex legal issues, makes it an invaluable asset to its clients.’
‘Elif Nur Çakır Vurgun’s exceptional communication skills and responsiveness are qualities that I as a client greatly appreciate. She ensures that we are kept informed at every stage of our legal matters, and she is always readily available to address our concerns and provide guidance. This level of client-centric service distinguishes her from her peers.’
Key clients
ABC International Bank plc
A-Dec Inc.
ADM Wild
Agoda Company
Alictus
Alticor Inc.
AM alpha Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH
Appcast
Aras Kargo
Banvit
Celanese GmbH
Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC
CyberArk Software Ltd.
Donaldson Company Inc.
Dyson Technology Ltd
Envista Holdings Corporation
F5, Inc.
Flint Group International B.V.
Fortinet, Inc.
Galderma SA
Gilead
Good Job Games Bilisim Yazilim ve Pazarlama Anonim Sirketi
Work highlights
Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership
As well as appearing in court on behalf of international businesses in cross-border employment disputes, Hergüner Bilgen Üçer Attorney Partnership‘s employment team is also active in collective bargaining agreements, a feature of the wider market in Turkey. Its deep bench includes practice heads Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen, Tolga Danışman, Ufuk Yalçın and İsmet Bozoğlu, with each partner bringing a wealth of experience to the team. Bozoğlu is a key corporate law expert, while Danışman focuses on the group’s contentious matters. The employment department also provides day-to-day advice on labour contracts and C-suite terminations.
Practice head(s):
Ayşe Hergüner Bilgen; Tolga Danışman; Ufuk Yalçın; İsmet Bozoğlu
Testimonials
‘Trust based and open relationship, high level of experience and legal mastery.’
‘The quality of their service thanks to high talented lawyers coupled with extensive expertise and experience in labour law matters meet our business needs.’
Key clients
Thomson Reuters
Bloomberg
Vibracoustic Group Companies Turkish Entities
Refinitiv
Royal Canin
OBSS Bilişim Bilgisayar Hizmetleri Danışmanlık Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi
Diagnostica Stago Turkey Tıbbi Tanı Sistemleri Tic. A.S
St Martins Şişli Gayrimenkul Yatırımcılığı Ticaret A.Ş.
Work highlights
- Assisted Thomson Reuters with participating in and managing collective bargaining negotiations with a union.
- Representing Turkish subsidiaries of Vibracoustic Group, based in Germany, on all legal matters including employment law-related proceedings.
- Assisted Bloomberg with its day-to-day employment matters, including reviewing and revising employment contracts and preparing other related documents.
Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli
Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli, whose diverse workload incorporates M&A-related matters, executive employment contracts and incentive plans, ‘is very experienced in employment matters which require market practice and experience of real-life relationships between employers and employees’. Running the team are Okan Demirkan, who ‘is very practical and result oriented in the way he works’ and Maral Minasyan, who ‘is a problem-solver like no other’. Elsewhere, Rami Arda Yörükoğlu is often called upon for labour disputes owing to his extensive experience in this area.
Practice head(s):
Okan Demirkan; Maral Minasyan
Other key lawyers:
Selin Balkir; Burcu Çınar; Rami Arda Yörükoğlu
Testimonials
‘Precise advice, good advisory style, practical, and results oriented.’
‘Okan Demirkan is very precise in his advice when addressing certain questions that are posed. He is sufficiently aggressive in his approach. He is very practical and result oriented in the way he works.’
‘Kolcuoglu Demirkan Kocakli is one of the biggest firms in Turkey in terms of number of lawyers employed and volume of the business they hold. It is very experienced in employment matters which require market practice and experience of real life relationships between employers and employees. They consult their clients from a wide perspective by using all legal solutions. The team is experienced in all aspects of the labour law.’
‘Selin Balkir is an exceptional senior associate. She responds to all legal tasks in a timely manner.’
‘Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli provide clear, concise and commercial advice and consistently impress with their insight into local employment law issues. They are true commercial partners rather than simply providers of legal services.’
‘They are always extremely responsive whenever they are required, which is often on an urgent basis.’
‘Burcu Çınar is always responsive whenever we require advice in his jurisdiction, often to extremely tight deadlines.’
‘In all matters whether simple or complex, we always know that Maral Minasyan will resolve them to our benefit. She is a problem-solver like no other.’
Key clients
Prada
ABB Limited
Adidas
Allianz
Atlas Technology Solutions
Axalta Coating Systems
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Binance Holdings (IE) Limited
DriveNets
Ethos Energy
Eurofins
GTT Communications
Howden Insurance Brokers
ICON Plc
IDP Education
Infosys
Jato Dynamics
Juniper Networks
Key Travel
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co
Work highlights
- Advises Gucci on all aspects of employment law on a retainer basis.
- Advises Tik Tok on several employment law-related matters as well as on its policy making procedures.
- Advises Boston Consulting Group on various Turkish law-related matters including employment law, on a retainer basis.
Moroglu Arseven
The ‘very organised team‘ at Moroglu Arseven acts predominantly for employers and is led by İpek Ünlü Tık, who has experience in assisting clients across the full life cycle of employment matters, including litigation and alternative dispute resolution. The highly regarded Benan Arseven is a name to note for corporate structuring matters. Kaan Başer, who ‘is dedicated and willing to provide fast responses’, is another key practitioner in the department, as is Burcu Tuzcu Ersin, who ‘is a very valuable and high-level partner offering pragmatic and business-oriented solutions to her clients’.
Practice head(s):
İpek Ünlü Tık
Other key lawyers:
Benan Arseven; Seyfi Moroğlu; Burcu Tuzcu Ersin; Kaan Başer,
Testimonials
‘Very organised team and ready to support whenever is needed, even when there are time zone constraints.’
‘Benan Arseven is very supportive and gives good advice. Kaan Baser is super dedicated and willing to provide super-fast responses.’
‘Burcu Tuzcu Ersin is a very valuable and high-level partner offering pragmatic and business-oriented solutions to her clients.’
Work highlights
Aksan Law Firm
Aksan Law Firm is highlighted for its ‘detailed legal opinions and precedent-setting court decisions‘. The employment team regularly works with the human resources departments of its clients. The group is active in labour disputes, having appeared in 4,500 labour court hearings and more than 300 labour mediation meetings in 2023. Practice head Fatma Gamze Telli is supported by founding partner Muhammet Aksan and Oktay Şener.
Other key lawyers:
Muhammet Aksan; Oktay Şener
Testimonials
‘The team’s capabilities and know-how provide us with the right support.’
‘Muhammet Aksan and Oktay Şener are always cooperative.’
‘Detailed legal opinions and precedent-setting court decisions.’
Key clients
Securitas Entegre Güvenlik Çözümleri A.Ş.
Zülfikarlar Group
Kom Tekstil ve Konfeksiyon A.Ş.
Trakya Elektrik Üretim ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Eti Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
Bantaş Nakit ve Kıymetli Mal Taşıma ve Güvenlik Hizmetleri A.Ş.
Kore Başkonsolosluğu
Aster Tekstil Sanayi ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş. & Artesa Kumaş Sanayi ve Dış Ticaret A.Ş.
Avitaş Kompozit Plastik Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
Boehringer Ingelheim İlaç Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Work highlights
- Assisting Securitas Entegre Güvenlik Çözümleri Hizmetleri with Turkish labour law matters and around 1,000 lawsuits.
- Assisted Bantaş with more than 500 cases, of which more than 300 are arising from Turkish Labour Law.
- Assisted Eti Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi with Turkish labour law issues and up to 200 cases.
Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki
Galip M. Selçuk heads the employment department at Balcioglu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki, which is instructed by companies operating across a range of sectors, including hotels and leisure, technology, manufacturing and retail. The workload is equally diverse, ranging from drafting and negotiating executive-level employees’ employment agreements, severance agreements and incentive plans, to discrimination and harassment litigation. Selim Keki and Doğan Eymirlioğlu stand out for their M&A expertise, making them well placed to advise clients on the employment aspects of M&A. Gözde Manav Kılıçbeyli is a key contact for employment advice relating to domestic and cross-border transactions.
Practice head(s):
Galip M. Selçuk
Other key lawyers:
Selim Keki; Doğan Eymirlioğlu
Key clients
FMC
Moët Hennessy
Environmental Science US Inc.
Barclays Execution Services Limited
CommScope, Inc.
Faurecia
HERE Global BV
Buckman Laboratories
Mastercard
Landesbank (LBBW)
Work highlights
- Advised Providing Environmental Science US on various aspects of employment law, including preparing employment law update trackers and drafting templates of employment agreements.
- Advised FMC Turkey Endüstri Ürünleri Sanayi Limited Şirketi on employment-related matters, including providing information on employment terms and conditions under Turkish labour law.
- Advising Commscope on various day-to-day employment law matters.
Bener Law Office
Bener Law Office‘s ‘proactive and agile‘ employment law group works for large employers and unions alike, and clients call on the group for advice on a range of employment and social security law. The scope of advice given by the group runs the gamut from documentation to high-level investigations. Group head Batuhan Şahmay is highlighted for his 'extensive knowledge' and 'good organisational skills’, which are also key features of the group more generally.
Practice head(s):
Batuhan Şahmay
Testimonials
‘They are very proactive and agile.’
‘Batuhan Sahmay deals with every matter with a high level of diligence.’
‘The team is quite organised in terms of handling the topics. They are very good in managing expectations of the client. More than that they have in depth knowledge of their domains.’
‘Easy to reach and communicate with. Professional approach.’
‘Fast, proactive, and knowledgeable.’
‘A very organised team with advice that is easy to understand. The team is flexible and knowledgeable.’
‘Batuhan Şahmay is a gem in employment law in Turkey. He is good at explaining complex legal matters to clients with his extensive knowledge and good organisational skills.’
‘Batuhan Sahmay puts himself in the shoes of the client and responds in an effective and timely manner. I would, without any hesitation, would recommend him as the “go-to-person” for all employment legal advice in Turkey.’
Key clients
Amazon
Unilever
Hempel
Mastercard
Philips
Ge Aerospace
Brita
Archroma
Cisco
Michael Page
Interpublic
Remote
Regus
Comac Medical
Uber
Western Union
Fedex
Bosch
Mitsubishi Electric
Visa
Paypal
Hitachi
British Council
Zynga
Meta Platforms (formerly known as Facebook)
Schlumberger
Panasonic
Johnson and Johnson
Klepierre
McAfee
Banvit BRF
IBM
ASK Chemicals
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
DLL Group
Air France
Lego
Azelis
Desmet Ballestra
Randstad
Warner Bros
Ricoh
Novozymes
Leica Microsystems
Rollic Games
Beckman
Danaher
Franke
Morgan Stanley
Intuitive Surgical
ASOS
Vmware
Viacom
Work highlights
- Advising Unilever on all aspects of employment law (including both consultancy and litigation).
- Advising Banvit BRF on day-to-day employment law matters including high level and complex matters.
- Assisted a multinational consumer packaged goods company with collective bargaining negotiations.
BTS & Partners
BTS & Partners ‘provides excellent, user-friendly advice across a wide range of employment-related matters’. Selin Beceni and Zeynep Unlu jointly lead the team, which focuses on sector-specific practices alongside its employment work. As well as providing assistance in regulatory compliance and offering day-to-day advice, Beceni and Unlu are also strong in localising employment agreements and contract drafting, emblematic of the practice more broadly.
Practice head(s):
Selin Beceni; Zeynep Unlu
Other key lawyers:
Sinan Haluk Tandoğan; Özlem Cansu Tekşen
Testimonials
‘Very responsive, thorough and pragmatic advice that is highly valued by our clients. I very much appreciate the team’s ability to exactly understand the clients’needs.’
‘I work regularly with Zeynep Ünlü, who always delivers excellent service at high speed with decent costs.’
‘From my experience the team provides excellent, user-friendly advice across a wide range of employment related matters.’
‘Zeynep Unlu provides a very responsive service with clear, practical and well written advice.’
‘High attention to details, availability, engagement and responsiveness.’
‘Professional, reactive, good collaboration, experienced team, excellent result.’
‘Zeynep Unlu, is very qualified in all matters that are pertinent to our technoogy-related issues and she is also responsive when we need timely/urgent legal advice.’
‘Zeynep Ünlü always responds promptly and thoroughly to provide us with practical guidance in dealing with an unfamiliar jurisdiction.’
Key clients
Criteo
Oyster
Adform
Electronics for Imaging (EFI)
Genpact
Razer
RTB House
Sabre
Lenovo
TE Connectivity
Nebim Neyir Bilgisayar
Covington
Kemppi
Bird & Bird LLP
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
Work highlights
- Assisting Russel Reynolds Associates with legal and regulatory compliance matters in its capacity as a Private Employment Bureau, licensed in Türkiye.
- Advising Bird & Bird on employment law-related projects and queries of their clients active in various jurisdictions.
- Supported RTB House by reviewing, localising and revising company policies, commission plans as well as tailoring global employment law practices for the country.
Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants
The group at Ersoy Bilgehan Lawyers & Consultants ‘places clients at the forefront of the practice‘, ably dealing with day-to-day employment law matters as well as more specific issues such as social security provisions and health and safety in the workplace. Leading the team are Zihni Bilgehan and Ergun Ersoy, the latter of whom regularly acts for ship owners and P&I clubs. Bilgehan is a key contact for corporate matters and employment-related M&A issues.
Practice head(s):
Zihni Bilgehan; Ergun Ersoy
Other key lawyers:
Emre Ersoy
Testimonials
‘The team places clients at the forefront of their practice. They take the time to listen to their clients’ needs, concerns, and objectives. This client-centered approach ensures that every legal strategy is tailored to meet the specific goals of the individuals and businesses they represent. They keep their clients informed at every step of the legal process, explaining complex legal matters in a clear and accessible manner. Clients can trust that they are always in the loop.’
‘Emre Ersoy is an outstanding lawyer whose expertise and dedication have consistently impressed me.’
‘Emre Ersoy is an exceptionally knowledgeable and skilled attorney with a keen understanding of the legal intricacies in Turkey. Throughout my interactions with him, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to analyse complex legal issues, develop sound strategies, and provide practical solutions.’
Key clients
DNV
Hapag Lloyd AG
UK P&I Club
Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG
Thomas Miller P&I Ltd
West of England Insurance Services (Luxembourg) S.A
Gard P&I Club
Britannia P&I Club
YM Mercury Tankers Limited
Work highlights
- Advised DNV on all aspects of employment law matters, including preparing employment contracts and documents.
- Advised PerkinElmer Holding on matters pertaining to human resources and healthcare regulations.
- Advised Hapag Lloyd on all aspects of employment law matters.
Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership
Goksu Safi Isik Attorney Partnership‘s sizeable team offers clients a full service in employment law, advising across the life cycle of labour matters. The group excels in litigious matters, and often represents clients in relation to termination and subsequent litigation. Its client base includes the human resources departments of corporations in Turkey as well as private individuals. Team leader Banu Mert has significant employment law expertise, enabling him to provide clients with advice on day-to-day employment matters as well as specific labour issues.
Practice head(s):
Banu Mert
Key clients
SASA Polyster
Erdemoğlu Holding
Merinos
Dinarsu
Pi Works
Mimosa Networks
Finvent
Carvak
Astay Gayrımenkul
Work highlights
- Providing labour legal consulting services to SASA Polyester Sanayi Anonim Sirketi.
- Providing consultancy services to Merinos in the context of labour law.
- Providing labour law consulting services to Erdemoglu Holding.
Gunbay Kural Abbasoglu Law Firm
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.
Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership
The ‘dedicated team with a lot of experience’ at Moral | Kınıkoğlu | Pamukkale Attorney Partnership acts for large corporations such as Kraft Heinz, and the team as a whole assisted clients with a large volume of employment matters during 2023. Özgür Güner, who specialises in employment law, leads the team. More widely, the group is able to advise on a range of employment matters, including regulatory and compliance work, and is praised for its ‘professional and exceptionally knowledgeable’ practitioners. Eylül Bengisu Gümüş is a name to note at the associate level.
Practice head(s):
Özgür Güner
Other key lawyers:
Naz Calay; Eylül Bengisu Gümüş
Testimonials
‘The employment team is capable and we can reach them whenever we need to.’
‘They are meticulous in their business conduct, and they have a solution-oriented approach.’
‘Özgür Güner is very helpful and knows his clients’ needs very well. He always focuses on solutions with risk management approach.’
Key clients
Miele
Baxter
KRAFT HEINZ
L’oreal
White Shark LLC
TRICON
Borusan Holding
Eczacıbaşı Holding
VFCorporatation
Gözalan Group
Güralp Vinç
Stoller
Stellantis
Paksoy
Elvan Aziz runs the employment practice at Paksoy, which adopts a multidisciplinary approach and works closely with the firm’s M&A, corporate and commercial, tax, litigation and compliance departments. The group is engaged in a range of labour matters including the drafting of employment contracts, the preparation of warning and defence letters, bonus schemes, personnel handbooks and other matters. Aziz herself is particularly active in advising clients on C-level hirings and terminations.
Practice head(s):
Elvan Aziz
Other key lawyers:
Gülce Saydam Pehlivan
Key clients
Bekaert
Cisco Systems
Dow
Essity
Eurotec
IMCD
LivaNova
Media.Monks
Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Mercury
Multi Color Corporation
OEP
Plastipak
Sensient
Sisal Lottery
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
The Peninsula Hotel Istanbul
Vibrantz Technologies
Willis Towers Watson
Yazaki
Work highlights
- Advising The Peninsula Hotel on all of its labour and employment law matters from the construction to the operational phase.
- Advising Yazaki on the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement with the Türk Metal trade union and individual employment-related matters.
- Advising Sisal Lottery on a range of labour and employment law matters, including employment agreement templates for different roles.
Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office
Pelister Atayilmaz Enkur Law Office has a broad employment practice, providing a wide range of services to clients, from outsourcing agreements all the way to termination procedures. The group, though, stands out for its work on complex work and residency permit related enquiries for foreign white- and blue-collar employees. Practice head Emre Atayilmaz, who is known for his employment work in the real estate and hospitality sectors, is well supported by Alperen Erbay.
Practice head(s):
Emre Atayilmaz
Other key lawyers:
Alperen Erbay
Key clients
Ralph Lauren
United Textiles Company
Almodo
ETC Group
Comita
Oka Restaurant
Beaute Kozmetik
Guzel Enerji
Atlant Clinical
Rotork Aligntech
IOactive
AWS
Intercontinental Hotels Group
Work highlights
- Advising Ralph Lauren on various employment law-related issues concerning its personnel in Turkey.
- Advising UTG on a variety of Turkish employment law-related matters.
- Advising Almodo on various issues under Turkish employment law.
Çakmak Attorney Partnership
At Çakmak Attorney Partnership, Mesut Çakmak, Zeynep Çakmak, Gülsen Engin and Elif Demiröz lead the employment law team, which is known for being ‘collaborative and open to interaction’. In relation to disputes in particular, newly appointed practice head Demiröz is a standout member of the team. As well as local companies, the group counts international embassies as clients, often providing regulatory advice in line with both Turkish law and the law of the country in which the embassy is based.
Practice head(s):
Mesut Çakmak; Zeynep Çakmak; Gülşen Engin; Elif Demiröz
Testimonials
‘Team is very collaborative and open to interaction.’
‘Reachable any time and respectful to the client.’
Key clients
Gates Corporation
Tasfiye Halinde Uni-Mar Enerji Yatırımları
Visa Europe
Western Union
Embassy of Canada
Embassy of Sweden
Tatneft Oil AG
Work highlights
- Advising the Embassy of Canada to Turkey on its daily operational and employment law matters.
- Representated Uni-Mar in nine labour law related lawsuits filed with reinstatement, labour law related receivables and compensation claims.
- Assisted Gates Corporation with general employment matters of its five subsidiaries located in Turkey.
Egemenoglu
Egemenoglu, with offices in Istanbul and Bursa, deals with contentious and non-contentious employment matters and is described as ‘helpful and empathetic’. Its clients include international and local companies of varying sizes. Dilek Gürsan and Fazilet Karabacaklar head up the team, which has expertise in collective bargaining law. Indeed, a recent highlight for the practice saw it being engaged to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement for a new client whose workforce had recently unionised.
Practice head(s):
Dilek Gürsan; Fazilet Karabacaklar
Other key lawyers:
Egemen Egemenoğlu; Ayşe Naz Duman
Testimonials
‘Competitive, reliable, expert in their fields, consistent.’
‘Legally knowledgeable and guiding us correctly.’
‘It is important for us to get accurate and fast answers when we need them. We would like to thank all Egemenoğlu law firm lawyers and especially Naz Duman for this.’
‘The service we received was of such high quality that it allowed our top management team to utilise their time efficiently and effectively.’
‘Ayşe Naz Duman’s solution-oriented, meticulously detailed assistance takes into account human behaviour and psychology, which stood out as a remarkable feature.’
‘We can reach them quickly whenever we need support. We can also provide instant access to current and legal information.’
‘The key words would be helpful and empathetic. Seasoned team that makes you feel confident.’
‘Egemen Egemenoğlu and his team’s insights and recommendations on foreign exchange and corporate law played a pivotal role. We were delighted that they swiftly grasped and addressed our requirements.’
Key clients
Akınal
Arcon
Arzum
Ayakkabı Dünyası
Bayrak Lastik
Çimtaş Pipe and Çimtaş Precision Machining
DRD Fleet Leasing
MarinSA Denizcilik A.Ş.
Maysan Mando Automotive Parts
Onko Koçsel Pharmaceuticals
Panasonic Life Solutions
Pro-Per
Teknogon
Turkmen Group
Üçge
Vivense
Midal Kablo Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Çilek Mobilya A.Ş.
Yataş Yatak ve Yorgan San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.
Karat Guc Sistemleri A.S.
Work highlights
- Represented Midal Kablo Sanayi ve Ticaret in its collective labour agreement negotiations with the Turk Metal Union.
- Represented ÜÇGE in a case involving the cancellation of authorisation against the Turk Metal Union.
- Assisted Mescier Demir Çelik San. ve Tic. with legal audit and compliance services and employment law.
Gün + Partners
At Gün + Partners, the team has ‘experience both in employment law and the pharmaceuticals sector‘ as well as the technology industry. Practice head Beril Yayla Sapan focuses on employment, dispute management, business crime and anti-corruption. Ezgi Kut, who was promoted to senior associate in 2022, is a key practitioner, as is managing associate Asena Aytuğ Keser, who has an extensive employment practice, including employment contracts, terminations and personnel management, among other matters.
Practice head(s):
Beril Yayla Sapan
Other key lawyers:
Asena Aytuğ Keser; Ezgi Kut
Testimonials
‘The team has experience both in employment law and the pharmaceuticals sector. Therefore, they are able to combine their knowledge and provide tailor made solutions.’
‘Beril Yayla Sapan understands the need and provides practical advice which can be directly implemented.’
Work highlights
- Assisted a global company with a major collective redundancy process.
- Represented a multinational client in collective bargaining negotiations with one of the strongest unions of Turkey.
- Representing a global manufacturer in a court action claiming for the penal clause due to the breach of a non-compete obligation in the employment contract of a key employee.
Güner Law Office
Güner Law Office often advises on the preparation of employment agreements for blue-collar and white-collar workers. The group assists a range of Turkish companies, as well as subsidiaries of international companies, on matters including disputes involving mediation and court proceedings. Practice head Burçak Çitak has a strong track record in working on issues such as terminations, redundancies and cross-border M&A transactions. Uğurkan Şeber left the firm.
Practice head(s):
Burçak Kurt Biçer
Other key lawyers:
Sabahat Elif Ipek
Key clients
Warner Bros Discovery
Avient Turkey Renklendirici ve Katkı Maddeleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
Avient Turkey Mühendislik Polimerleri Sanayi ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi
Avient Corporation
Veolia WTS Turkey
Altadia Group and its Turkish subsidiary Esmalglass Itaca Cam ve Seramik San ve Tic. Ltd. Sti.
Vibrantz Technologies Inc (formerly Ferro Corporation) and its Turkish subsidiary Ferro Turkey
Konecranes OYJ and its Turkish subsidiary Konecranes Ticaret ve Servis Ltd. Sti.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers Turkish Liaison Office (ICANN)
Forcepoint Holdings International Limited and its Turkish subsidiary Forcepoint Turkey Siber Güvenlik Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi
Tractel SAS and its Turkish subsidiary Knot İşgüvenliği
Sicame SAS and its Turkish subsidiary Şafak Elektrik
The New York Times Company Inc.
Work highlights
- Advised Safak Elektrik, Turkish subsidiary of Sicame SAS, on the dismissal of C-level employees.
- Advised Vibrantz Turkey on all kinds of employment law issues, including the preparation and amendment of employment agreements and employee lay-offs.
- Advised Avient Turkey entities on all kinds of employment law issues, including termination of employment agreements and preparation of employment agreements.
Özdirekcan Dündar Senocak Attorney Partnership
Özdirekcan Dündar Şenocak Ak‘s practitioners are praised for being ‘exceptionally good at finding the most appropriate, business-friendly solutions to legal issues’ which clients are faced with. At the helm is Ali Osman Ak, who has significant expertise in employment law matters and has a strong record in assisting clients with human resources management and related issues. On the contentious side, the group often assists clients with drafting petitions after litigation procedures.
Practice head(s):
Ali Osman Ak
Testimonials
‘It is good to know that you can directly call them at any time either to explain something or ask something.’
‘Exceptionally good at finding the most appropriate business-friendly solutions to legal issues which we are faced with.’
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)
Axa Sigorta A.Ş.
Ca Technologies Yazılım ve Bilişim Hizmetleri Limited Şirketi
Match Group
Zeplin Yazılım Sistemleri ve Bilgi Teknolojileri A.Ş.
Airties
Ak Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. (Groupe Lactalis)
Work highlights
- Represented Ak Gıda in all aspects of the law.
- Assisted Akdeniz (Club Med) with all aspects of labour law.
- Advised Ca Tech on mediation processes initiated for receivables arising from the employment relationship and re-employment requests.
TURUNÇ
TURUNÇ‘s employment team’s ‘depth of expertise is unique’. This expertise includes the preparation, review and negotiation of employment contracts and settlement agreements of key employees. Noyan Turunç and managing associate Gizem Günel run the team, which regularly handles the employment aspects of major M&A transactions and business transfers.
Practice head(s):
Noyan Turunç; Gizem Günel
Other key lawyers:
Beste Yıldızili Ergül
Testimonials
‘Transparency, trustworthiness, proactive approach, commercial awareness and international know-how. In my experience, no other firm in Turkey comes close to TURUNÇ’s international experience. Many of their lawyers have international backgrounds and bar qualifications. This is an unmatched asset in the market. Great drafting skills and attention to detail.’
‘Noyan Turunç is the only lawyer I call on for tough decisions. Delivers legal and commercial advice at the same time. Gizem Günel communicates well and updates us regularly. Drafts robust contracts. Beste Yıldızili Ergül is an excellent resource for employee data privacy issues, especially about taking data outside of Turkey.’
‘Gizem Günel is a star. She’s technical and very knowledgeable, and her communication skills and ability to look at issues from a wide perspective really protect us. She is very responsive and efficient.’
‘The team keeps up well with the increasing number of cases and provides us with timely support in dealing with those.’
‘Our interaction with Turunc necessitates timely action to a high number of repetitive employment issues. This requires proper transfer of knowledge between the individuals. The team copes well with this challenge and maintains a good standard of service level for our needs.’
‘The TURUNÇ employment team’s depth of expertise is unique. They are a top-notch law firm with exceptional legal knowledge, immense understanding of market practices and commercial intelligence. They have been our advisors on a wide range of employment-related issues such as employment contracts, termination procedures and disputes, in addition to providing excellent transactional advice as part of our M&A matters.’
‘Noyan Turunç is the ultimate lawyer. He is a veteran in the law world and still going stronger than ever. He is very hands-on and sharp, so he understands the complexities really fast and really well. His book on Turkish employment laws is a fantastic everyday resource.’
Key clients
Kamil Koç
Boğaziçi Ventures
Camper Shoes
Itochu
Caffè Nero
Joygame
beWise
Al Fakher
BV Portföy Yönetim Şirketi
Hiwell
Arya Women Venture Capital
Work highlights
- Assisting Caffè Nero for over eight years, including advice on employment contracts, disputes and hiring practices.
- Assisting Itochu, including on employment contracts, hiring and firing practices and setting up and monitoring a data privacy programme for employees.
- Acting for Joygame’s as sole external counsel in all of the company’s employment law needs.
ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office
ADMD/Mavioglu & Alkan Law Office is referred to by one client as a ‘first-class firm’, which is ‘solution and service focused, with high-quality work’. The full-service offering is well placed to provide advice on employment-related regulatory compliance matters. Another key area of work for the group is compensation and benefits, and there is a specific group within the employment department dedicated to this. Practice heads Alara Baykal and seasoned litigator Gokce Sanlierli are instrumental to the team’s work.
Practice head(s):
Alara Baykal; Gokce Sanlierli
Testimonials
‘The group is very easy to work with and very dependable. Very fast with their answers and their solutions are easy to understand and implement.’
‘Gokce Sanlierli and her team have a very sensitive and balanced approach.’
‘First class firm, solution and service focused with high-quality work.’
‘Our employment related legal affairs are initially managed and coordinated by Gokce Sanlierli and her team. She is an outstanding attorney and a great professional to work with.’
‘Reliable, fast and cost efficient.’
‘Gokce Sanlierli is highly experienced, gets back to us fast and offers the swiftest and most cost-efficient solution to our issues.’
‘A top-tier firm that offers high-quality and personalised services, exemplifying excellence.’
‘Gokce Sanlierli is an outstanding labour law expert who possesses an in-depth understanding of our specific issues. Her remarkable ability to anticipate and address potential challenges before they escalate into risks makes it effortless for us to manage labour-related matters effectively.’
Key clients
Al Tayer Group
BIPO
Bloom Medya
Chery Automotive
Coalition Inc.
CottGroup
EnerySys
Guyerler
Inventronics
Lexmark
Remotepass
Sam Gas
Stage TS
Stary
Work highlights
Baysal & Demir
Baysal & Demir‘s lawyers assist large industrial companies and international technology companies in employment law, utilising proficiency in both Turkish and German law. Practice heads Ulaş Baysal and Muhittin Astarlı are ‘among the most recognised professors in the field of employment law in Turkey’ and are active in advising clients in this field, with standout recent mandates including collective bargaining agreements.
Practice head(s):
Ulaş Baysal; Muhittin Astarlı
Testimonials
‘The employment team includes Muhittin Astarlı and Ulaş Baysal, among the most recognised professors in the field of employment law in Turkey. The high reputation of both names in the courts distinguishes them from other lawyers working in this field in Turkey.’
‘Ulaş Baysal: His experience in this field makes his consultancy valuable regarding legal disputes that arise during the execution of hazardous tasks in the construction industry. Muhittin Astarlı has profound expertise in the termination of employment contracts and collective labour relations. Therefore, in large-scale disputes in Turkey, courts either refer to his legal opinion or select him as a mediator.’
‘The experts of the firm have theoretical and practical knowledge of collective labour law. They also provided in-depth analysis of Turkish industrial relations.’
‘We had expert views from Ulas Baysal on collective labour law and his strategic advice was a key factor for the conclusion of our collective labour agreements.’
‘Baysal Demir’s team is proficient in both Turkish and German law, especially in the areas of labour and social security law. Therefore, working with them offers a significant advantage in projects simultaneously conducted in Germany and Turkey. Furthermore, by producing creative solutions from both legal perspectives, they also ease the concerns of German investors during mergers.’
‘Ulas Baysal possesses a wealth of expertise spanning across a diverse range of sectors, rendering him a valuable collaborator in shaping strategic approaches.’
‘Ulaş Baysal is a lawyer with a stunning academic background. We are very satisfied with the service he provides. We have worked with him for more than ten years. Baysal and his team are accessible at any time we need them. They are highly experienced in their practice areas including employment and labour law.’
Key clients
Samsung Electronics
Smith + Nephew
Opet
Isko
Noksel
Innova
Koop İs
Sanko Towel
Dugun.com
Kennedys
Gocay
Ocoza.com
Work highlights
- Assisted Samsung Electronics with all employment law problems arising out of individual and collective labour relationships in Samsung Electronics’ Turkey factory.
- Assisted Opet with its internal investigations, provided support to the client for its restructuring and revision of sub-contractors’ contracts in this regard.
- Advised a leading international vehicle part manufacturing company on managing a data breach process regarding employee data.
CBC Law
CBC Law expanded its team in 2023, hiring two partners and a senior associate from Karahan & Aydın in April 2023: Gürhan Aydın, who leads the team alongside Kemal Altuğ Özgün and key litigator Torehan Buyuksoy. The latter is key for the group’s work in the Turkish Labour Courts. Established in 2020, the group’s workload covers a broad spectrum of matters, from labour law compliance to data privacy and tax restructuring.
Practice head(s):
Kemal Altuğ Özgün; Törehan Büyüksoy; Gürhan Aydın
Work highlights
Cukur & Partners
Cukur & Partners ‘stands out for its expertise in a field in which knowledge and experience are very important’. The team is strong in assisting clients with HR policies. Ayça Kortel, who ‘can easily identify the legal needs of the company and offer relevant solutions’, leads the team alongside Evrim Çukur Güreşen, who is a founding partner of the firm and one of the many members of the ‘qualified team, which is always ready to help’.
Practice head(s):
Evrim Çukur Güreşen; Ayça Kortel
Testimonials
‘They stand out for their expertise in a field in which knowledge and experience are very important.’
‘In line with her experience, Ayça Kortel can easily identify the legal needs of the company and offer relevant solutions.’
‘Cukur & Partners has a very qualified team which is always ready to help. They are collaborative and transparent.’
‘They are always very responsive. They work on the subject very carefully and try to explain everything in detail.’
‘The team exhibits the highest level of professionalism and expertise. They were not only knowledgeable about the law but also showed a deep understanding of the company’s specific needs and concerns.’
‘Ayça Kortel displays her vast experience and exceptional knowledge in every single issue to be raised in front of her. Her attitude and perception to approaching every situation instills trust and confidence in the company management.’
Work highlights
Erdem & Erdem Law Office
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.
Gökçe
Görkem Gökçe and Müberra Gürdal head up Gökçe‘s team, which adopts a multidisciplinary approach and incorporates elements of law from a range of practice areas, including corporate and commercial. The team is also skilled in mediation arising from labour law disputes. Other areas of work include advising on employment agreements, unilateral termination, transfer of employees and workplaces. Sector strengths for the group include highly regulated industries such as aviation, insurance and healthcare.
Practice head(s):
Görkem Gökçe; Müberra Gürdal
Testimonials
‘The team responds to our requests extremely quickly, finds practical solutions and has strong legal knowledge. A law firm that is both academically competent and understands business world practices.’
‘Başak Taş is very knowledgeable about labour law rules and very good at resolving disputes. At the same time, the team facilitates daily labour law processes thanks to the support it provides to our human resources team.’
‘First and foremost, the team consists of highly skilled and experienced attorneys who possess a deep understanding of various legal domains. Their expertise spans across multiple areas of law, including fintech, technology, corporate, intellectual property, litigation, and more. This diverse range of specialisations ensures that clients receive comprehensive and tailored legal support for their specific needs. Furthermore, this law firm values collaboration and believes in the power of teamwork. They foster an environment that promotes open communication.’
‘A confident team, the opportunity to work with experts, their commitment to their organisational structure, quick feedback, polite and understandable communication. From founding partners to interns, everyone works with the awareness that they are a part of a strong system.’
‘The Team of Gokce is very diverse and experienced, this is very important for our company. Furthermore, very flexible and responsive. We can easily reach a senior adviser or partner.’
‘Compared with our previous law firm, we are getting more practical support and advice from Gokce. They delve deep into the matter and later giving particular advice and not just general.’
‘The team is easily approachable and quick to revert back to their clients every time we reach out to them. An exemplary client experience where you can trust that the team always gets things done and on time.’
Key clients
Narcade
Figopara
Deel Inc
Mükellef Teknoloji
Codeway
Motul Oil
E-girişim
Ruul
Trendbox
Work highlights
- Advised Codeway on daily labour law matters on a regular basis and all documents related to labour law.
- Assisted Motul with disputes arising in Turkey or in connection with Turkey and provided the client with law consultancy on a regular basis.
- Advised Deel on many areas such as contracts, guides, information and documents prepared in accordance with Turkish labour law.
KP Law
The team at KP Law in Istanbul ‘values timing, distinctive solutions for any legal problems and effective research for all kinds of legal issues‘. Work handled ranges from recruitment and performance management to HR issues and regulatory compliance matters. Çigdem Soysal and Isil Doganay head up the team and are supported by associate Alperen Koçalan, who has experience in the retail and industrial manufacturing sectors.
Practice head(s):
Çiğdem Soysal; Isil Doğanay
Other key lawyers:
Alperen Koçalan
Testimonials
‘All the members of K&P team value timing, distinctive solutions for any legal problems and effective research for all kinds of legal issues. They can provide neat and reliable resolutions.’
‘The lawyers listen carefully to the client and suggest solutions to the issues presented. And they have the ability to accomplish the solution.’
‘The team has been performing a lot of different areas of law. They can lead their clients efficiently.’
Key clients
Puma Spor Giyim San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.
Olka Spor Malzemeleri Tic. A.Ş. (Skechers)
Yazaki
BR Mağazacılık Tic. A.Ş.
LB Börekçilik Gıda San. Tic. A.Ş.
BB Perakende Mağazacilik San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.
Karma
Guerbet
Borealis
Borusan Holding
Pvh
GRİ
VHV
Rohrer
TRANSA SPEDITION Gmbh
Io Interactive
Van Leeuwen
Flsmidth
Citizens Of Humanity
Maxone
Maxreal
Maxcome
Linktera
Lanxess Kimya
Maktel
More Kontrat
Petrofac
Voith Paper
Halborn
Work highlights
- Advising PUMA on all HR-related procedures.
- Advises Olka, the distributor of Skechers in Turkey, on all aspects of employment law.
- Advised Guerbet on a liquidation process concerning the termination of employment agreements through mutually agreed upon means.
NAZALI Attorney Partnership
NAZALI Attorney Partnership‘s employment practice, led by Çağdaş Güren, Nazif Karataş, Nurefşan Kandemir and Hülya Yorganlı, offers ‘efficient suggestions to resolve distressed processes with regards to the employees, such as termination of employment contracts’. The group’s breadth of sector knowledge is also notable, as is its regulatory work. Elsewhere, employment litigation and advice on collective bargaining agreements are key streams of work.
Practice head(s):
Çağdaş Güren; Nazif Karataş; Nurefşan Kandemir; Hülya Yorganlı
Testimonials
‘NAZALI’s team consists of employees who know their job really well, love their job, and understand the importance of the client. They can look at things from multiple perspectives while doing their job, and they help you look at things from this perspective. In addition, the interim notifications they provide about the work they do are very valuable. This makes you feel safe.’
‘NAZALI’s team consists of employees who know their job really well, love their job and understand the importance of the client. They believe in what they do, and their self-confidence make them more successful and different.’
‘Employment issues in terms of Turkish law are quite complicated and require solid structuring and planning. Thanks to the employment team for their efficient suggestions to resolve distressed processes with regards to the employees, such as termination of employment contracts.’
‘The responses are generally punctual, efficient, solution-oriented and elaborated.’
‘They are very good at contemporary laws and regulations and industry applications. Great collaboration with us.’
‘They are real experts with industry knowledge. They are helpful, humble and easygoing.’
Key clients
Danone Tikveşli Gıda ve İçecek San. Ve Tic. A.Ş.
Bosal Metal İşleme Sanayi Anonim Şirketi
C.P. Standart Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Cargill Holding A.Ş.
Pepsi Cola Mamulleri Limited Şirketi
Koç Holding A.Ş.
Fujifilm Dış Ticaret A.Ş.
Eczacıbaşı Holding A.Ş.
Bosch Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Yemek Sepeti Elektr. İltş. Tant. Paz. Gıd. Tic. A.Ş.
La Lorraine Unlu Mamüller Ticaret Sanayi Anonim Şirketi
Samsung C&T Turkey Branch Office
DOĞUŞ Yiyecek ve İçecek Üretimi San. Tic. A.Ş. – DOĞUŞ Çay ve Gıda Mad. Üretim Paz. İth. İhr. A.Ş.
Ege Tav Ege Tarım Hayvancılık Yatırım Ticaret ve Sanayi Anonim Şirketi
Neeyamo Enterprise Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Work highlights
- Advised Cargill Holding on collective bargaining negotiations which has been on the table more than seven years.
- Advised Bosal Metal İşleme on the closure of its local factory where more than 200 employees were employed.
- Advised C.P. Standart Gıda Sanayi ve Ticaret on a collective labour agreement from the beginning of cooperation of its new local entity with the aim of a good start with the union.
Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership
Alongside day-to-day employment matters, the labour practice at Öncel, Aydin & Uygun Attorney Partnership is equipped to assist clients in litigation, acting for companies active in a broad range of sectors. Litigator Buğra Aydın and Erman Öncel, who advises international clients, jointly lead the department.
Practice head(s):
Buğra Aydın; Erman Öncel
Testimonials
‘Fantastic team.’
‘Prompt responses.’
Key clients
Cue Health
Exa Infrastructure
Pierre Fabre
Kown Capital
Glaxosmithkline
Haleon
International Materials
Flender
Vertiv Corporation
Lumen Technologies
Gtt Communications
Geberit
Nidec Corporation
Yargıcı
Kamco Investment Company
Solution BI
LeanScale
Seger
Icon Plc
Work highlights
- Assisted Yargıcı with all employment-related matters, including termination advice and mediation support.
- Assisted Cue Health with the process of structuring all employment and HR practices for its Turkish subsidiary.
- Represented Haleon in all daily employment-related matters.
TOCC Attorney Partnership
TOCC Attorney Partnership's employment department is a popular choice among domestic and international companies. The group is jointly led by versatile lawyer Tolga Cabakli and Ilkay Cetinel, who is also a member of the dispute resolution practice at the firm and is a key contact for contentious labour law matters.
Practice head(s):
Tolga Çabaklı; Ilkay Cetinel
Key clients
Sony Eurasia
Hitachi Energy Turkey British Airways Plc
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Turkey Representative Office
Aveva Turkey
Boohoo.com UK Limited
Goldman Sachs
Priceline.com LLC
Kubota Tractors Turkey
GL Events S.A.
Premiere Vision S.A.
Quaker Houghton Turkey
Grenke Turkey
MOL Turkey
Löwenstein Medical Technology GmbH + Co
KGHDR Global Trading Limited / BitMEX
Around You International GmbH
Macellan Ileri Teknoloji
Taşyapı İnşaat (Tasyapi Construction Inc.)
Bultarda Bilişim Danışmanlik Ticaret Limited
Yavuz & Uyanik
Yavuz & Uyanik is well versed in employment litigation and compliance, among other matters. Practice head Murat Uyanık has a strong track record in handling negotiations relating to collective labour law matters. Other key contacts include Renan Ak, Esra Ulcay and Nazan Akyürek.
Practice head(s):
Murat Uyanık
Other key lawyers:
Renan Ak; Esra Ulcay; Nazan Akyürek
Testimonials
‘Their knowledge, capability and great experience makes this practice unique. They have experienced and very talented lawyers and they make feel you comfortable and safe in the whole process.’
‘Murat Uyanık and Selim Yavuz are, for me, the best names in their area of expertise and they have great associates helping them. They are very knowledgeable about their work. As a client, we always feel that their guidance acknowledges all the possibilities we will be facing.’
‘Everyone in the team was very polite and respectful. They always made me feel that my case is in the best hands. Actually, they always made me win. I want to recommend to any potential client.’
‘The team definitely has a team spirit. They have the ability to follow up on disputes together.’
‘The individuals of the firm are able to give consultancy and to take the responsibility when it is needed. On the other hand, when the client needs teamwork they also work in harmony.’
‘We have been working with Yavuz & Uyanık for more than 5 years now. We have been treated very professionally.’
‘We can reach a legal advisor any time we need. Their replies have been always to the point and supportive whenever it is required.’
Key clients
Türk Ekonomi Bankası A.Ş. (Affiliate of BNP Paribas)
Work highlights
- Assisted Türk Ekonomi Bankası in dispute resolution.
Yazici Attorney Partnership
Yazici Attorney Partnership, whose ‘easy contact and prompt responses‘ are among its key strengths, works on day-to-day employment issues and undertakes mediation for clients. Its practitioners are based in Istanbul and Ankara, providing clients with broad domestic coverage. The group’s work often centres around employment law regulatory advice. Elif Karagözoğlu leads the team alongside Şener Özkan.
Practice head(s):
Elif Karagözoğlu; Şener Özkan
Other key lawyers:
Rabia Etyemez
Testimonials
‘I believe that their professional experience stands out. It helps you to have a unique service.’
‘Easy contact and prompt responses, as well as a sufficient number of employees. These are the team’s strengths, and this makes them different from their competitors. The people we stay in touch with the most are Sener Özkan and associate Rabia Etyemez.’
Key clients
Turner International Proje Yonetimi Ltd. Sti.
Genetec Inc.
Genel Makina Tic. Ve San. Tic A.S.
Nüve Sanayi Malzemeleri İmalat ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Aviagen Anadolu Ana Damızlık Tavukçuluk Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Leonardo Turkey Havacılık Savunma ve Güvenlik Sistemleri
Sicim Yüksel Akkord Joint Venture
Mob Mobilya Dekorayon A.Ş.
Work highlights
- Advising Leonardo Turkey Havacılık Savunma ve Güvenlik Sistemleri on various labour law matters.
- Advising Genetec on various labour law matters.
- Advising Aviagen Anadolu on employment issues.
YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS
Forming part of CMS’s large international network, YBK Law Firm in Cooperation with CMS offers clients a full service, including in disputes both in and outside of the courts. Non-contentious employment law matters also feature in the group's workload. Managing partner Döne Yalcin and Alican Babalıoğlu jointly lead the team, with Yalcin being a key name for the firm's regulatory mandates.
Practice head(s):
Döne Yalçın; Alican Babalıoğlu