With the 2025 Turkish General Counsel Summit taking place tomorrow, Herguner Managing Partner Senem Denktas reflects on the upcoming event and what she’s looking forward to the most.
CEELM: Why did your firm decide to participate in the event?
Denktas: There are a few reasons. First, it’s a great opportunity to meet General Counsels face to face – something we truly value. Second, it helps us increase our visibility in the market. And most importantly, this year is special for us: our office is celebrating its 36th anniversary. I’ve been with Herguner for 27 of those years, and over time, the firm has become a steady, well-established presence in the Turkish legal market. Many of the GCs attending used to be our colleagues, so the event is also a wonderful chance to reconnect and catch up with old friends.
CEELM: What are you most looking forward to at the Summit?
Denktas: Besides the personal connections, I’m really looking forward to hearing what’s on the minds of GCs in Turkiye right now. The legal environment is changing fast, and their roles are evolving alongside it. I want to better understand which issues are shaping their work, what challenges they face in practice, and what new expectations they may have from external counsel.
CEELM: Which topics do you expect to hear discussed most during the panels?
Denktas: Judging by the program, technology will be front and center – especially how AI can be integrated into the legal profession. I’m curious to hear different perspectives on how we can make this transition both smooth and meaningful. At the same time, I’m interested in how all players in the market – in-house teams, external counsel, regulators, and authorities – interact to shape this transformation. It’s like being in a kitchen where everyone adds their own ingredients to create something new together, and I’m eager to hear insights straight from where things are “cooking.”
CEELM: Why do you think in-house counsel should make sure to attend this event?
Denktas: Events like this are invaluable because they allow peers to exchange experiences and ideas in an open, collaborative way. In-house lawyers often face similar challenges, so it’s a great opportunity to discuss solutions, share strategies, and learn from each other. It’s also a chance to stay updated on trends and build personal connections beyond work.
What stood out to me when reviewing the program is the incredible presence of women among the speakers and moderators – nearly 75%. That’s quite unique and something to be proud of. The Turkish legal market is seeing more and more women in leadership roles, and that’s a powerful message in itself. It reflects how much the profession has evolved and the strength women bring to the sector.
