The dispute resolution group at Kolcuoglu Demirkan Koçakli is praised by sources for putting ‘client needs at the forefront of every decision’. The practice is well-positioned to advise domestic and international clients on a wide range of judicial and arbitral disputes. Led by sole disputes partner Okan Demirkan, whose energy and infrastructure expertise underpins an active arbitration practice, the group also draws on a deep pool of experienced counsel and associates. Of particular note are newly promoted counsel Begüm Biçer İlikay, who focuses on dispute resolution, compliance and investigations, and seasoned of counsel Okan Gündüz.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team is very organised and the management structure is very good. This means that juniors reply very quickly but for more complex issues it is easy to get hold of more senior staff.’

  • ‘Kolcuoğlu Demirkan Koçaklı supported our company very well during an arbitration. The firm is at the very top of the profession on the subject and fields an excellent team with attention to the details.’

  • ‘The firm has an excellent and very powerful dispute resolution group. From partners to associates everyone is dedicated entirely to dispute resolution and do not shift their energy to other matters. The partners are very hands-on and responsive.’

  • ‘Okan Demirkan is the leading disputes partner. He is very hard-working, has excellent advocacy skills and is a true fighter. Cihan Mercan is an equally impressive senior associate: provides very safe hands, is able to move a case and has excellent drafting skills. Cansu Doğan is also outstanding.’

  • ‘Kolcuoğlu Demirkan Koçaklı is truly exceptional and its strengths are a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. One of KDK's most remarkable strengths is its unwavering dedication to putting its clients first. Lawyers take the time to listen to their clients' needs and concerns.’

  • ‘Effective communication is a cornerstone of KDK's approach. KDK ensures that its clients are well-informed throughout the legal process, making complex legal matters more understandable. Clients can rely on its accessibility: attorneys and staff are readily available to address questions.’

  • ‘This practice distinguishes itself through a combination of factors. Firstly, its client-centric approach puts client needs at the forefront of every decision. Secondly, the team's strengths lie in its extensive industry knowledge, diverse skillset, and proven record of accomplishment in handling complex cases.’ 

  • ‘I want to mention Begüm Biçer İlikay for her exceptional contributions. Her dedication to excellence sets her apart. She consistently goes the extra mile to ensure client satisfaction. Her innovative problem-solving skills and strategic thinking have been instrumental in securing major client wins.’

Key clients

  • A.C.E Dış Ticaret
  • QTerminals
  • Liebherr-International
  • Gates Corporation
  • Bahrain Middle East Bank
  • Deloitte
  • D-Market (known as Hepsiburada)
  • Oliver Samwer
  • Bedeschi
  • Alsim Alarko
  • Odea Bank
  • Upfield
  • Cummins
  • Vinmar Group
  • Abdi Ibrahim
  • Comercial Soluex
  • LR Health & Beauty Systems
  • Terumo Europe
  • Ströer Se
  • Delayfix
  • Kita Srl
  • Magneti Marelli
  • Vhv Allgemeine Sigorta
  • Roxcel
  • Huntsman
  • Global Founders Capital
  • Arempa International
  • Atelier Luxury Group

Work highlights

  • Representing Rapro Kimya and Rapro Kauçuk in civil actions regarding a complex fraud scheme severely impacting their business activities, caused by an employee’s financial fraud.
  • Advising D-Market (known as Hepsiburada) on two pending class action proceedings before the New York State Court and the US Federal Court.
  • Representing Abdi İbrahim in 414 pending lawsuits.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Okan Demirkan, Begüm Biçer İlikay

Other key lawyers

Okan Gündüz