Could you share with us the story of your path to becoming an in-house counsel? What motivated you to choose this career path?

After graduating from Bilkent University, I had the privilege of working in different law firms for three years. In this environment, I gained first-hand experience of navigating legal challenges, advocating for clients in a variety of areas and honing my legal research and litigation skills.

Three years later, however, it was the international nature of the defence business that attracted me. As I delved deeper into my legal career as in-house counsel in a defence company, I found myself drawn to a more hands-on role within a company’s operations. I wanted to be more than just an external advisor; I wanted to be directly involved in the company structure and decision-making processes of a business.

Practising law in defence offers expertise in defence technologies, military procurement processes and international agreements. Lawyers uphold ethical standards, contributing to the credibility of the defence industry and maintaining security at national and international levels. Additionally working in the defense sector can improve your strategic thinking skills. Companies in this sector must navigate complex business relationships, international politics, and a competitive market. In this context, the practice of law in the defence sector can be an asset to the development of the strategic perspective.

In your role as an in-house counsel, what are the main responsibilities and tasks you handle on a day-to-day basis?

As an in-house counsel, my primary focus includes managing international contracts and agreements with a total value exceeding USD$1 bn with countries around the world. This involves providing legal guidance on cross-border transactions, ensuring compliance with diverse legal frameworks, and mitigating risks associated with international business dealings.

In this role, I have been responsible for providing legal advice to various departments, managing contracts, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations, handling disputes, advising on corporate governance, conducting training sessions in the company.

As an in-house lawyer, I am expected to collaborate with the individuals directly managing the business, including managers and directors, to make decisions that prioritise the company’s interests. I have a commercial business role that entails a significant level of responsibility and involvement.

What are some of the key challenges you have faced as a rising star in-house counsel, and how have you overcome them?

I have encountered a multitude of challenges, particularly in navigating the complexities of drafting and negotiating contracts across diverse cultural and governmental landscapes. Operating in regions spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, each with its own unique cultural nuances and legal procedures, has required a meticulous approach to ensure compliance and respect for local customs and regulations.

In the defense sector, where engagements with governments, particularly defense ministries, are commonplace, the stakes are even higher. Every country has its distinct procurement processes, legal frameworks, and diplomatic sensitivities that must be meticulously considered during contract negotiations. Failure to navigate these intricacies with precision can have significant consequences, both legally and diplomatically.

To overcome these challenges, I have adopted a multifaceted approach. Firstly, I prioritise building strong relationships and fostering open communication channels with counterparts in different countries, enabling me to gain valuable insights into local customs and expectations. This helps in tailoring contract terms and negotiations to align with cultural sensitivities and legal requirements effectively.

Furthermore, I invest heavily in research and stay abreast of legal developments and cultural norms in each region where we operate. This ensures that our contracts are not only legally sound but also culturally sensitive and reflective of the unique nuances of each jurisdiction.In essence, my approach as an in-house counsel operating in diverse regions is characterised by diligence, cultural awareness, and collaboration. By prioritising these principles, I have been able to successfully navigate the intricacies of contract negotiations and contribute to the organisation’s success in the global defence arena.