Practices

At OAK Global Legal, we provide a broad range of legal services tailored to the diverse needs of individuals, businesses, and institutions. Our approach is built on professionalism, precision, and a commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

We guide both local and international clients through Turkey’s evolving legal and regulatory landscape, offering clear advice and effective representation at every stage. Whether addressing sensitive personal matters or navigating complex commercial transactions, our team focuses on delivering solutions that combine legal excellence with practical insight.

Our practice areas reflect not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the cultural and global dimensions of law, enabling us to act as trusted partners in every legal journey.

This practice area focuses on ensuring fair competition and preventing anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. It covers a wide range of legal services, including advising clients on compliance with Turkish and international competition laws, reviewing merger and acquisition transactions for potential anti-competitive effects, and representing clients in investigations and proceedings before the Turkish Competition Authority. Common matters include abuse of dominant market position, price-fixing, collusion, bid rigging, and unfair trade practices. The goal is to help businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while maintaining market integrity and avoiding significant

penalties.

Legal services in the field of banking law include regulatory compliance, financial transactions, lending agreements, and dispute resolution between financial institutions and individuals or businesses. This area covers both domestic and cross-border banking matters, ensuring adherence to the Turkish Banking Law and the requirements set by the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency. Services may involve legal review of credit contracts, enforcement of financial obligations, and representation in cases related to banking malpractice or regulatory violations.

This practice area addresses legal issues related to Turkish nationality, dual citizenship, renunciation or acquisition of citizenship, and the correction or recognition of identity records in Turkey. Services include guiding clients through administrative and legal procedures for acquiring Turkish citizenship (e.g., by descent, marriage, or investment), resolving inconsistencies in civil registry documents, name and surname changes, and handling identity-related disputes before Turkish courts or administrative authorities. Legal support may also involve coordination with consulates and the Directorate General of Civil Registration and Nationality.

This area involves legal processes related to the government’s power of eminent domain the authority to seize private property for public use, typically in exchange for compensation. In the Turkish legal context, condemnation cases arise when government agencies or municipalities initiate expropriation procedures to build infrastructure, roads, or public facilities. Legal services include challenging the legality of the expropriation, negotiating fair compensation for the property owner, contesting undervaluation in court, and addressing procedural violations. Clients may include individuals, developers, or businesses affected by compulsory acquisition efforts.

Construction law covers all legal issues related to building projects from contract negotiation and project planning to dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. In Turkey, this area involves advising developers, contractors, architects, and property owners on matters such as zoning and permitting, contractor agreements, building code compliance, and liability issues. Legal support often includes drafting and reviewing construction contracts, resolving delays or defects, handling payment disputes, and representing clients in arbitration or litigation. It also includes navigating relationships with public authorities and addressing environmental and safety regulations throughout the construction process.

This area of law focuses on the rights, obligations, and protections involved in transactions between businesses and individual consumers. In Turkey, it includes compliance with consumer protection laws, handling product liability claims, addressing unfair trade practices, managing online and in-store sales regulations, and resolving consumer disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Legal services often involve advising companies on marketing practices, warranties, labeling requirements, and refund policies. For international clients, this also means navigating Turkish regulations related to cross-border e-commerce and ensuring their retail operations meet local legal standards.

This legal field involves the enforcement and defense of copyright rights the protection granted to original works of authorship, such as books, music, films, software, and visual art. In Turkey, copyright law is governed by the Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works Copyright litigation may include disputes over unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or public display of copyrighted material. Legal services in this area often involve filing lawsuits to stop infringement (including injunctions), seeking monetary damages, and defending against wrongful claims. For international clients, it also includes protecting copyrights registered abroad within the Turkish legal system and coordinating cross-border legal strategies in cases of global IP violations.

This field encompasses the legal principles and regulations governing the formation, operation, and management of companies, as well as business transactions between entities and individuals. In Turkey, corporate law covers company incorporation, shareholder rights, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and compliance with the Turkish Commercial Code.

 

Commercial law addresses the legal aspects of day-to-day business operations such as contracts, sales, distribution, franchising, agency, and commercial disputes. Legal services in this area often include drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on regulatory compliance, resolving partnership disputes, and representing clients in court or arbitration.

 

For international clients, corporate and commercial law services also involve navigating cross-border transactions, joint ventures with Turkish partners, and ensuring foreign investments comply with Turkish legal requirements.

Corporate trust refers to the legal and administrative services provided in connection with financial instruments such as bonds, debentures, and other structured debt products. These services typically involve a corporate trustee an independent third party who acts to safeguard the interests of investors or bondholders. In the context of cross-border or domestic transactions, corporate trust arrangements ensure that the issuer complies with all contractual obligations outlined in the trust agreement or indenture. This may include monitoring payments, managing defaults or restructuring, and ensuring regulatory compliance. For international investors dealing with Turkish entities, corporate trust services provide a reliable and neutral framework for managing risk and securing performance, especially in capital markets and high-value commercial transactions.

Criminal defense law involves representing individuals or entities accused of committing criminal offenses. It ensures that the accused receives a fair trial, due process, and competent legal representation throughout the investigation, prosecution, and trial stages. In Turkey, this includes defending clients under the Turkish Penal Code, responding to allegations such as fraud, embezzlement, cybercrime, white-collar offenses, or more serious charges. Legal support may also include representation during police questioning, pre-trial detention hearings, and appeals. For international clients, especially those unfamiliar with Turkish criminal procedures, reliable local defense is critical to protect legal rights and navigate complex legal systems with clarity and precision.

Cross-border legal services focus on matters that involve more than one country’s legal system. This includes transactions, disputes, contracts, or regulatory issues that span national boundaries. In the context of Turkish law, cross-border services may involve helping international clients establish businesses in Turkey, managing investments, handling litigation that spans jurisdictions, enforcing foreign judgments, or navigating bilateral treaties and international conventions. Effective cross-border legal support requires not only technical legal expertise, but also cultural fluency and strategic coordination to ensure smooth communication and full legal compliance in both home and foreign jurisdictions.

This legal area focuses on the protection of sensitive personal and corporate information and outlines the legal obligations of organizations in the collection, processing, storage, and security of such data. In the Turkish legal framework, it includes compliance with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data which shares similarities with the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union. Legal services in this area may include drafting and reviewing privacy policies, managing international data transfers, advising on cybersecurity best practices, responding to data breaches, and representing clients in regulatory investigations. This area of law is especially relevant for companies in technology, finance, healthcare, education, and e-commerce sectors.

This legal field involves assisting creditors in recovering outstanding debts through lawful means and ensuring enforcement of judicial or administrative decisions. In Turkey, these services are governed primarily by the Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law which provides mechanisms such as enforcement proceedings, liens, asset seizures, and bankruptcy declarations. Legal support may include sending formal demand letters, initiating enforcement files, representing clients before enforcement offices and courts, and advising on strategies to recover debt in both domestic and international contexts. It is crucial for businesses, financial institutions, and individuals seeking to enforce contracts or judgments involving Turkish entities.

Employment law in Turkey governs the rights and obligations between employers and employees, primarily under the Labor Law No. 4857, the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law No. 5510, and relevant secondary regulations. This legal area includes matters such as employment contracts, termination and severance, workplace safety, employee benefits, discrimination, and compliance with labor regulations. It also covers cross-border employment scenarios, work permits for foreign nationals, and disputes arising from employer-employee relationships. Legal services may include drafting or reviewing contracts, providing regulatory compliance advice, handling wrongful termination cases, and representing clients before labor courts or arbitration panels.

Energy regulatory law in Turkey governs the generation, transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity, natural gas, petroleum, and renewable energy. The Energy Market Regulatory Authority is the primary regulatory body overseeing licensing, market rules, tariffs, and competition in the energy sector. This legal area includes compliance with environmental and safety regulations, permitting procedures, cross-border energy transactions, renewable energy incentives, and public-private partnership models in energy infrastructure. Legal services in this area involve advising clients on regulatory compliance, representing them, handling disputes, assisting with mergers or acquisitions in the energy sector, and navigating the evolving legal framework for clean energy and sustainability goals.

Family law in Turkey encompasses a broad range of legal matters involving personal and familial relationships. Governed primarily by the Turkish Civil Code, this area includes marriage and divorce, child custody and visitation, alimony and child support, adoption, guardianship, and division of marital assets. International aspects such as recognition of foreign divorce decrees, cross-border child abduction, and custody disputes involving different jurisdictions are also increasingly relevant for Turkish citizens living abroad or foreign nationals with ties to Turkey. Legal services in this field involve both litigation and advisory work, requiring not only a strong command of the law but also sensitivity to emotional and cultural factors. Legal guidance in this area ensures a thoughtful, well-informed approach to resolving personal legal matters.

This practice area involves advising on legal matters related to contracts between businesses and governmental entities. It includes navigating the complex regulatory frameworks governing public procurement, bid proposals, contract negotiations, compliance with government standards, and dispute resolution arising from government contract performance or termination.

Legal support in this field ensures that both local and international clients engaging with Turkish government agencies whether for infrastructure, defense, technology, or service-based projects understand and fulfill their obligations, mitigate risks, and protect their interests in dealings governed by public law and administrative regulations.

This area focuses on the legal and regulatory aspects of transactions within the healthcare and life sciences industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare services. It involves advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, licensing agreements, research collaborations, and regulatory compliance with Turkish health laws and international standards.

Legal services may also include structuring investments, navigating market authorization processes, addressing intellectual property rights, and ensuring data privacy and ethical standards in clinical trials or healthcare delivery. This practice ensures that transactions in these sensitive and highly regulated sectors are strategically sound, legally compliant, and aligned with evolving national and global frameworks.

Inheritance related services include legal support in matters such as succession planning, preparation and execution of wills, estate division, inheritance disputes, and cross-border succession issues. Legal assistance covers the identification of heirs, management of probate procedures in Turkey, renunciation of inheritance, and representation in inheritance-related litigation. Special attention is given to international elements such as heirs residing abroad, or assets located in multiple jurisdictions ensuring full compliance with Turkish inheritance law and seamless coordination with foreign legal systems when necessary

This practice area addresses legal matters related to financial distress, bankruptcy, and debt recovery. It involves representing creditors, debtors, and other stakeholders in cases of insolvency, restructuring, liquidation, or enforcement of financial claims.

Services may include filing for insolvency proceedings under Turkish law, negotiating payment plans or restructuring agreements, initiating asset recovery actions, and protecting creditor rights through litigation or arbitration. It also covers advising on legal remedies available to both domestic and foreign clients when a debtor is unable to meet their financial obligations.

The goal is to secure the most favorable outcome for clients whether through reorganization, debt settlement, or judicial enforcement while ensuring compliance with Turkish commercial and insolvency regulations.

Services in this area encompass legal guidance on insurance contracts, coverage disputes, regulatory compliance, and interactions with the Turkish Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Agency. Support includes drafting and reviewing insurance policies, representing clients in claim denial cases, and advising on the legal framework for life, health, property, and liability insurance. Cross-border clients receive tailored assistance for operating within Turkish regulatory frameworks, whether entering the market, resolving disputes, or ensuring adherence to evolving insurance legislation.

Comprehensive legal support is available in the field of Intellectual Property, covering the protection, management, and enforcement of creative and commercial rights under Turkish law. Services include trademark registration and disputes, copyright and patent matters, licensing, and trade secret strategies. Whether securing rights for a new brand, handling infringement claims, or navigating international IP issues, each matter is approached with strategic focus to ensure the integrity and value of clients’ intellectual assets.

International arbitration services are available for resolving cross-border legal disputes involving Turkish parties or legal frameworks. This includes international commercial arbitration, as well as investment and contractual disputes. Support is provided in selecting the appropriate arbitration forum, drafting and reviewing arbitration clauses, coordinating with experienced arbitration counsel in Turkey, and managing the entire process. Each case is approached with a focus on neutrality, enforceability, and strategic efficiency in line with international legal standards.

Services in International Trade and National Security cover a broad range of cross-border regulatory and transactional matters involving Turkey. This includes assistance with import/export compliance, customs regulations, trade sanctions, dual-use goods, export licensing, and foreign investment screening. Clients navigating sensitive commercial activities such as those subject to Turkish or international national security considerations receive guidance to ensure full legal compliance, risk mitigation, and alignment with applicable domestic and international laws.

Investment Funds and Disputes services focus on supporting clients engaged in fund formation, asset management, and investment activities involving Turkey. This includes advising on the legal structuring of private equity, venture capital, and real estate investment funds, as well as ensuring compliance with Turkish capital markets and financial regulations. The service also covers dispute resolution arising from fund operations, shareholder agreements, or investor relations through litigation, arbitration, or negotiated settlements. Clients benefit from legal clarity, risk analysis, and strategic coordination to safeguard their interests in Turkey’s evolving investment landscape.

Land Use and Zoning services assist clients with navigating Turkey’s complex regulatory framework governing how land and real estate can be used, developed, or repurposed. This includes guidance on zoning classifications, land development permissions, building code compliance, and disputes related to municipal planning decisions. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial use, clients receive support in obtaining approvals, challenging administrative decisions, and ensuring projects align with local and national planning regulations.

Landlord-Tenant Law services focus on resolving legal issues between property owners and tenants in Turkey. This includes drafting and reviewing lease agreements, handling eviction proceedings, addressing unpaid rent or property damage claims, and navigating tenant protection laws. Guidance is also provided for commercial lease disputes and rental contract termination. Clients receive clear, strategic support to ensure compliance with Turkish real estate regulations and to protect their rights and interests in landlord-tenant relationships.

Legal Structure for Startups services assist entrepreneurs and investors in establishing and organizing new business ventures in Turkey. This includes selecting the most appropriate legal entity such as a limited liability company or joint-stock company, preparing founding documents, registering with Turkish authorities, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance and tax obligations. Strategic guidance is also offered on issues such as shareholder agreements, capitalization, and regulatory considerations, enabling startups to launch with a strong legal foundation tailored to their growth plans and international objectives.

Licensing services involve assisting clients in drafting, negotiating, and executing licensing agreements in Turkey across various sectors, including technology, intellectual property, pharmaceuticals, and media. Support includes regulatory compliance, rights management, and dispute prevention related to trademarks, patents, software, or commercial franchises. These services ensure that clients can legally and strategically grant or obtain usage rights while protecting their interests and maintaining control over their assets.

Litigation and Disputes services cover a wide spectrum of contentious matters handled within the Turkish legal system. This includes representation in civil, commercial, administrative, and criminal courts, as well as pre-litigation strategies such as cease-and-desist actions, settlement negotiations, and risk assessments. Clients are guided through each procedural step from filing claims and responding to lawsuits to appeals and enforcement ensuring informed decisions and effective advocacy throughout the dispute resolution process.

Maritime Trade and Transport Law services focus on legal matters related to shipping, international cargo transport, port operations, and maritime commerce in and around Turkey. This includes drafting and reviewing contracts such as charter parties and bills of lading, resolving shipping disputes, handling customs and regulatory compliance, and advising on liability and insurance issues under Turkish and international maritime law. The service is especially relevant for global clients engaged in logistics, import/export, and trade through Turkish ports or territorial waters.

Mergers and Acquisitions services cover the full legal spectrum of corporate restructuring, including the purchase, sale, or consolidation of companies or business assets in Turkey. This involves due diligence, regulatory filings, contract negotiation, shareholder agreements, and post-transaction integration support. Legal guidance is tailored to the specific structure of each transaction whether it’s a share transfer, asset acquisition, or joint venture ensuring compliance with Turkish commercial, tax, and competition laws. These services are ideal for international clients seeking to expand into or restructure operations within the Turkish market.

Notarization and Power of Attorney services assist international clients in completing official legal acts that require authentication or representation in Turkey. This includes preparing, validating, and coordinating notarized documents such as declarations, signatures, contracts, and affidavits for use in Turkish legal or administrative proceedings.

 

Additionally, clients are supported in issuing Power of Attorney documents that authorize a representative to act on their behalf in Turkey for purposes such as litigation, real estate transactions, business incorporation, or inheritance matters. Guidance is provided on the appropriate format, language requirements, apostille or consular legalization if needed, and coordination with Turkish notaries and consulates to ensure full legal validity.

Patent Infringement Litigation involves legal disputes where a party is accused of using, producing, or selling a patented invention without the patent holder’s permission. This service supports rights holders in enforcing their patent rights under Turkish law through legal action in Turkish courts or defending against infringement claims.

 

Clients receive assistance with assessing potential violations, gathering technical and legal evidence, filing lawsuits or injunction requests, and managing proceedings in coordination with specialized Turkish patent litigators. This includes representation in both civil and criminal proceedings when applicable, and collaboration with patent attorneys and experts to support a strong, strategic legal position.

Real Estate and Property Law services cover a wide range of legal matters related to immovable property in Turkey, including ownership transfers, title deed procedures, leasing, land development, and disputes over property rights.

Support is provided for both residential and commercial transactions, including due diligence, contract drafting, and regulatory compliance. Clients also receive assistance in resolving complex legal issues such as co-ownership disputes, inheritance-related property claims, expropriation, and construction-related litigation. Services are tailored to individuals, investors, developers, and international law firms needing guidance on Turkish property law.

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments involves assisting clients in having legally binding decisions issued by foreign courts or arbitral tribunals recognized and enforced in Turkey.

 

This service includes evaluating the eligibility of foreign judgments under Turkish Private International Law, preparing and submitting applications to Turkish courts, and managing the procedural steps required for successful enforcement. Whether dealing with civil, commercial, or family law judgments, support ensures that clients navigate the Turkish legal system effectively to secure the legal standing and execution of their foreign decisions.

Securities services involve legal support related to financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and other investment vehicles governed by Turkish capital markets regulations.

This includes advising clients on regulatory compliance with the Capital Markets Board of Turkey, assisting with public and private offerings, preparing necessary documentation for securities transactions, and resolving disputes involving securities fraud or misrepresentation. Whether working with institutional investors, companies, or law firms, the goal is to ensure legal precision and risk mitigation in all matters related to capital markets.

Social Security and Retirement services focus on legal matters related to individuals’ entitlements under the Turkish social security system, including retirement benefits, pension eligibility, and contributions.

Support may include evaluating a client’s rights under Turkish law, assisting with applications or disputes before the Social Security Institution, and addressing issues related to international social security agreements especially for clients who have worked in both Turkey and other countries. These services are particularly relevant for expatriates, retirees, and dual citizens navigating cross-border pension and benefit entitlements.

Sports Transactions involve legal support for athletes, clubs, agents, and organizations engaged in professional sports activities in Turkey. This includes contract drafting and negotiation, transfer and licensing arrangements, image rights, and regulatory compliance with sports federations and governing bodies.

Services also cover dispute resolution through arbitration or litigation, including cases brought before bodies like the Turkish Football Federation or the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This practice area is essential for safeguarding the legal and financial interests of all parties involved in the sports industry.

Tax and Trade Customs services address legal issues related to taxation and cross-border trade regulations in Turkey. This includes advising on corporate and individual tax compliance, handling tax disputes and audits, interpreting double taxation treaties, and guiding clients through Turkish tax filing obligations.

In the area of customs, support is provided on import/export regulations, customs duties, classification issues, and compliance with Turkish trade laws and international trade agreements. These services are especially valuable for businesses engaged in cross-border commerce, helping them minimize legal risks and optimize fiscal efficiency.

Trademark Litigation & Counseling services focus on protecting and enforcing trademark rights under Turkish law. This includes advising clients on trademark registration, conducting availability searches, handling oppositions, and managing the renewal and licensing of trademarks.

In cases of infringement or misuse, litigation support is provided to enforce rights through cease-and-desist actions, administrative proceedings before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, and court litigation when necessary. Counseling services also include brand protection strategies, portfolio management, and navigating cross-border trademark issues for international businesses operating in or with Turkey.