Esad Çatak

Esad Çatak is a Senior Associate in Lexist’s Arbitration team, specializing in construction and investment disputes.

He has practical expertise in international arbitrations under the rules of various international arbitration institutions, such as ICSID, ICC, and LCIA, as well as local institutions including ISTAC and ITOTAM. Esad’s practice covers representing governments in investment treaty arbitrations and employers and contractors in international construction disputes, as well as pre- and post-dispute settlement negotiations.

Esad’s experience at Lexist includes representing the Republic of Türkiye in an investment treaty arbitration against an Italian investor in a dispute arising out of a renewable energy project, which the team won. He has also successfully represented a Turkish oil and construction company in an arbitration seated in London against a US company, as well as an Azerbaijani company in a Frankfurt-seated arbitration.

Esad received his honours degree from the prestigious law faculty of Bilkent University in Ankara and continues his LL.M. studies at Koç University in Istanbul with a particular focus on international commercial arbitration. Esad completed his legal internship in the Arbitration team of Lexist and worked in leading Turkish law firms as an associate. During his time in other law firms, Esad advised in the preparation and management of construction contracts, assisted clients in claim management matters, and represented parties in international construction arbitrations.