Esra Okçuoğlu commenced her career at a top-tier Turkish law firm catering to both local and multinational clients. She collaborated closely with influential business professionals from esteemed companies. Notably, her contribution to a French energy company's Turkish investment led to the firm receiving the 2008 IFLR (International Financial Law Review) award for National Law Firm of the Year, recognizing exceptional legal support.

With eight years of robust law firm experience, Esra Okçuoğlu sought broader exposure to the business domain. she joined one of Turkey's prominent holding companies. Here, she managed substantial investment projects for group companies, especialy in the fields of pharma, critical minerals (mining) and real estate development and establishing the wealth management group company  was engaged in start-up ventures working seamlessly with the business team. This experience allowed her to integrate legal expertise with business acumen, evolving into a proficient deal-maker.

Her overarching objective is to cultivate enduring partnerships with clients through the establishment of a robust foundation of trust. She is dedicated to discerning underlying needs and crafting practical solutions that  best meet such needs legally. 

Esra Okçuoğlu is fluent in English, German, and French, she brings a multilingual advantage to navigate, and help her clients navigate, diverse legal and business environments.

Areas of Practice

Corporate Matters and Contracts

Providing legal support in navigating clients through intricate corporate legal processes, encompassing strategic initiatives, such as reviewing contracts and overseeing investments of a material nature, establishing mechanisms for effective business operations by way of implementing harmonization and integration processes. At the same time ensuring seamless corporate legal day-to-day management.

Her diverse experience in numerous corporate transactions has helped Esra Okçuoğlu to swiftly pinpoint and prioritize critical issues. This expertise enables her to seamlessly integrate professional knowledge and business insights. Coupled with adept negotiation and interpersonal skills, she delivers an integrated approach to clients, addressing their concerns directly and comprehensibly.

Projects

Providing legal counsel to clients in their Turkish and cross-border projects, specializing in crafting M&A models. Overseeing and implementing mergers, share, asset and business transfers, establishment of joint ventures, participating in tenders etc, In case of cross-border mergers we also liaise, establish and maintain coordination with the local counsel of client’s choosing or guiding the client from the list of our cross-border legal collaborators.

Offering comprehensive legal support throughout the entire project life-cycle – from evaluation (offer and due diligence phase), creation (due diligence, negotiation and drafting phase) to realization (closing phase) and implementation (post – closing phase). Occasionally, extending support even during the exit phase.

Start-Up Ventures 

With extensive background in start-up ventures we understand the unique needs investors and entrepreneurs alike. we aim to facilitate successful investment opportunities by providing expert legal counsel and strategic guidance to both sides of the table.

If you are an entrepreneur, in start-up law, we try to bring together our legal expertise with the entrepreneurial spirit. We are empowering innovators to build the businesses of tomorrow. From entity formation to funding rounds and beyond. If you are an investor, we have a proven track record of facilitating successful investments and exits. Our team brings a wealth of experience and industry insights to the table.

Services Aimed at Entrepreneurs

Entity Formation: Choosing the right legal structure is crucial for laying a strong foundation. Whether you are a tech start-up, a social enterprise or anything in between, we will guide you through the process of incorporation, partnership agreements and corporate governance.

Contract Drafting and Review: From client agreements to vendor contracts every deal the start-uo makes creates legal implications. We review your contracts with the aim to protect your interests and minimizing risks.

Intellectual Property Protection: Your ideas are your most valuable asset. We aim to safeguard them through patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets, ensuring that your innovations remain yours to capitalize on.

Fundraising and Venture Capital: When you are ready to scale up, we help you to navigate the complex landscape of fundraising from seed rounds to Series A and beyond. Our expertise in venture capital transactions and investor relations will give your start-up the competitive edge it needs to succeed.

Regulatory Compliance: As your start-up grows, so do your legal obligations. We keep you ahead of the curve by ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations, data privacy laws and more, so you can focus on driving your business forward with confidence.

For investors, we have a proven track record of facilitating successful investments and exits. Our team brings a wealth of experience and industry insights to the table.

Services Aimed at Investors:

Due Diligence Support: Investing in start-ups requires through due diligence to mitigate risks and maximize returns. Our team conducts comprehensive legal due diligence to identify potential legal red flags and ensure that your investment is positioned for success.

Deal Structuring and Negotiation: The terms of a deal can make or break its success. We specialize in structuring investment transactions to optimize returns while protecting investor interests. From Term Sheet negotiations to closing documents, we aim to secure favorable terms for our clients.

Portfolio Company Support: We provide ongoing legal support to Portfolio Companies helping them navigate regulatory hurdles, scale operations and execute successful exits.

Critical Minerals 

We combine legal expertise with a deep understanding of the critical minerals sector, offering strategic counsel and advocacy services to clients worldwide.

Services:

Regulatory Compliance: We provide comprehensive compliance assessments, regulatory guidance and assistance with permit applications to help you meet your legal obligations and minimize risks.

Project Development: From initial exploration to mine closure, we provide legal support at every stage of the mining life-cycle. Whether you are acquiring mineral rights, negotiating agreements with stakeholders, or securing financing for development projects, we help you to navigate legal complexities and achieve your objectives.

Contracts: From royalty agreements and offtake agreements to joint venture agreements and option agreements, we provide tailored legal solutions to meet your specific needs. We have extensive experience in drafting, negotiating and enforcing mining contracts to ensure clarity, fairness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Investments: Whether you are considering acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic transactions, we have the experience and the insight to guide you through the complexities of mining investments.

Pharma and Life Sciences 

From regulatory compliance to intellectual property protection, product development and commercialization, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal complexities of the industry.

Services:

Regulatory Compliance:

Stay ahead of evolving regulations and navigate complex compliance requirements. We provide comprehensive regulatory counsel, assistance with obtaining licenses (production, marketing etc.) and strategic advice to help you meet your legal obligations and obtain regulatory approval for your products.

Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguard your innovations and investments with robust intellectual property strategies. We can help you develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy tailored to your specific needs and business goals.

Product Development and Commercialization: From early-stage research and development to product marketing, we provide legal support at every stage of the product lifecycle. We can assist with contract negotiation, licensing agreements, distribution agreements and other commercial transactions to help you bring your products to market efficiently and profitably.

Licensing and Collaboration Agreements: You can maximize the value of your intellectual property assets through strategic licensing and collaboration agreements. We have extensive experience in negotiating and drafting agreements for technology transfer, research partnerships, joint ventures and other collaborative arrangements to drive innovation and growth.

Real Estate Development 

From project conception to completion, we are committed to helping you to navigate the legal complexities of real estate development and achieve your objectives.

Land Acquisition and Due Diligence: Secure the right properties for your development projects. We provide comprehensive due diligence services, including title searches, zoning analysis and regulatory compliance reviews to help you make informed decisions and mitigate risks.

Agreements:

Negotiating purchase agreements, development agreements, construction/construction management agreements  and subcontractor agreements that protect your interests and provide successful project execution.

Ethical Compliance and Corporate Governance

Providing legal guidance in establishing ethical compliance standards through the implementation of a centralized compliance system by way of collaborating with the management to draft a comprehensive Code of Conduct  and to form a Compliance Committee.

Additionally, offering on-demand periodic tutorials to employees and coordinating any necessary amendments to the Code of Conduct or its implementation based on current needs. Offering legal support in crafting Corporate Committees and a Corporate Constitution emphasizing corporate governance and succession rules within the company or group of companies.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, we advise clients to pursuae a streamlined settlement procedure, emphasizing efficiency in both time and cost. If a positive outcome isn’t achievable through amicable settlement or if the process appears inconclusive, we meticulously gather all relevant information and documentation. Conducting an extensive review of precedents and scholarly opinions, we develop the optimal strategy to present to the client.

The litigation process is vigilantly monitored to devise solutions for any potential outcome. We work closely and collaboratively with clients, employing a result-oriented approach to precisely meet their needs. Transparent communication is upheld throughout all stages of litigation and dispute resolution, ensuring clients are well informed before and after each phase.