What was your route into law?
There was no lawyer in my family or close circle that I could take as an example or be influenced by. I can’t say that it was my childhood dream because I was educated by taking numerical courses. I only remember that my parents told me that you would make a very good lawyer. In fact, I understand better now that they said this not because my parents guided me, but because they thought that I had the characteristics required to be a good lawyer in terms of character. As I always say when asked, if I were born again, I would want to be a lawyer again.
In fact, I believe that it is entirely luck that I love my profession so much and that I am committed to my job that I love. It is because I have seen people who have experienced very different scenarios in the processes that determine the course of our lives. I think that being a lawyer is such a special and sensitive profession that I do not think that you can be successful without loving your job. Being committed to my profession with determination and love made it so much easier for me and to be noticed by more qualified and senior circles within the profession. As a lawyer, being able to come together with the right people in highly knowledgeable and experienced circles has really carried me forward.
What are the most important factors when considering a career in law? I find the legal sector very varied in terms of making a career in this field. Yes, I am aware that a lawyer needs to have features such as being strong in human relations and communication skills, thinking analytically, and being able to defend an idea or process that they believe in. Law is a sector that includes many areas where you can truly find yourself and feel good about what you can accomplish.
You have worked in both private practice and now in-house. What are the differences between the two?
In fact, this is a very special question and one that needs a lot of thought, but I do find it difficult to separate the two. My personal opinion is that they should not be separated from each other. Using the dynamism of the office environment together with the awareness of responsibility that affects the masses brought by corporate life has been very effective in my business life. I find it wrong to separate private practice from in-house. The attitude that I adopt as my own business while also doing my private business should continue into corporate life, so that mass awareness can only be created in this way. If we adopt corporate consciousness as our private business and hold it tightly, we can only achieve success in the corporate environment.
What has been your experience as a woman working in the legal industry?
I do think that women should be more involved in the legal sector. With their selfless and strong characters, women come together with certain responsibilities and consciousness from the moment they are born. We have a very high rate of development in areas such as self-control and empathy. The presence of women in executive positions within the sector is of great importance for our development. We have women who are aware of themselves, and the current market and who do not hesitate to take responsibility. All we need to do is to continue to support them so they can continue to shine and inspire many others.
What factors do you think have improved the role of women in the legal profession in Türkiye?
I believe that women do carry the characteristics that should exist in every lawyer. Results orientated, perspective orientated women have supported and pioneered development and the Turkish legal market does embrace these key characteristics. As law is a human field that changes day by day, the positive difference women create is there for all to see. I believe the growth in women in law will continue to grow in the sector.
What are your reflections on the diversity and inclusion culture in the legal profession in Türkiye?
In fact, although Türkiye is a country that is home to different elements of life and diversity, it is sad to see that these distinctions are still being observed. There have been a lot of interventions in the fight against inequality. I am currently involved in many training sessions and conferences to aid my own development, and I believe progress can only be achieved if we continue to develop ourselves and always keep an open mind. Only tolerance and understanding will help us, and the legal profession move forward in a positive manner.
How do you see the new generation of women lawyers?
The first thing I can say is that they have real determination, desire and belief, and these qualities are very important in shaping their first years within the profession. I do think that coming together with partners, managers and peers will make a substantial difference in continuing the process for these new generation of lawyers.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
It may be a very classic answer, but I did theatre a few times at a young age. I loved being on stage and I wanted to be an actress. In fact, I always found the legal processes and those moments when we took on the identity of a lawyer quite theatrical. But as I started to grow up, I had a dream of studying business administration at a good university and I am so pleased that my dream has become reality. I can say that I am realising part of my dream, although it is still not complete.
Which women have inspired you the most?
When answering this question, it makes me feel very happy! I can honestly say my mother and my grandmother. With their kind and incredibly strong characters, they both showed me the importance of the profession, of women being an integral part of business life and ensuring its continuity. They showed me that any challenge can be overcome not only by stamping your authority but also by expressing yourself with grace and self-belief. Unfortunately, I did not have a mentor until this period. I do not want my young female colleagues to be as late as I was in receiving that mentorship, so I will always try to provide that support to my colleagues myself.
In your career so far what achievement are you most proud of?
I am originally from Mersin, a beautiful city in the Mediterranean, which is far smaller than the very familiar Istanbul. After spending my whole life, including my university life, in that beautiful coastal city, I took a risk and gave myself the chance to live in Istanbul and develop myself. I can say that this is a very important point in my career and life cycle, and I am extremely proud of it. At the age of 23, it was a really challenging process to experience living in a major city for the first time, starting everything from scratch without any ties. But when you meet the right people who believe in themselves and who can perceive your desire and determination in business life, it is not possible to foresee the point you can come to those moments, but I am very pleased with the knowledge, experience, and decisions I have added to myself now. Although it is sometimes scary to take risks, I think we should experience it at an early age. I am very proud of this.
How do you manage your current work / life balance?
I think I am advantageous in this regard because of my personal characteristics. I can say that I am not a very sleepy person but rather someone who is very energetic. Waking up early helps me to plan my day. I think that the fact that I am fast-moving, always active and a social person is because I have been doing active sports for many years. I think I have improved myself a lot in time management in the places where I worked and trained prior. When I took part in long-term and active jobs, unlike most of my colleagues, I did not have much difficulty in adapting. Yes, of course, there is an ordinary flow of life, this is undeniable. But now I can say that I support the time planning of even my close circle.
What advice would you give to female students who are about to enter the legal industry?
In fact, I will give a general answer to this question without separating it into male or female students. My advice is that I think they do not need to bind themselves to school. They may not realise that business life will be very different from school life. I think that it is not enough to determine the field they want to do, the directions they want to take, and that they should experience different fields at the beginning of the profession without restricting themselves. Maybe they can ask a law office to at least examine and perceive the operation, even if they cannot find much opportunity in the ordinary flow of life. I think that visiting even one day will add an awareness.