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 a top law school in Türkiye, I decided to pursue an LL.M. degree in the United States to gain a deeper understanding of international legal frameworks, particularly in the field of energy law. During my time in the U.S., I gained valuable insights into the evolving legal landscape of renewable energy and developed a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this sector. Joining a company in the renewable energy sector as an in-house counsel became the natural progression of my career.

Being an in-house counsel allows me to be directly involved in the company’s strategic decision-making processes, providing legal guidance that aligns with both business objectives and ethical considerations. The dynamic nature of the renewable energy sector ensures that each day brings new challenges, from regulatory compliance to contract negotiations, fostering continuous professional growth.

In summary, my journey to becoming an in-house counsel in the renewable energy sector was driven by a combination of a commitment to sustainability and a strategic pursuit of dual qualifications to navigate the complexities of this global industry.

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

In my role as an in-house counsel, my day-to-day responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum of legal tasks and strategic initiatives. Primarily, I am involved in drafting and negotiating a variety of legal agreements, ranging from domestic to international contracts. This includes the preparation and negotiation of franchise and distribution agreements, trademark license and assignment agreements, as well as construction agreements and supply and installation agreements for significant renewable energy projects. Furthermore, my responsibilities extend to the financial realm, where I draft correspondence related to Banking and Finance matters. This involves ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and addressing legal considerations in financial transactions.

In essence, my day-to-day responsibilities as an in-house counsel involve a diverse range of legal tasks, from drafting and negotiating contracts to addressing intricate matters with a specialised focus on the energy field and administrative law.

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

In the realm of high-value transactions, such as large renewable energy projects and ECA agreements, maintaining diligence in due diligence processes is crucial. Coordinating with legal representatives from various parties and meticulously handling documentation requires attention to detail and effective project management. Establishing strong relationships with other parties and leveraging their specialised knowledge has proven instrumental in navigating these complexities.

Moreover, as a legal counsel, gaining the trust and respect of senior leadership and colleagues is paramount. Building credibility through consistently delivering high-quality legal support has been a key strategy in overcoming this challenge.

Given the dynamic nature of the renewable energy sector, another notable challenge is staying abreast of evolving regulations and industry standards. To overcome this, I prioritise continuous learning as well as staying connected with legal networks, ensuring that my knowledge remains current and relevant. Being a dual-qualified attorney in both Türkiye and New York has significantly helped with this process.

Overall, facing these challenges has been an integral part of my professional growth. By embracing a proactive and adaptive approach, staying informed, fostering collaboration, and maintaining a commitment to excellence, I have successfully navigated the complexities of being an in-house counsel in the dynamic and impactful field of renewable energy.