Interview with: M. Numan Genc, Partner, Attorney at Law

Numan Genc discusses the significance of tailored services and the advantages of operating as a boutique law firm with international reach. He sheds light on the global shift within the legal industry, illustrating how clients are altering their preferences from large, multinational law firms to more specialized, boutique establishments. This trend towards boutique law firms is becoming increasingly prevalent.

 

1) What do you see as the main points that differentiate GSU from your competitors?

At GSU, we pride ourselves on a unique blend of qualities that set us apart from our competitors, combining the personalized touch of a boutique firm with the expansive reach of an international legal powerhouse. Our team is adept at navigating both local and global legal landscapes, providing cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Our approach is centered on delivering bespoke services and solutions, meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

Our expansion from Istanbul to various countries is a testament to our dynamic adaptability and commitment to serving clients across borders. Our founding partner, M. Numan Genc, brings a wealth of expertise with his dual qualifications from Austria, offering legal support in German, English, and Turkish. This multilingual capability enhances our ability to cater to a diverse clientele, ensuring clear communication and a deep understanding of different legal systems.

Our firm’s prowess extends to key sectors such as construction, business, and information technology, where we boast an expert understanding and solid experience. This expertise is complemented by our team’s composition, which includes both seasoned lawyers and technical experts, allowing us to address complex issues with a multidisciplinary approach.

Recognizing the importance of financial accessibility, we offer fee flexibility through a client-oriented fee structure. This approach underscores our commitment to providing value-driven legal services, ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of legal support without undue financial burden.

Discover the GSU difference at www.gsu-law.com, where our dedication to excellence, combined with our unique blend of local insight and international expertise, positions us as the go-to legal partner for clients seeking innovative and effective legal solutions.

 

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

In the coming 12 months, we anticipate significant growth in several key practice areas, driven by both the challenges and opportunities presented by the current economic landscape. The financial constraints experienced both in Turkey and globally are expected to lead to an increase in restructuring proceedings. These challenging times, however, also present a wealth of opportunities for investors looking to acquire assets and forge partnership models for business ventures in Turkey and across Europe.

Particularly noteworthy is the construction sector in Europe, which is currently navigating through a financial crisis. This situation presents a unique opportunity for Turkish companies, known for their strong financial standing and exceptional qualifications in construction. These companies are recognized for their ability to rapidly complete construction projects, and many are seizing the chance to acquire and develop projects in Europe. This trend not only highlights the resilience and agility of Turkish construction firms but also underscores the potential for cross-border expansion and collaboration.

Furthermore, the post-COVID landscape has accelerated the shift towards remote work and online business models. This transformation is evident across various sectors, including IT solutions, e-commerce, and banking regulations, which are all experiencing growth due to an increased emphasis on online platforms and digital customer engagement. The expansion of online business models and the ability to connect customers and suppliers globally are set to drive growth in these areas over the next few months.

At our firm, we are well-positioned to support our clients through these evolving dynamics. Our expertise in restructuring, construction, IT, e-commerce, and regulatory compliance, combined with our deep understanding of both the Turkish and European markets, equips us to provide strategic legal services tailored to the unique needs of businesses navigating this complex environment.

 

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

The most significant transformation we have implemented at our firm, which promises substantial benefits for our clients, revolves around enhancing fee flexibility and strengthening our collaboration with technical experts. This strategic shift is designed to provide our clients with the most efficient and effective approach to tailored legal solutions.

Our commitment to fee flexibility ensures that we can offer a range of billing models that cater to the diverse financial circumstances and preferences of our clients. This approach allows us to work together with our clients in a more transparent and adaptable manner, ensuring that our legal services are accessible and aligned with their specific needs and objectives.

Simultaneously, our firm’s strong cooperation with technical experts across various fields amplifies our ability to devise bespoke solutions that are not only legally sound but also technically robust and commercially viable. This interdisciplinary approach enhances our capacity to tackle complex issues by integrating legal expertise with technical knowledge, resulting in more comprehensive and effective outcomes for our clients.

These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation and client satisfaction, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of providing personalized, efficient, and high-quality legal services.

 

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

Absolutely, technology plays a pivotal role in transforming how we engage with our clients and the caliber of services we are able to offer. At our firm, we embrace technology not just as a tool, but as a fundamental component of our legal practice. Our affinity for technology is reflected in our adoption of advanced software solutions that streamline our internal processes. This technology enables us to provide our clients with timely case summaries and updates, ensuring they are always informed about the status of their matters. Moreover, these tools assist us in meticulously tracking procedural steps, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of our work.

In addition to internal process optimization, technology has revolutionized our client interactions. Online meetings, in particular, have become a staple in our communication toolkit, significantly enhancing our accessibility. This shift to digital communication channels has made it easier for us to maintain close contact with our clients, irrespective of their location. This flexibility ensures that we can offer our legal expertise with convenience and without delay, aligning with our commitment to providing responsive and client-centered legal services.

 

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

Certainly, our firm’s strategic approach and expertise have been instrumental in adding substantial value to our clients’ businesses. One notable instance involves our specialization in construction projects, particularly in the realms of contract and claim management. We assisted our construction clients in adopting a more refined and recognized approach to managing their construction projects. This not only enhanced their project efficiency and risk management but also bolstered their reputation within the industry.

Additionally, our vast international network has been a key asset for our clients looking to broaden their horizons. We successfully supported one of our clients in extending their operations into the European and U.S. markets, facilitating their global expansion and helping them navigate the complexities of entering new markets with different regulatory landscapes.

Furthermore, we provided invaluable assistance to a family-owned companies in structuring their shareholding rights. Through our deep understanding of corporate law, we helped them restructure their shareholding and holding structures. This strategic move not only optimized their internal governance but also positioned them for more sustainable growth and potential future investments.

These examples underscore our commitment to providing holistic legal solutions that extend beyond traditional legal advice, directly contributing to our clients’ strategic development and operational success.

 

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

Clients today are indeed in search of not just legal services but a stable and strategic partnership from their law firms. Our firm has earned a reputation for providing pre-emptive legal measures that protect our clients’ investments and facilitate their day-to-day operations. This proactive approach positions us increasingly as direct advisors to boards of directors, especially valuable for clients aiming to expand their business into Europe. Our expertise across different jurisdictions, coupled with our multilingual capabilities in German, English, and Turkish, makes us a significant asset. Clients appreciate our ability to navigate various legal landscapes, leveraging our international background to access diverse markets.

Looking ahead, we envision our firm solidifying its position as a leading boutique law firm with a strong international presence over the next three years. Our focus will be on deepening our ties with clients from the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), assisting them in navigating the Turkish market, and conversely, supporting Turkish businesses in making inroads into the DACH region. Our unique blend of local expertise and international reach will continue to be our hallmark, offering clients unparalleled legal support as they pursue their global ambitions.