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Okan has been admitted to the Istanbul Bar Association since 2000, and he is qualified as a solicitor in England & Wales. He also has a pending admission to the New York Bar.

He has worked at another reputable Istanbul-based law firm until 2009, and then continued to practice law in law firms in which he was partner. Between 2011 and 2017, he lectured on civil procedure law and enforcement & bankruptcy law at an Istanbul-based university.

With over 20 years of experience, Okan represents clients in a wide range of litigation matters, including commercial disputes, employment law disputes and real estate disputes. He has been advising multinational and domestic companies acting in various sectors, including healthcare and life sciences, energy, technology and education, on corporate law, commercial law, contracts law, competition law, employment law, consumer law, public tenders as well as compliance investigations.

We welcome Okan and look forward to his continued success in our growing firm.

Who’s Who Legal and Global Arbitration Review once again recognized Okan Demirkan as a “Global Leader” of the international arbitration world. Please click to read his profile published by Who’s Who Legal.

It was a great pleasure to host Mr. Elshad Rustamov, founder of The Consultant JSC, in our office. We enjoyed and will certainly benefit from his training: “What Do In House Counsels Want?”

We are proud to sponsor the Istanbul Arbitration Week (ISTAW). Okan Demirkan will give a speech at this event. We look forward to meeting with fellow arbitration practitioners and professionals in our city, Istanbul. Please click to register.
Recent Bulletins & Publications
Sustainable Finance Instruments: Green Bonds
Non-Compete Clause Limitations and Third Parties’ Involvement
Recent Bulletins & Publications
KDK 2022 Third Quarter Competition Law Bulletin
Amendments to the Distance Contracts Regulation
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Recent Podcasts
Session VI: Arbitration: Why, When and How? – Part 2
In the second session of our podcast series focusing on the "why, when and how” questions on arbitration, our senior associate Cihan Mercan reunites with Prof. Dr. Zeynep Derya Tarman, professor at Koç University School of Law, Yasin Ekmen, Secretary General at the Istanbul Arbitration Center (ISTAC), and Demet Kaşarcıoğlu, partner at Esin Attorney Partnership. During the session, Cihan Mercan and our guests elaborate on which circumstances one must prefer “institutional arbitration and ad hoc arbitration” in light of their experience. The discussion continues with an evaluation about the development of arbitration in Turkey and ISTAC's undeniable contribution to this development.
Session V: Arbitration: Why, When and How? – Part 1
Our senior associate Cihan Mercan and his guests, Prof. Dr. Zeynep Derya Tarman, professor at Koç University School of Law, Yasin Ekmen, Secretary General at the Istanbul Arbitration Center (ISTAC), and Demet Kaşarcıoğlu, partner at Esin Attorney Partnership, discuss the "why, when and how" questions on arbitration.
Session IV: Competition and Regulation in Payment Services
Our Competition Law Counsel, Neyzar Ünübol and her guests, Ussal Şahbaz, The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)’s Fintech Industry Council Member, and Recep Gündüz, Papara’s Public Policy and Strategy Director, discuss the relationship between competition, innovation and regulation in terms of the development of financial technologies in the framework of the Competition Authority's Investigation Report on Financial Technologies in Payment Services published in December 2021.

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“The team has worked at a very high level right from the start. Queries and comments are implemented very quickly.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“They provided accurate and practical legal advice in an efficient and timely manner and were very responsive. They also kept to the cost estimate.”
THE IFLR1000, 2021
“[…] represents lenders in financing transactions and lending facilities. Clients describe […] as "smart and measured" and also praise his contribution to key negotiations.”
CHAMBERS GLOBAL, 2020
“Their legal knowledge and experience in M&A transactions compares to no other law firm. The firm has a knack of training each and every associate and hone in their skills into becoming a practical, diligent, commercially minded lawyer. This is very impressive. Each and every associate is almost just as qualified as a partner.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“KDK always meets deadlines and is in constant communication so that the legal services they provide are excellent.”
THE IFLR1000, 2021
“In-depth industry knowledge, accessible, great communication skills, they value team work and all work is delivered on time.” “They are very diligent and have a pro-deal attitude.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2020
“[…] is solution-oriented, analytical and provides the right alternatives to complex situations by finding a common ground for both parties."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
“Timely responses and flexibility on working hours are the essential key strength of the company and associates.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“[…] the team is mindful of the business needs of clients.” “[…] their response time is quick.” “[…] all the lawyers are very technically experienced.”
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2021
"Quick feedback, experienced team, smiling face, planned study."
THE IFLR1000, 2021
“[…] considerable experience working with international teams on multi-jurisdictional matters, commercially focused and pragmatic approach to looking for settlements.” “Well educated associates, researching and investigating the subjects in depth, being really into related sector and experienced associates make a great contribution to their clients.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“KDK’s compliance practice stands out compared because of the team’s deep expertise and impeccable judgment. KDK knows its clients and their business, and the applicable regulatory environment, and they provide top notch representation and advice to achieve the optimal solution, while still being mindful of cost.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“They are responsive and respond quickly to urgent requests. They provide good quality advice which sets out the key issues, they identify the options, and they give a recommendation for what to do next. Their advice is clear and easy to understand.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“The team’s strength is that they are super responsive and meet very tight deadlines. The team is also very client-oriented in a sense that they provide very practical advice.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“The lawyers are efficient, knowledgeable, timely and very clear in their responses."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
“Professional service, accurate and up-to-date information and alternative risk assessment approach distinguish this company from others.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“Considerable experience dealing with local compliance matters including regulatory and employment issues, as well as consideration of international regulatory implications.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“The house style is pragmatic, unpretentious and friendly, whilst being results-oriented.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2020
“The team differentiates with their qualifications, communication skills and ability to handle complex issues in a fast manner and in a layman’s language when necessary. The practice also tries to give concrete proposals considering legal systems / verdicts have grey areas.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2022
“I believe that KDK stands out among other firms for its extensive experience in competition law and client-oriented approach. The team is always accessible and managed to deliver the required input within shortest possible period.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2022
“The team includes experienced, well-educated and focused lawyers in their areas. Especially, ex-experts from the competition board as consultant makes the team one step forward.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“[…] goes above and beyond to understand the business dynamics and as a result give actionable yet precise advice. […] sense of ownership and energy is unparalleled.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“Works quickly at a very high level. You get a quick response to your inquiries.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“KDK’s attorneys are super professional, capable, caring and provide effective legal solutions.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2020
“Hands-on approach and willingness to go the extra mile to give the best service.”
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2018
“KDK is a top-notch legal counsel. […] They work a lot and they are extremely diligent.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“The lawyers know what is going on in the market, are very responsive and quick, and give us alternative solutions."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
“All round commercial and corporate team, very knowledgeable and experienced individuals.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“Fast response, even on weekends and holidays, pragmatic approach with a business mindset. […] Advice is practical, to the point and understandable for the non-lawyers.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“[…] lauds the team's "great communication skills, ability to explain complex topics in layman's language and always deliver within a deadline."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
“[…] quick, to-the-point and high-quality clear advice – very flexible and very reliable.” “[…] very hard-working, never misses a detail, has no time limitations to contact, high level of reactivity.” “[…] excellent command of English, deep and reliable knowledge of Turkish law, experienced in international arbitration, dedicated.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“The individuals take their job very seriously and do not need a second reminder when you have agreed on an assignment.” “[…] are excellent in terms of preparation, management of the case to reach the best outcomes.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2020
“The firm's efficiency, their commitment to delivering quality work and their determination to understanding the client is what draws us to continue working with them in the future."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
“[…] possesses energy, excellent expertise and a convincing courtroom presence.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2019
“The firm fulfilled all our wishes in the desired time frame. First of all they have presented the map of the actual status, the alternative ways to tackle the problems and the possible solutions. Then in addition to the legal approach, they also used their consultancy proficiency to enlighten us to make the right decisions.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“It’s a young, passionate and dynamic team. When we work in a project together, they behave like someone from our company and that creates confident from our side.”
THE LEGAL 500, 2021
“[…] very good relationship partner," "strong expertise, communication skills and practical approach."
CHAMBERS EUROPE, 2020
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