The firm's new relationship with Turkish law firm Esin Attorney Partnership (Esin Avukatlik Ortakligi)comes in response to growing client interest and activity in Turkey, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, the firm said. 

The move is an important step in Baker & McKenzie's efforts to strengthen its global platform and service offerings to serve clients in both developed and emerging markets globally.

"Istanbul is an increasingly important hub for global business … We are underlining our commitment to being able to serve our clients in those markets in which they are growing their businesses, while strengthening our ability to help Turkish clients take advantage of the opportunities beyond their borders,” said Eduardo Leite, chairman of Baker & McKenzie's Executive Committee.

Esin is a 40-lawyer firm, founded by Ismail Esin in 1997. It was named Legal Adviser of the Year in Turkey at the European M&A Awards 2010 by the Financial Times and MergerMarket and ranked in Tier 1 for M&A in legal directory The Legal 500.  Its practices include Corporate and M&A, Real Estate, Dispute Resolution and Competition law.

Koen Vanhaerents, European Chairman and member of the Firm's Executive Committee said Baker & McKenzie has been advising clients on high-profile cross-border transactions involving Turkey for years. 

“It has become increasingly clear that Turkey is rapidly growing in importance for our clients. This exclusive relationship with Esin Attorney Partnership, provides our clients with access to the very best legal services in Turkey."

The news follows a period of recent expansion for Baker & McKenzie. In May 2011, the firm opened an office in Qatar, following Luxembourg in October 2010 and Abu Dhabi in 2009. Baker & McKenzie is one of the largest law firms in EMEA with more than 1,900 practitioners across the region.