Arbitration Services

Arbitration has become the preferred method for resolving commercial and investment disputes involving Turkish and international parties. As a Türkiye-based law firm with a global perspective, Bıçak Law Firm represents clients in high-value, multi-jurisdictional arbitration proceedings under ICC, ICSID, LCIA, UNCITRAL, SCIA, SCIAHK, ATRSPP, ISTAC and other major institutional rules.

With decades of academic and professional experience, our lawyers combine deep knowledge of Turkish law with a sophisticated understanding of global arbitration practice. We provide strategic, business-oriented, and efficient representation in all stages of arbitration – from drafting arbitration clauses to enforcement of final awards before Turkish courts.

Our Arbitration Expertise

Our arbitration practice covers a broad range of complex disputes, including:

• International Commercial Arbitration: We represent companies, investors, financial institutions, and joint ventures in commercial disputes arising from:
  • supply and distribution agreements
  • construction and engineering contracts
  • energy and natural resource projects
  • technology, telecommunications & IT
  • transportation, logistics and shipping
  • manufacturing and industrial operations
  • franchise, agency, dealership and licensing arrangements

• Investment Treaty Arbitration (ICSID & UNCITRAL): We act for investors and states in disputes arising under bilateral investment treaties (BITs), multilateral agreements, concession contracts, investment licences, and regulatory actions. Our experience includes:
  • expropriation and indirect expropriation claims
  • fair and equitable treatment (FET) violations
  • discrimination and national treatment issues
  • unlawful interference by administrative authorities
  • tax, customs, media, telecom, and energy-related actions

• Construction & Infrastructure Arbitration: Türkiye hosts major energy, construction, infrastructure, and PPP projects. These projects frequently give rise to:
  • delay claims
  • defects and performance disputes
  • cost escalation issues
  • subcontractor and employer claims
  • termination and penalty disputes

We represent contractors, investors, lenders, and government entities.

• Corporate, Shareholder & M&A Arbitration: We handle arbitrations involving:
  • shareholder oppression
  • valuation disagreements
  • breach of SPA or JV agreements
  • deadlock and governance disputes
  • post-M&A indemnity claims

• Financial & Banking Arbitration: Our team advises on:
  • loan agreements
  • security packages
  • structured finance instruments
  • private equity investment disputes
  • cross-border financial disputes

• Technology, IP & Digital Economy Arbitration: We increasingly represent clients in:
  • software licensing disputes
  • data protection violations
  • domain name and IP disputes
  • crypto, fintech, and platform-related disputes
  • e-commerce disagreements

• Enforcement & Annulment of Arbitral Awards: Türkiye is a party to the New York Convention (1958) and has one of the world’s most advanced mechanisms for enforcing arbitral awards. We assist clients in:
  • enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Türkiye
  • obtaining interim measures from Turkish courts
  • resisting enforcement when legally justified
  • annulment proceedings against invalid awards

• Arbitration Institutions We Work With: Bıçak Law Firm represents clients in arbitration proceedings administered by:
  • ICC – International Chamber of Commerce
  • ICSID –  International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes
  • LCIA – London Court of International Arbitration
  • UNCITRAL – Ad hoc arbitrations
  • SCIA – Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration
  • SCIAHK – South China International Arbitration Center (HK)
  • ATRSPP – RSPP Arbitration Centre
  • ISTAC – Istanbul Arbitration Centre
  • ITOTAM, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Arbitration Centre
  • VIAC – Vienna International Arbitral Centre
  • HKIAC – Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
  • SIAC –  Singapore International Arbitration Centre

We also participate in mediations and hybrid ADR procedures under these rules.

Our Approach to Arbitration

At Bıçak Law Firm, we view arbitration not merely as a legal process, but as a strategic tool to protect our clients’ commercial interests. Our approach is built on three pillars:

• Strategy & Early Case Assessment:  Every arbitration begins with a detailed analysis of:
  • jurisdiction and admissibility
  • applicable law
  • choice of seat
  • composition of the tribunal
  • strengths and weaknesses of the case
  • risk and cost assessment

We help clients determine whether arbitration, settlement, or parallel court proceedings offer the best outcome.

• Strong Written & Oral Advocacy: Our lawyers draft persuasive:
  • notices of arbitration
  • statements of claim and defence
  • witness statements
  • expert reports
  • post-hearing briefs

We also excel in oral advocacy, cross-examination, and presenting complex evidence in a clear, compelling manner.

• Seamless Cross-Border Coordination: International arbitration often involves:
  • foreign law issues
  • multiple jurisdictions
  • international experts
  • document production challenges
  • enforcement overseas

As members of the ILF (International Law Firms) network, we coordinate with top-tier lawyers worldwide to ensure consistent strategy and efficient handling of parallel matters.

Representative Matters (All examples anonymised for confidentiality)

• Represented a European energy investor in an ICSID arbitration against a state concerning unlawful revocation of licences.
• Acted for a leading Turkish construction company in a USD 150 million ICC arbitration involving delay and disruption claims.
• Represented a Middle Eastern technology investor in an LCIA arbitration regarding breach of a joint venture agreement.
• Successfully enforced a foreign arbitral award in Türkiye on behalf of a global logistics company.
• Advised a foreign telecommunications operator in an ISTAC arbitration involving interconnection fees and regulatory disputes.
• Represented a Turkish industrial manufacturer in an UNCITRAL arbitration related to defective equipment supplied by an international vendor.

These cases reflect the depth and diversity of our arbitration practice.

Why Choose Bıçak Law Firm?

• Türkiye-Based, Internationally Recognised:  Our firm is headquartered in Türkiye, strategically located to represent both domestic and international clients in regional and global disputes.
• Academic & Professional Authority: Led by Professor Dr. Vahit Bıçak, one of Türkiye’s most respected legal academics, the firm brings scholarly depth and analytical precision to complex arbitration matters.
• Experience Across Sectors: We serve clients in energy, construction, finance, telecoms, infrastructure, manufacturing, defence, media, technology, pharmaceuticals, and more.
• Multilingual Advocacy: We conduct arbitrations in English and Turkish, and regularly work with international counsel in multilingual proceedings.
• Client-Centric Service: We emphasise transparency, accessibility, rapid communication, and tailored strategy for each case.

How Arbitration Works in Türkiye

Many foreign clients are unfamiliar with Türkiye’s arbitration-friendly regime. To assist them, we provide guidance on:

• Arbitration Agreements: We draft and review arbitration clauses to avoid future disputes over validity, seat, language, and procedural rules.
• Court Support: Turkish courts assist arbitration by granting:
  • interim injunctions
  • evidence preservation orders
  • subpoenas
  • recognition of emergency arbitrator orders (in practice)
• Hearings & Evidence:  We prepare document production submissions, cross-examinations, and expert witnesses.
• Enforcement of Awards: Türkiye enforces foreign awards under:
  • New York Convention
  • MÖHUK (Turkish Private International Law Act)

Our litigation team works seamlessly with our arbitration group to manage enforcement, recognition, or annulment proceedings.

• For International Clients: We frequently represent:
  • foreign companies doing business in Türkiye
  • international investors
  • foreign governments and state-owned entities
  • cross-border joint ventures
  • embassies and diplomatic missions

Our team explains Türkiye’s legal landscape clearly, assists with translation/notarisation requirements, and coordinates with international counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can a foreign company arbitrate against a Turkish entity? Yes. Türkiye fully recognises international arbitration agreements and awards.
• Is arbitration faster than Turkish litigation? Generally, yes. Arbitration is more flexible and allows parties to choose the tribunal and procedures.
• Can arbitral awards be enforced in Türkiye? Yes. Türkiye is a party to the New York Convention and has strong domestic enforcement mechanisms.
• Does Türkiye recognise emergency arbitrators? While not expressly regulated, Turkish courts increasingly consider emergency arbitrator decisions when granting interim measures.
• Which law applies in arbitration? Parties may choose the governing law. If not chosen, the tribunal will determine the applicable law based on conflict-of-laws principles.

Contact Our Arbitration Team

For assistance with an arbitration case, enforcement of an award, or advice on drafting arbitration clauses, please contact us. We are ready to support you in resolving your dispute effectively and strategically.