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

I started my career directly as an in-house counsel, bypassing the traditional route of joining a law firm in favour of immersing myself in a corporate legal department from the outset. Driven by a desire to be intimately involved in the strategic decision-making processes within an organisation, I wanted to contribute directly to the success of the business by providing legal advice that not only mitigated risk but also catalysed growth and innovation. This decision was motivated by a desire to play a pivotal role in the business and provide strategic legal advice from the inside. Taking on this role has allowed me to seamlessly combine my passion for the law with having a tangible impact on the organisation’s development, allowing me to skilfully navigate the intricate intersection between business dynamics and legal frameworks.

In essence, my journey as an in-house counsel can be defined by a commitment to not only being a legal advisor but also a strategic partner invested in the long-term prosperity of the organisation.

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

I began my journey at Doğan Holding as an intern, and today, with ten years of experience as a legal manager, I am responsible for overseeing the litigation department of the Holding Group and all subsidiary companies. Within the Holding Group, there are companies operating in various fields, from renewable energy to the military, from automotive to e-commerce, and I work with the CEOs of these companies to determine and execute legal strategies, as well as lead legal processes.

Another important area of responsibility is monitoring the legal proceedings of the Doğan family, resolving legal issues, and making decisions on high-risk matters by providing legal support in all kinds of situations.

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

In my early years as in-house counsel, mastering the business’s intricacies was a key challenge for me. This involved not only delving into legal intricacies but also immersing myself in understanding the company’s operations and strategies. For this reason, establishing a close relationship with shareholders and gaining a deep understanding of their point of view was paramount.

Building strong connections with shareholders and key stakeholders across the company became a focal point of my role. These relationships were instrumental, enabling me to align legal advice with our business objectives and our shareholders’ expectations.

Balancing legal rigor with a deep appreciation for the business’s needs and shareholder perspectives required a blend of flexibility, business acumen, and ongoing engagement with all facets of the company. This approach laid the foundation for effectively navigating the complex interplay of legal and business challenges.