Ülken Law Firm

Founder

Efe Ülken’s journey into law began not in a courtroom, but by the sea. Fascinated by maritime routes and the global flow of trade, he developed a deep curiosity about how legal systems shape international commerce. This curiosity led him to London, where he studied English Law at City, University of London, and completed a master’s degree in Maritime Law. His passion later inspired him to build a career dedicated to connecting Türkiye with the world through strategic legal work.

Efe has developed a distinctive practice in maritime and commercial law, advising international clients on complex, cross-border legal matters. He focuses particularly on regulatory issues relating to the ownership of ships and has extensive experience in negotiating shipbuilding and ship financing documents. His clients include high net-worth individuals, superyacht builders, designers, and banks, reflecting his niche expertise in the superyacht sector as well as broader maritime industries.

Combining his English law background with dual bar memberships in Istanbul and Hamburg, Efe operates seamlessly across jurisdictions, bridging legal systems between Türkiye, Germany, and beyond. He has been actively involved in major superyacht projects, advising on complex transactions and regulatory frameworks that demand both precision and global insight.

In 2013, he founded Ülken Law Firm, a boutique yet internationally oriented practice. Supported by a highly experienced team, the firm provides strategic legal guidance across maritime, logistics, real estate, insurance, and tourism sectors, offering clients both deep industry knowledge and a cross-border perspective.

Efe plays an active role in the international legal, maritime, and yachting community. He regularly participates in leading global conferences and forums, contributing both as a practitioner and a thought leader.

English, German

Istanbul Bar

Hamburg Bar

International Bar Association

International Yacht Brokers Association

Association for Corporate Governance in Türkiye

Shiparrested

Turkish-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce

City University of London, English Law S.C., London, UK

Akdeniz University, Master’s in Public Law, Antalya, Türkiye

Başkent University, Faculty of Law, Ankara, Türkiye