Project finance partner joins Norton Rose Fulbright associated firm in Istanbul

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright today announced that it has strengthened its projects and energy practice in Istanbul with the addition of project finance partner Utku Ünver. He will be part of the firm's associated Turkish law practice, which will now be known as İnal Ünver Attorney Partnership.

Ünver, who joins from Allen & Overy, represents clients in project finance and public-private partnership (PPP) transactions across the energy, transportation, technology and healthcare sectors. His experience also includes project restructurings, the preparation and review of EPC contracts, finance documents, operation and maintenance (O&M) agreements and concession contracts in Turkey and the Middle East.

Norton Rose Fulbright's global projects team closed more than 330 transactions worth $145 billion in the last three years. In 2019 alone, Norton Rose Fulbright worked on more than 20 percent more project finance transactions globally than its nearest competitor.

Anne Lapierre, Norton Rose Fulbright's Global Head of Energy, said:

"Currently, there is a tremendous need for lawyers in Turkey who have a strong background working on project restructurings. Utku has this coveted experience, and his timely addition to Norton Rose Fulbright will benefit clients throughout the region."

Ayşe Yüksel Mahfoud, Norton Rose Fulbright's Head of Cross-Border Practices and Istanbul Partner-in-Charge, said:

"Utku is a natural fit for our Istanbul office, as he possesses experience from global law firms across many sectors on which we are focused. He understands our clients' interests, and our clients will certainly appreciate him from a business standpoint."

Ünver, who is also experienced in joint ventures and private equity and insurance matters, said:

"Turkey continues to offer promising opportunities for businesses and investors even during these unprecedented times. Norton Rose Fulbright's regional and global experience in the energy and infrastructure sectors will allow me to provide the highest level of client service."

Ünver, who speaks Turkish and English, earned his Master of Law and Business degree at the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, Germany, and his Bachelor of Law (LLB) at the University of Ankara.

Norton Rose Fulbright, which combined with Chadbourne & Parke in 2017, has been a fixture in Turkey and the Middle East for more than 25 years. Through our professional association with İnal Ünver Attorney Partnership, the global law firm will continue to provide clients with Turkish legal advice.