Thought Leaders: TMT 2017

Ceylin Beyli is the founder and managing lawyer of CBL Law Office and a registered attorney before Istanbul Bar Association since 2004. She graduated from Galatasaray University Faculty of Law in 2002 and received her LLM degree in CyberLaw from Leeds University School of Law in 2003. She is listed in many reputable sources as the “go-to person” for corporate, TMT and IT related matters in Turkey, since 2010. See her LinkedIn profile at tr.linkedin.com/in/ceylinbeyli.

What attracted you to a career in information technology law?

During my third year in law school, I realised that I was quite drawn to technology and its interaction with the law. I simply followed my curiosity and I’m delighted to see it turned into a successful career

What is the most interesting case you have worked on?

I have had many interesting cases to date, although I’m not sure I can share details without breaking confidentiality.

As an independent, boutique law firm, how does CBL Law Office maintain its position in an international market?

By remaining independent and boutique, and by making sure that the legal services provided to our clients remain value-added, results-oriented and always of the highest possible quality.

What is the defining feature of CBL Law Office’s TMT practice?

Expertise, quality, teamwork and a global approach to legal problems.

How have the recent political events in Turkey affected your practice?

Surprisingly, not as much as I anticipated or feared. I’m happy to see that foreign clients keep a close eye on the local developments, but do not suspend their projects concerning Turkey (partially or fully).

What advice would you share with other practitioners who hope to one day be in your position?

To make the most of their education by developing their skills from their college days and not from when they start a career; to invest in foreign languages and cultures; and to always keep in mind that the world is changing – and so is the law – by moving beyond borders every day.

How would you like your practice to develop further in the coming years?

CBL Law Office is a young but strong practice, going back nearly seven years. I’d like to see it grow stronger by protecting its quality and values, strong teamwork and expertise in TMT and IP fields; adding further areas to its work (such as corporate commercial, employment, maritime and tax law) as we have done in the past two years; and attracting more young talents to strengthen its human resources even more.