Team size: 22

What has been the number one challenge that has impacted you over the past year?

Although there have been several difficulties in recent years, I think the most challenging was my internal position change from the regulatory affairs department to the legal department; my duties and responsibilities changed accordingly. However, having worked as an intern in the legal department and being familiar with the requirements of the new position, I swiftly adapted to the role.

Can you outline your role in the legal function of your organisation and any significant cases or transactions you were involved in?

I have worked for several years in various litigation processes – such as commercial law, energy law and labour law related matters among others, rendering legal advice for the day-to-day business of the company, which comprises over 30 affiliates. My previous role in SOCAR Turkey was related to gas distribution regulation so I have ample experience in oil and gas regulations and energy contracts. I have also been working on the drafting and negotiation of agreements regarding energy law.

A highlight of my role was my involvement in a project group, dedicated to the SOCAR Turkey competition compliance program. I prepared presentations for competition law trainings and other internal legal documentations.

In what ways do you see the in-house legal role evolving over the next few years?

While in-house counsel have been a core part of companies, I assume that the utilisation of artificial intelligence to resolve cases or draft contracts will culminate in layoffs in the legal industry. Therefore, AI usage will certainly decrease the time spent on carrying out legal operations and affect the numbers of our colleagues in the workforce.

The number of lawyers in Turkey is gradually increasing. This has led to increased competition in the sector and a resulting decrease in legal service fees. Companies seeking decreased costs outsource legal services instead of having an expensive in-house legal team. I believe that in years to come, some companies will downsize their in-house legal teams. However, this does not mean colleagues will be completely idle; the work force may inevitably contribute to the development of new technologies and may accelerate this exciting shift.