Melike Umay Dogan

MSc in Maritime Science at Gent University

Istanbul, Türkiye

About

I am a lawyer working at the intersection of maritime operations, emerging technologies, and international dispute resolution. My practice and academic work focus on liability, risk allocation, and contractual structures in complex cross-border environments - particularly within maritime transport, logistics chains, and emerging autonomous systems. With an LL.M in Private Law and an MSc in Maritime Science, I have developed a dual perspective combining legal analysis with operational realities of the shipping industry. My research includes liability and insurance frameworks arising from major maritime incidents, as well as the evolving legal status of autonomous vessels and their implications for responsibility, governance, and dispute resolution. In practice, I advise on maritime and commercial disputes involving cargo claims, shipyard-related incidents, and international transport arrangements. I am particularly interested in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as tools for managing risk in globalised trade and technologically evolving sectors. My long-term focus lies in international arbitration, maritime risk management, and the legal challenges posed by the digitalisation and automation of transport systems.

Experience

  • Attorney At Law at ELMACIOGLU LAW OFFICE
    Jan 2025 - Present · 1 yr 6 mos

    Advising on maritime and commercial matters involving: -Cargo claims and transport-related disputes -Shipyard incidents and technical liability issues -Contractual risk allocation in international transport -Cross-border logistics disputes -Liability and insurance considerations in complex maritime operations This work often involves multi-party structures and requires coordination between technical and legal assessments in dispute-prone environments.

  • Legal Intern at ELMACIOGLU LAW OFFICE
    Mar 2021 - Sep 2021 · 7 mos

    • Drafted petitions for legal cases and ensured accuracy in documentation •Drafted and negotiated protocols and contracts to ensure compliance with legal regulations and company policies • Attended various trials to observe legal proceedings and gain insight into courtroom procedures • Conducted in-depth research on market trends and competitors to provide detailed reports. • Implemented and managed enforcement procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and policies • Performed notary and courthouse works in Maritime Law, specializing in legal documentation and compliance procedures. •Specialized in Energy Law, IT Law, Commercial Law, and Labour Law, handling legal matters related to each area with expertise. •Handled cases related to Obligations Law, Personal Data Law, and Enforcement Law.

  • Legal Intern at Mentor Law Firm
    Nov 2020 - Mar 2021 · 5 mos

    • Drafted petitions for legal proceedings in compliance with court regulations and deadlines • Conducted thorough research and prepared detailed reports • Successfully managed and executed enforcement operations to ensure compliance with regulations and policies. • Performed notary services for legal documents and facilitated courthouse procedures • Extensive experience in Health Law, Labor Law, Family Law, and Enforcement Law

  • Legal Intern at Sonmez Law Firm
    Jul 2019 - Jul 2019 · 1 mo

    • Drafted petitions for legal cases and ensured accuracy and completeness of documentation • Attended various trials to observe legal proceedings and gain first-hand experience • Conducted thorough research on run enforcements and prepared detailed reports for analysis. • Performed notary services and managed courthouse operations • Extensive experience in Maritime Law, including contract negotiations and dispute resolution

  • Legal Intern at Mahanoglu Attorney Partnership
    Jul 2017 - Jul 2017 · 1 mo

    • Drafted petitions for legal proceedings, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal requirements • Conducted thorough research and compiled detailed reports • Manage and oversee all notary services and courthouse-related tasks •Specialized in handling various aspects of Family Law cases including divorce, child custody, and domestic violence issues