Women In Law Türkiye Interview : Minel Sabancı, Senior Legal Counsel at Sandoz

Tell us about your career choice and journey. And what made you decide to get into law? And What are the most important factors when considering a career in law.

Even when I was 6 years old, everyone said I should become a lawyer because I was so talkative and defensive all the time. As I grew older, I realized that this would be the best choice because of my personality. I studied law at Marmara University Faculty of Law and graduated in 2021. While I was a student, I always worked in different places such as law firm, tax company, and holding’s law department as legal intern to understand what I really want to be. My one-year holding’s law department journey helped me to make sure that I was born to be an in-house lawyer and life helped me to live that ambition. After one week my graduation, I had started to work as trainee lawyer at Novartis, and it was amazing journey to improve and proof myself. After 2 years there, I started to work at Sandoz as Legal Counsel and as of 01.10.2024, I have been working as Senior Legal Counsel. I didn’t plan to be a lawyer in pharma sector, it was all coincidence, but I felt grateful everyday of it.  The most important factors when considering a career in law; to love what you do because being a lawyer brings many responsibilities and stress most of the time. For someone who doesn't like to be lawyer, it becomes an ordeal, but for someone who loves their job, it just means an opportunity for development. Also, it is necessary to constantly stay up to date not only with the legislation but also with technology. Last and foremost, to stay ambitious and curious all the time and enjoy every part of it.

Which practice areas gave you the most interest during your education at Marmara University and do you use all of them in your current career? 

People think that corporate lawyers only deal with corporate subjects, but this is an illusion, we touch upon every area of ​​law in our daily routine. I am lucky that I received a very comprehensive education at Marmara University. My interests have always been in the law of obligations, competition law, and commercial law. My job gives me the most exposure to these areas.

You started your career in private practice. Talk to us about your experiences and what differences you find working in private practice and in-house. 

The dynamics of the two areas are very different. The law firm days were a time when I was running around the courthouse, and the deadlines were entering my dreams. 

First, it meant communicating with different people and dealing with different problems every day. Of course, clients can change constantly. Being an in-house, on the other hand, offers a more personal space where you have more control and the people you communicate with are mostly fixed. In addition, it allows you to give your opinion not only as a lawyer but also as a business partner and to be a stakeholder in the company's important projects and decisions.

You are currently senior legal counsel at Sandoz. Talk to us about your role. What does a typical working week look like to you? 

Since we have a small team, we do not have a specific division of responsibilities. I provide support on all matters related to law on the commercial and manufacturing side of Sandoz. This actually provides the opportunity to encounter and learn something new every day. The commercial side and manufacturing side have different topics most of the time. The pharmaceutical industry is a highly regulated industry, and we are working tirelessly to ensure full compliance with this regulation and to be an active part of Sandoz Global. That's why two days are not the same, I think that's why I wake up with the same excitement every day.

What are your reflections on the culture of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Türkiye? 

Today, we see a significant increase in diversity in the industry, with lawyers from different backgrounds, races, and genders. As a woman, I'm most proud of the fact that the majority of legal teams in most companies are women.

How do you see the new generation of women lawyers? 

We're all incredibly ambitious and motivated. We're not afraid to learn, work, or take on significant responsibilities. It's a real honor, and being part of such a community is incredibly motivating.

If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be? 

If I were not a lawyer, I would be a psychologist. Listening to people's thoughts and different life stories always inspires me.

Which women have inspired you the most? 

The person who inspired me the most has always been my mother, someone who never stops improving herself, standing on her own two feet and standing strong no matter what. She raised me with the perception that a woman can achieve anything and supported me relentlessly, so I am truly grateful. In addition, I worked with mostly female managers. Their strong stance and ability to handle many roles in their private lives, despite them all being successful, served as excellent role models for me. Women beautify everything they touch.

What motivates and inspires you? 

One of the things that motivates me the most is that women who work hard and are not afraid to take on responsibility are also seen by the management of the companies and that the way for advancement in our careers is becoming clearer every day. Another motivating factor is being a part of shaping the future of Sandoz and achieving success together.

In your career so far what achievement are you most proud of? 

As someone at the beginning of my career, I'm delighted with where I've reached and the responsibility I've taken on. I was promoted to senior attorney in the beginning oo third year of my career, and this title has inspired me to do even better.

How do you manage your current work / life balance? 

I am one of those who believe that a lawyer has no working hours. I think a lawyer should be available when something important happens or when legal advice is needed even on holiday. Despite this thought, I try to travel whenever I have time and spend time with my loved ones and, of course, myself.

What advice would you give to female students who are about to enter the legal industry?

I believe that it's important to work as an intern even while you're a student. I've benefited greatly from working throughout my student life. Since our profession is not just about books, it is important to learn by experience and understand which field you want to work in. My other advice is to follow current developments, be brave and never give up on pursuing your dreams.