Serdar Paksoy is a hugely experienced lawyer whose broad practice includes capital markets, project finance and M&A. He is also a reputable litigator and arbitrator.

Department head and founding partner Ahmed Pekin is described as "approachable and always helpful." 

Can Verdi is the managing partner and department head. "It's hard to find anyone better when it comes to banking and finance work," say sources. Clients rate him highly for his ability to "offer in-depth insights into the market." 

Clients are quick to praise Güniz Gökçe's practical approach and commercial nous. She heads the department and has considerable experience in cross-border and local finance transactions.

Department head Yeşim Bezen "really fights our corner in negotiations," say clients. She is qualified in the UK and is experienced in advising on banking and finance transactions, both domestically and regionally. A key area of focus is project finance.

Can Ozilhan is recognised as a skilled banking and finance lawyer, particularly in the area of project finance.

Alaz Eker Undar receives praise as an up-and-coming associate advising on finance and capital markets transactions. 

Sources note Begüm Durukan Özaydın's "excellent communication skills and expertise." She divides her time between banking and finance, corporate/M&A and energy work, and has particular experience in project finance. She is a popular choice amongst foreign investors. 

Ender Özeke has over two decades of experience and is particularly well regarded for his project finance work. 

Department head Selin Bayar "offers in-depth and practical knowledge," say sources. She acts for many international clients, and is fluent in English and French as well as Turkish.

Senior associate Cagri Goktas earns praise as an excellent communicator and negotiator. Clients say that his awareness of the borrower's and lender's perspectives is particularly helpful: "He really understands what both parties need."

Mete Yegin is the managing partner and practice head, and advises on project and real estate financings.

Managing partner Okan Beygo is noted for his expertise in the finance area and for his useful in-house experience, having previously served as legal counsel for Citibank and Garanti Bank.

Barlas Balcioglu is the firm's co-founder and head of the finance practice. His practice is focused on asset financing and leasing as well as real estate financing.

Founding partner Mesut Çakmak continues to be recognised as a leading figure in banking and project finance.

Mehtap Yıldırım Öztürk represents lenders and borrowers in project finance transactions. She was part of a team that advised AES-IC Içtaş Enerji on the USD40 million financing for two hydroelectric power plants.

Department head Halide Çetinkaya handles banking and finance, M&A and project finance matters. She is fluent in English and French, and advises many international financial institutions on banking and finance matters in Turkey.

Ekin Gökkılıç impresses clients with her banking expertise. She also advises on privatisations and energy matters. 

Gözde Esen Sakar heads the capital markets department and is also active in banking and finance. Her recent work includes advising DEG, EFSE and IFC on their EUR30 million subordinated loan to Alternatifbank. 

Seçil Abali's broad practice ranges from corporate/M&A and competition to capital markets and finance. She is particularly recommended for securities and corporate finance matters.

Sezin Turan is experienced in advising banks and other financial institutions on transactions and regulatory matters. "She's accessible and pleasant, and easy to work with," says a client.

Managing partner Ali Cem Davutoğlu is praised for his legal expertise, management skills and dedication to his clients. "He always makes himself available when you need him," says a source.

Simmons & Simmons offers a dedicated Turkey desk made up of lawyers from the London and Dubai offices. The desk assists clients with investment and financing work in Turkey, as well as advising Turkish clients on domestic and international investment and fundraising. A key contact is Philip Abbott in London.