I have served as the inaugural Legal Counsel at Pavo Group, pioneering the establishment of our Legal Counsel Department and fostering a culture of legal diligence across all levels of the organization. Today, it is unanimously understood that no project commences without a comprehensive legal assessment under my guidance.

In my role, I am entrusted with several key responsibilities. These include championing preventive legal practices to safeguarding Pavo Group’s interests, devising bespoke legal strategies tailored to the defense and technology sectors, and adeptly managing risks. I ensure strict adherence to industry regulations while meticulously overseeing the legal aspects of our diverse business operations. Handling disputes, whether through negotiation or litigation, is another critical facet of my role, always adhering to the highest ethical standards.

Leading a legal team, I review contracts, manage negotiations, and oversee official procedures and amendment requests. Providing expert legal counsel and addressing intricate labor law issues are my daily responsibilities. When needed, I coordinate with external legal experts and manage pre-litigation negotiations, ensuring robust legal representation.

Moreover, I play pivotal role in setting up compliance frameworks during company establishments and maintain transparency in all legal proceedings.

What have been the most critical challenges in your current role, and how do you address them?

One of the biggest challenges I face is managing emergencies that require quick and effective decision-making. To overcome this, I develop comprehensive crisis management plans and document them in detail, ensuring that swift solutions can be implemented when unexpected situations arise.

Another challenge is managing legal risks across various sectors in which our company operates. I mitigate these risks by implementing rigorous risk assessment processes, identifying potential risks, and communicating them to senior management to take proactive measures.

Effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders is also crucial. I address this by implementing a transparent communication strategy, holding regular meetings, and providing reports.

By continuously monitoring the complex regulations in the defense and technology sectors, I stay ahead. These strategies enable me to effectively manage the challenges I encounter.

Throw light on the most important professional milestone you have achieved throughout your professional journey. What has your success mantra been over the years?

One of the most significant milestones in my career was being appointed as the first Legal Counsel of Pavo Group and establishing the Legal Counsel Department. This initiative was pivotal for both my professional growth and the company’s development. By founding this department, we introduced a systematic and efficient approach to managing the company’s legal processes. I dedicated myself to fostering legal awareness across all levels of the organization, establishing a robust culture of internal compliance. Today, it is a standard at Pavo Group that no project commences without a legal counsel report.

My success mantra has consistently been grounded in the principle of 'preventive law,' which focuses on identifying and mitigating potential legal issues before they arise. I have always prioritized continuous learning and staying abreast of sector innovations and legal regulations.

I believe in leveraging every experience to enhance future outcomes, always operating with a preventive mindset. I challenge myself to consider what counter-arguments I would propose if I were on the opposing side, which sharpens my strategy. Open communication and the willingness to share my knowledge and thoughts openly, without fear of criticism, are vital to my methodology. By putting myself in others' shoes, I develop effective counter-arguments and take swift, decisive action.

In today's dynamic business environment, how can corporate law leaders ensure their organizations are 'future-proofed'?

In today's dynamic business environment, corporate legal leaders must leverage technology and advocate practices such as risk management, continuous professional development, collaboration and transparent communication. Technology integration streamlines operations and enables rapid compliance with changing regulations. These strategies prepare organizations for the future and enable them to meet challenges.

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders:

To my fellow professionals in the legal field: Continuously strive for improvement in your areas of expertise. Ensure your reports are detailed and written, and stay updated with current legislation and decisions. Engage in legal discussions with colleagues; these exchanges can be highly educational.

In a broader sense, don't let a patriarchal system hold you back. Value the work you do and remember that time is precious—make sure not to miss out on life. Take control of your career rather than letting it control you, and don’t neglect your personal life. Make time to recharge and don’t fear failure; it's part of growth. Embrace mistakes as learning experiences, but be mindful to avoid repeating them.

Elcin Erdinc, Head – Legal, Pavo Group

Elcin erdinc serves as the legal counsel of pavo group, pioneering the establishment of their legal counsel department. With a focus on preventive law and strategic risk management, she ensures legal compliance and fosters a culture of transparency and efficiency within the organization.