Corporate Lawyer and Company Legal Consultancy
As ATK Law Firm, we provide legal consultancy and litigation services to companies operating in Istanbul across a broad practice range including commercial law, corporate law, labor law, debt collection, and tax disputes. We support both joint-stock companies (JSC) and limited liability companies (LLC) on all their legal needs - from company formation to general assembly decisions, from contract management to commercial disputes.
What is a Corporate Lawyer?
A corporate lawyer is an attorney who provides ongoing or project-based legal consultancy to companies and business entities. The corporate lawyer's role is not limited to litigation. Pre-litigation - reviewing commercial contracts, managing legal risks during company foundation, general assembly and board processes, labor relations, and commercial correspondence - is equally important.
A corporate lawyer helps the company make the right decisions at the right time. This prevents legal problems before they arise rather than managing them after they occur. Properly drafted contracts, correctly structured company decisions, and legally compliant procedures are the foundation of sustainable commercial success.
What Does a Corporate Lawyer Do?
Contract Management
Commercial contracts (service agreements, distribution agreements, license agreements, partnership contracts, etc.) form the backbone of the business relationship. A corporate lawyer reviews these contracts, identifies potential legal risks, negotiates terms, and proposes necessary amendments. A contract that is not reviewed before signing can create serious problems in the future.
Company Formation
During the company formation stage, the legal form to be chosen (JSC, LLC, etc.), capital structure, partnership agreements, articles of association, and registration processes must all be properly managed. A corporate lawyer guides the founder partners through this process and ensures the foundation is legally sound from the outset.
General Assembly and Board Decisions
Decision-making mechanisms within companies carry legal risks. Improperly drafted general assembly or board of directors decisions can be invalidated or challenged by shareholders. A corporate lawyer reviews these decisions in terms of legal compliance and prepares the necessary texts.
Debt Collection and Commercial Disputes
When a commercial receivable cannot be collected, the enforcement and legal proceedings process begins. A corporate lawyer manages the file from negotiation to enforcement proceedings, from lawsuit filing to legal remedy processes. In commercial disputes, the strategic management of the file is critical.
Labor Law
The employment relationship from hiring to termination, employment contracts, workplace regulations, collective bargaining, dismissal notices, severance payments, and labor lawsuits are all within the corporate lawyer's scope. Legal compliance in labor relations protects the company from costly disputes.
Tax and Administrative Disputes
Companies may face tax penalties, administrative sanction decisions, or regulatory proceedings. In these cases, legal defense before the tax court or administrative courts is an important function of the corporate lawyer. For details, see our Tax & Administrative Law page.
KVKK (Personal Data Protection) Compliance
Companies that process personal data in Turkey must comply with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK). This includes preparing privacy policies and notifications, drafting data processing agreements, structuring data transfer processes, and assisting in the event of a data breach. A corporate lawyer reviews the company's KVKK compliance status and prepares the necessary documentation.
JSC vs. LLC: Key Legal Differences
| Feature | Joint-Stock Company (JSC) | Limited Liability Company (LLC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Capital | 50,000 TL | 10,000 TL |
| Number of Partners | Minimum 1 | Minimum 1, Maximum 50 |
| Personal Liability | Limited to capital | Limited to capital (but tax liabilities differ) |
| Share Transfer | Freely transferable | Requires consent of partners |
| Going Public | Possible | Not possible |
How to Choose a Corporate Lawyer?
When choosing a corporate lawyer, the following criteria are worth considering:
- Experience in commercial law and corporate law
- Knowledge of the sector in which your company operates
- Ability to take a strategic approach and provide fast responses
- Capacity for cross-disciplinary work (tax, labor, criminal)
- Clear and transparent communication
As ATK Law Firm, we work with companies at every stage - from formation to dissolution, from growth to commercial dispute management. Contact us to discuss your legal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a corporate lawyer do?
A corporate lawyer provides legal consultancy on all legal matters of companies: contract review, company formation, general assembly processes, commercial disputes, labor law, tax, and regulatory compliance.
Is it necessary to work with a lawyer for company formation?
Although not legally mandatory, working with a lawyer during company formation prevents many future legal problems. Correctly drafting the articles of association and partnership agreement in particular is extremely important.
Does a corporate lawyer handle labor law?
Yes. Employment contracts, dismissal processes, severance and notice pay calculations, labor lawsuits, and workplace regulations all fall within the scope of the corporate lawyer.
Do you provide KVKK consultancy?
Yes. We provide consultancy on KVKK compliance - including policy drafting, data processing agreements, and breach procedures - as part of our corporate legal services.