Tell us about your career choice and journey. And what made you decide to pursue a career in law?
From the very beginning, law has been more than just a career choice for me; it has also been a field where I can express myself and develop different perspectives. The fact that it requires analytical thinking, as well as its close connection to people and the real dynamics of life, were decisive factors in my decision to pursue this field.
Starting from my university years, I had the opportunity to explore various areas of law. What stood out most during this process was realizing that working with constantly changing and evolving issues suited me better than being tied to a single area. Especially as I encountered technology and data-driven topics, my desire to be part of a more dynamic and evolving field became clear.
Over time, this interest enabled me to make more conscious career choices, and I positioned myself within topics closely intertwined with technology. By engaging with various legal fields, I continued to build a career journey that adapts to evolving needs and emerging areas.
What are the most important factors when considering a career in law?
In my view, the most important factors when planning a career in law are curiosity, discipline, and perseverance. Law is not merely a field based on knowledge; it also involves a multi-layered structure that requires viewing events from different perspectives, analyzing them, and generating solutions. Additionally, strong communication skills and the ability to adapt quickly to change are crucial. Because law is not a field that progresses within a fixed framework; it possesses a dynamic structure where one constantly encounters new situations and must rethink approaches each time.
Tell us about your education and studies. How did you find life at Istanbul University? Do you have any invaluable advice you’d like to share with current law students?
The education I received at Istanbul University provided me with a strong theoretical foundation. Graduating at the top of my class was a significant source of motivation for me; however, over time, I realized that what truly made a difference was supplementing this theoretical knowledge with diverse practical experiences.
During my student years, I had the opportunity to complete my first internship; subsequently, by undertaking internships in various fields, I gained the chance to explore different aspects of law more closely. This process allowed me to shape my career path more consciously.
For this reason, my most important advice to current law students is to experience as many different fields as possible and view this period as a process of discovery. Because it is only through these experiences that one can clearly identify the field that best suits them.
After completing your education, you worked at several leading law firms. How did you find working in private practice?
I had quite a bit of private practice experience before starting my in-house career. This process was an extremely intense yet equally educational experience. Working with clients from different sectors and with varying needs requires quick adaptation in a short time. Being able to focus on multiple issues simultaneously while giving each the same level of attention was highly influential in my professional development and in-house career.
Are there any differences you found between working in private practice and in-house?
Yes, I can say there are distinct differences between the two work environments. Working with clients from various sectors and with different needs in private practice allows you to gain a broader perspective in a short time. In this regard, it offers a highly dynamic learning environment.
In-house, however, you have the opportunity to get to know the company and the industry more closely. This requires approaching legal assessments not only from the perspective of legislation or contracts but also in conjunction with the company’s commercial goals and operational needs. For me, the most significant difference was precisely this shift in perspective.
You joined Doğuş Teknoloji in 2019 as a junior lawyer and, after six successful years, you are now a senior lawyer. Tell us about your experiences and your growth within such a leading organization.
When I joined Doğuş Teknoloji as a Junior Lawyer in 2019, I was in a role focused on learning and progressing with guidance. Over time, I had the opportunity to develop both my legal knowledge and my work style.
Participating in various projects has made my perspective on law more holistic. Moving beyond a purely regulatory-focused approach, I’ve adopted a broader evaluation method that also considers business needs and practical implications. Throughout this process, I’ve evolved from a purely supportive role to one where I take initiative, adopt a solution-oriented approach, and take ownership of the process. At the same time, by working within a group of companies and a holding structure, I had the opportunity to engage with various business sectors.
Today, as a Senior Lawyer, I take on greater responsibilities and approach legal assessments from a much broader perspective. The most significant gain for me on this journey has been developing the ability to evaluate both technical knowledge and practical business applications together.
What are your reflections on the culture of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession in Turkey?
For me, diversity and inclusion are not merely about numerical representation; they mean truly making space for different perspectives and creating equal opportunities for everyone to grow. From my own experience, I have seen that this approach makes internal team communication and decision-making processes more efficient.
For this reason, I believe this approach needs to be implemented more widely. I believe awareness of this issue is gradually increasing in Turkey; however, it is still difficult to say at this stage that this is reflected in practice to the same extent.
How do you see the new generation of women lawyers?
I believe the new generation of women lawyers is highly skilled, confident, and possesses a more open perspective on the world. In particular, their mastery of technology and ability to adapt quickly to change provide a significant professional advantage.
My observation is that this generation is moving forward in a more flexible and solution-oriented manner, not only in terms of knowledge but also in terms of work style and problem-solving approach. I believe this will bring a more dynamic and innovation-friendly approach to the legal field.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be?
If I weren’t a lawyer, I’d likely be working in a field that requires analytical thinking and problem-solving, closely tied to the business world. I’d be particularly drawn to Product Management or strategic consulting. The fact that these roles require collaborating across different disciplines and tackling a problem end-to-end resonates strongly with me.
Since I enjoy learning new things and making connections across different fields, I would choose a career path that fits this structure.
Which women have inspired you the most?
Rather than a single name, I’m more inspired by women who consistently advance in their fields and continue to create despite the challenges they face. I also believe that women we encounter in daily life—who often carry powerful stories even if they aren’t always visible—are equally inspiring. Additionally, in my younger years, I portrayed Afet İnan in a theater play, and her strong presence has left a lasting impression on me ever since.
This experience made it more tangible for me that strong female figures can create a lasting impact on people in different times and in different ways.
What motivates and inspires you?
Being open to continuous learning and seeing that my work yields tangible results are among the things that motivate me the most. Being able to grasp a new topic quickly, developing myself through various projects, and feeling that I’ve improved over time are very valuable to me. Additionally, resolving an issue, contributing to the process, and feeling that I’ve truly made an impact also enhance the satisfaction I derive from my work. In particular, seeing the outcome of a topic I’ve dedicated effort to is one of the most important factors that keeps my motivation alive.
In your career so far, what achievement are you most proud of?
Rather than a single moment or achievement, the growth I’ve demonstrated over time and the increasing responsibilities I’ve taken on are more meaningful to me. Additionally, the academic achievements I’ve earned at various stages throughout my education and graduating at the top of my class serve as a strong testament to my disciplined approach to work.
In my professional life, receiving the “Leaving a Mark on the Future” award consecutively at Doğuş Technology was a significant turning point for me, serving as a tangible recognition of my contributions and consistent performance. Successfully managing these processes and, in particular, being part of the solution in more complex projects are among the most valuable gains in my career.
How do you manage your current work-life balance?
I strive to maintain a work-life balance by using my time efficiently and setting the right priorities. Even during busy periods, staying socially active outside of work is very important to me. As a social person, participating in events and workshops, seeing new places, and experiencing different things does me good. Whenever I get the chance, traveling abroad to observe different cultures and gain new perspectives is also very enriching for me. I believe this aspect of my personality complements the nature of law, which involves constant interaction with people.
What advice would you give to female students who are about to enter the legal industry?
Instead of focusing on a single area from the start, I recommend they explore different fields. Discovering the area they’re interested in and where they can grow over time is much healthier. Because this process helps them identify both their strengths and where they’ll be most productive and happy in the long run.
Additionally, building a strong network, connecting with diverse people, and developing mentoring relationships can make a significant difference in one’s career journey. I believe that these relationships, when established with the right people, not only broaden one’s perspective but also provide crucial guidance throughout the career journey.