Ekinsu Cebi Elkei

Biography

Ekinsu Çebi Elkei concentrates on dispute resolution, particularly international commercial and investor-state arbitrations.

She supports clients operating in mining and infrastructure industries in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Commonwealth of Independent States (“CIS”) regions in investment arbitration disputes under a range of arbitral rules and applicable laws. She also advises clients on emergency measures and the enforcement and annulment of arbitral awards in state courts around the world.

Ekinsu has notable litigation experience. She represents corporate and individual clients in matters related to complex transnational commercial disputes and civil fraud. Her expertise extends to post-litigation processes, particularly asset tracking and debt collection.

Ekinsu also has practical experience in representing governmental entities and diplomatic missions on matters relating to sovereign immunity and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

She is fluent in Turkish.

Outside the Firm

Ekinsu enjoys traveling and never passes up the chance to hike or ski.

Experience

Investment Arbitration

  • A Turkish investor in an ICSID arbitration against the government of Turkmenistan under the Turkey-Turkmenistan BIT.
  • A global mining company in an ICSID arbitration against a Middle Eastern country. 
  • The Sultanate of Oman regarding the enforcement of an ICSID award against a Turkish investor.
  • A foreign investor against an Eastern European country in a PCA arbitration regarding the expropriation of real estate assets.

Commercial Arbitration and Litigation

  • A joint venture in an infrastructure dispute against an Eastern European government stemming from a FIDIC contract.
  • A U.S. global investment management firm against a Turkish mining group in the largest enforcement claim filed in Turkey for a commercial arbitral award.
  • A South Korean conglomerate in a project-finance dispute between the SPV and the EPC Contractor regarding the construction of a multi-clinic hospital.

U.S. Economic Sanctions

  • A U.S.-based fast-food chain company regarding a U.S. economic sanctions matter relating to its foreign subsidiary’s commercial activities abroad. 

Recognitions

  • 2023, “Key Lawyer,” Legal 500’s Europe, the Middle East, and Africa Guide for Dispute Resolution

Affiliations

Professional Activities

Ekinsu is a founding member of the Young Istanbul Arbitration Center.

Credentials

Admissions

  • Istanbul

Education

  • Georgetown University Law Center, LLM
  • Istanbul University Faculty of Law, BA (Law)