Top 10 Leading Figures in Law, 2022
Through successful due diligence, compliance, and corporate acquisition initiatives, İbrahim Can Narin has become one of the leading figures in the legal sector. In addition to these responsibilities, he manages the compliance processes of 100 local and international companies under the Personal Data Protection Law. Leaders in Law 2020 Awards: Best Data Protection Lawyer of the Year. He currently serves as a partner at KN & Partners and as a mentor at Marmara University.

İbrahim completed Marmara University Faculty of Law in three years. During his studies, he focused on corporate law and maritime trade law. After successfully managing the compliance, legal risk, and ethics processes of 14 companies, he developed investment and acquisition operations. Here are the highlights from the interview:

Could you tell us a bit about the company?

Küçükislamoğlu | Narin & Partners (“KN”) is a full-service law firm headquartered in Istanbul, operating in Ankara and across Turkey. Since 2019, it has taken over the legacy of Nesil Law Firm, one of Turkey’s top insurance law firms. KN & Partners has one of the youngest and most innovative teams in Turkey. The success of our law firm has been recognized by numerous authorities that evaluate law firms.

Why did you choose to specialize in Corporate and Maritime Trade Law?

The main reason I directed my career path toward Corporate and Maritime Trade Law is that the complex relationship between law and business largely requires advanced knowledge and expertise in both fields. Additionally, I often found myself dealing with issues related to companies, maritime vessels, and similar matters. I developed unique approaches to these problems and greatly enjoyed producing high-quality solutions in the process.

As a partner, what are your main roles and responsibilities in the company?

My position at KN & Partners carries all kinds of significant responsibilities. For example, I take a leading role in shaping our relationships with clients and providing tailored solutions to meet the needs and expectations of our business partners. Additionally, I personally support new members in adapting to the firm, introducing them to the practical aspects of law, and helping them develop their professional vision. Sharing experience and guiding those seeking direction is extremely important to me.

How would you describe yourself both professionally and personally?

I don’t shape my personality according to the place I’m in or the work I do. Therefore, it’s difficult to give a single answer because my character is intertwined with both my professional and personal life. No matter the circumstances, I hate feeling down. That’s why I always keep my morale high and maintain a positive and strong attitude. Another important trait of mine is that I never hesitate to collaborate with my team members on any matter. Since we are living in an unprecedented era, I place great importance on the opinions and feelings of others.

What changes would you like to bring about in society?

Like every lawyer who believes that justice is valuable in itself, I embarked on this long marathon to contribute to society’s adoption of the concept of justice. The lack of justice in our institutions makes life unbearable and chaotic. Therefore, I aspire to bring the best reflection of a fair and righteous world to our society.

What has been your greatest achievement so far, and why?

Putting aside all the material successes that my past points to, I want to emphasize the fundamental element that defines who I am. I always imagined a new version of myself with the skills necessary to realize my dreams. Reaching this vision of myself is what I consider my greatest achievement.

What advice would you give to aspiring leaders and enthusiasts considering a career in law?

The first thing that comes to mind is to tell aspiring leaders and enthusiasts aiming for a solid career in law that no matter what challenges or setbacks they face, they should never give up. This advice has long been my guiding motto because the great dreams we carry deep inside can be shaken by disappointments the moment we step into the profession. To overcome the burden of these disappointments, one must learn resilience. I believe that working hard without worrying about what others think of you is the best way to achieve the results you seek.

Where do you see yourself and the company in the coming years?

Adanmış ekibimizin desteği ve kullandığımız yenilikçi araçlarla, şimdiden alanında en hızlı büyüyen ofislerden biri olan hukuk büromuzun hem yerel pazarlarda hem de küresel ölçekte etkili, tam donanımlı bir firmaya dönüşeceğini öngörüyorum. Ayrıca, büyüyen dinamik ve yetkin ekibimiz sayesinde daha fazla ihtiyaç sahibine ücretsiz hukuki destek (pro-bono) sağlamayı umuyorum. Böyle bir hukuk bürosunu en iyi şekilde yönetmek ve müvekkillerimize en uygun çözümleri sunmak, gelecekte kendimi konumlandırdığım yerdir.