Interview with: Fethi Pekin, Managing Partner

Pekin & Pekin, a leading law firm renowned for its dedication to client satisfaction and innovation, stands at the forefront of the legal landscape. As Managing Partner, Fethi Pekin shares insights into the firm’s unique differentiators, anticipating the growth of key practices, and unveiling strategic changes aimed at enhancing client experiences

 

What do you see as the main points that differentiate Pekin & Pekin from your competitors?

Pekin & Pekin distinguishes itself among competitors in the Turkish legal market with a rich legacy since its establishment in Istanbul in 1971. As a premier full-service law firm, we take pride in offering comprehensive legal solutions meticulously crafted to suit the diverse needs of our clients. Our decades-long journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence. At the core of our ethos lies a dedication to evolution, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of industry trends and regulatory changes. With over 50 years of experience in the legal market, Pekin & Pekin has witnessed immense changes in the Turkish legal landscape. We are proud to state that we have initiated change on various occasions and have contributed to jurisprudence with our outstanding legal approach.

Additionally, Pekin & Pekin distinguishes itself through a blend of extensive expertise and personalized client service. We aim to maintain a boutique approach to better serve our clientele. Our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction is evident in our ability to deliver exceptional service consistently. Equipped with a profound understanding of both Turkish and international law, Pekin & Pekin brings practical and client-oriented solutions with remarkable efficiency. Renowned for our proficiency in handling cross-border transactions involving Turkish entities, we have earned a stellar reputation for excellence in navigating complex deals. From pioneering frameworks for banking transactions to achieving significant milestones in finance, M&A deals, and arbitration cases, our track record speaks volumes about our ability to deliver tangible results and enhance the success of our clients’ endeavors.

 

Which practices do you see growing in the next 12 months? What are the drivers behind that?

The acceleration of technology and digitalization necessitates legal expertise in technology, data privacy, and cybersecurity. As companies grapple with evolving regulations and cybersecurity threats, there is an increasing demand for legal guidance to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Simultaneously, as Türkiye remains dedicated to European Union accession, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability and renewable energy projects, fueled by new EU regulations. With ongoing regulatory changes in Türkiye to align with the EU market, an increasing number of businesses seek legal support to navigate environmental regulations, obtain permits for renewable energy initiatives, and implement sustainable practices.

Moreover, given the significant presence of foreign companies investing in Türkiye, understanding the legal implications of these geopolitical tensions is crucial for businesses operating in the region. Additionally, as global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions persist, disputes are likely to increase. In our experience, commercial conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory enforcement actions could potentially lead to increased litigation or arbitration. Consequently, there will be a growing demand for legal representation in resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation, as clients seek to protect their interests and mitigate potential liabilities.

 

What’s the main change you’ve made in the firm that will benefit clients?

One significant change we have implemented at Pekin & Pekin for the benefit of our clients is the comprehensive integration of technology into our operations. By utilizing client portals, secure communication platforms, and virtual meeting solutions, we have enhanced accessibility and communication channels, allowing clients to interact with us seamlessly and access information conveniently. Furthermore, our use of cutting-edge technology has revolutionized legal research, analysis, and document management processes, ensuring that we provide clients with timely, well-informed advice tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Our commitment to technology extends to strengthening data security, privacy protection, and regulatory compliance measures. We understand the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive client information and maintaining confidentiality throughout our engagements. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, encryption mechanisms, and compliance frameworks, we mitigate risks associated with data breaches, cyber-attacks, and regulatory violations, thereby fostering trust and confidence among our clients.

 

Is technology changing the way you interact with your clients, and the services you can provide them?

Indeed, technology is fundamentally transforming the way we interact with our clients and the services we offer at Pekin & Pekin. By utilizing digital communication platforms, such as email, video conferencing, and secure client portals, we can maintain constant and convenient contact with clients, regardless of their location. This facilitates real-time collaboration, ensures timely responses to inquiries, and fosters greater transparency throughout the legal processes. Furthermore, technology has expanded the scope and quality of services we can provide to our clients. Advanced legal research tools and data analytics platforms empower us to conduct deeper analysis, identify relevant legal precedents, and develop innovative solutions to complex legal challenges. Additionally, document automation and management systems enable us to streamline workflows, reduce manual errors, and increase the efficiency of document preparation and review processes. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, we can provide more accessible, efficient, and personalized legal services that empower our clients to achieve their objectives with greater ease and confidence.

 

Can you give us a practical example of how you have helped a client to add value to their business?

Through our adept negotiation skills, we secured a landmark partnership agreement for our client. This agreement granted them exclusive access to a coveted market and included favorable terms such as profit-sharing arrangements and first right of refusal on future acquisitions, propelling their business to unprecedented heights of success.

By providing strategic guidance and innovative solutions, we assisted a startup company in navigating the challenging regulatory landscape. This facilitated their rapid expansion into new markets and positioned them as industry leaders in a remarkably short period, attracting significant investor interest and unlocking unparalleled growth opportunities.

We advised on syndicated loan transactions, secured by share pledge agreements and vessel mortgages over Turkish companies’ assets. Furthermore, we facilitated syndicate of multiple banks on loan facilities for the acquisition of indirect shares and debt refinancing of a Turkish ro-ro operating company. We also counseled a syndicate on a high-value facility agreement for power generating units installation in Türkiye, secured by moveable assets pledge, mortgage, account pledge, and receivables assignment. Moreover, we provided legal counsel to multinational clients across various industries, including finance, manufacturing, automotive, and technology sectors, advising on acquisitions, distributorship agreements, and data protection matters in Türkiye.

 

Are clients looking for stability and strategic direction from their law firms – where do you see the firm in three years’ time?

Indeed, clients are increasingly seeking stability and strategic direction from their law firms, especially amidst the evolving complexities of the legal landscape and the broader business environment.

Looking forward over a span of three years, we envision Pekin & Pekin as an esteemed partner and a leading force within the legal industry, demonstrating excellence both within Türkiye and within the international arena. We are committed to maintaining our reputation for excellence, expertise, integrity, and client-centric approach while also adapting to emerging trends, technologies, and regulatory developments. We anticipate our firm will persist in continuing to evolve and expand our service offerings to address the evolving needs of our clients.

We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within our firm, ensuring that we remain agile, adaptive, and responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our clients. By cultivating a dynamic and forward-thinking environment, we aspire to attract top talent, nurture strong client relationships, and position Pekin & Pekin as the premier destination for legal services in Türkiye and beyond.