Çağdaş is a graduate of Galatasaray High School and obtained his law degree from Galatasaray University Law School.
Çağdaş has notable expertise in banking & finance, competition, corporate and FinTech matters, covering both regulatory and transactional aspects thereof. Given his solid experience across a wide range of elite jurisdictions, he is regularly retained by private clients for mandates of cross-border wealth management.
He has a demonstrated track record in representation of reputable corporations and private clients in complex financial crimes, asset recovery, insolvency, restructuring and commercial arbitration matters. Çağdaş also regularly acts as a Turkish law expert in foreign proceedings involving Turkish elements before arbitral tribunals and courts.
Çağdaş further advises his clients on AML, data protection, ESG and sanctions-related compliance issues and represents them in international trade proceedings such as anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard investigations across multiple jurisdictions.
Prior to joining Vardar Şanlı (formerly known as Şanlı & Partners) as a Name Partner in early 2022, Çağdaş gained senior-level experience in reputable law firms, where he advised international and national clients on cross-border M&A and finance projects, with a particular focus on the aviation, energy, healthcare, insurance and shipping sectors.
Çağdaş was ranked as a Rising Star by The Legal 500 in both 2022 and 2023 editions. He regularly gives lectures and training courses in his specialized practice areas, including antitrust and e-commerce law.
Çağdaş is fluent in English and French. He serves as a mediator registered with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Türkiye and also as the National Representative for Türkiye of AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers).
What Clients Say:
“A ‘results-oriented and flexible lawyer’, Corporate / M&A practice head Çağdaş Umut Vardar is highly skilled in cross-border M&A and is knowledgeable in the e-commerce sector.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“Çağdaş Vardar is extremely personable is very proactive on regulatory matters.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“Çağdaş Umut Vardar is a results-oriented and flexible lawyer, finding the most appropriate way to come to a solution.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“Leading the Banking & Finance and Capital Markets Team is Çağdaş Umut Vardar, who is esteemed among financial institutions and fintech firms, frequently undertaking cross-border financing projects.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“We worked most closely with Çağdaş Vardar; he has deep expertise in the regulations and explains even complex issues in a very clear and guiding way, which gave us real confidence in our decisions.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“Both Mert and Çağdaş are very dedicated to their job and very good at building relations with their clients. They always chase the problem and try to solve it from the essence of the trouble or subject that guidance is required.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“The Compliance Practice is overseen by banking and finance lawyer Çağdaş Umut Vardar, who has extensive experience in regulatory compliance, and İsmail Mert Şanlı.” (The Legal 500, 2026)
“Çağdaş Umut Vardar is a smart and pragmatic professional, who listens carefully and also understands the needs of the client.” (The Legal 500, 2025)
“Çağdaş Umut Vardar communicates complex legal issues in a clear manner and provides quick solutions.” (The Legal500, 2025)
“The team at Vardar Şanlı advises domestic and multinational corporates across the food and beverages, energy, pharmaceuticals and financial services sectors on matters ranging from cross-border M&A and corporate governance to investments and share purchase agreements. Headed by Çağdaş Umut Vardar, a specialist in energy, healthcare and insurance.” (The Legal500, 2024)
“Çağdaş Umut Vardar’s extensive knowledge in corporate matters is truly remarkable and positions him as the ideal service provider for any corporate transaction. With a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances of the corporate world, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table.” (The Legal500, 2024)
“Çağdaş Umut Vardar is undeniably a consummate professional renowned for his unwavering commitment to high work ethics and standards. His reputation in the market speaks volumes about these exceptional qualities, setting a benchmark that others strive to achieve.” (The Legal500, 2024)
“Result oriented, quick feedback.” (IFLR1000, 2021/2022)
“Çağdaş always manages to develop inventive strategies and solutions to our challenges and offers particular knowledge in newly emerging areas. He develops specific advice and legal strategies based on strong experience in related practice areas as well as a deep understanding of how each client operates. As a result, he is capable of providing pragmatic and reality-based recommendation, risk assessments and negotiation strategies.” (IFLR1000, 2020/2021)
“Very responsive, good communication and English.” (IFLR1000, 2020/2021)
