Working together to improve our way of life

As an international business in Turkey and as a family firm we consider our community to be both local and global. As such our initiatives span both communities. We also encourage our people to get involved in projects where they believe they can make a difference. Legal staff are encouraged to increase access to justice. The rewards speak for themselves.

Pro Bono

Pekin & Pekin undertakes pro bono work for a diverse range of clients - socially conscious organisations, NGOs, education establishments and microcredit facilitators. Below are projects from 2009 undertaken by the Firm. Following are personal pro bono projects undertaken by lawyers in their own time.

FINCA

FINCA International Village Banking Program is a microfinance initiative providing small loans to local entrepreneurs. Pekin & Pekin was approached by FINCA to provide advice on a pro bono basis on the establishment of an office in Turkey. The advice was given by our Corporate team. Click here to visit the FINCA website.

Ashoka

Ashoka is a global association for entrepreneurs working for solutions to urgent social needs. Pekin & Pekin provided advice to Ashoka on employment issues concerning the branch office in Turkey. The advice was given by our Employment team. Click here to learn more about Ashoka global and here for Ashoka Turkey.

Alfred University

Alfred University is the second oldest co-ed university in the US founded on the principle of education for all. Pekin & Pekin advised Alfred University on the illegal use and opertiaon of its brand name in Turkey. The case was handled by our Dispute Resolution practice team. Click here to visit the university's webpages.

UMUC

The University of Maryland University College (“UMUC”) is Pekin & Pekin assisted the UMUC on local educational regulations on subjects such as distance learning and the establishment of a Turkish representative. The advice was given by our Corporate team. Enter UMUC's homepage here.

Personal Pro Bono

Pekin & Pekin lawyers use their legal skills for personal pro bono projects. Below are examples.

Ahmed Pekin - Government

Ahmed Pekin is widely acknowledged as leading lawyer in turkey and as such is regularly called upon to contribute to draft legislation on Turkish banking law in particular. Most recently Mr. Pekin has helped sculpt the new Islamic banking law.

Fethi Pekin and Osman Akın - Sports

Fethi Pekin and Osman Akın are dedicated to their football club Fenerbahçe. Both are members of 1907 FBO Businessmen Association of Fenerbahçe and are serving their third terms. As part of their devotion to the club they provide pro-bono legal assistance to 1907 FBO.

Charity

In addition to private charitable donations, Pekin & Pekin is committed to certain organisations and donates funds on a monthly basis:

• Turkey’s Disabled Persons Sports Aid and Education Organisation website
• Homeless Dogs Association website

Each new year the Firm makes a substantial donation to a leading charity. For 2010 the chosen charity is the Educational Volunteers Foundation of Turkey (TEGV), an NGO operating in the field of education with the motto One child changes, Turkey changes

Culture & The Arts

Istanbul has been gaining popularity as a modern city of merging cultures and vibrant people. The most significant project underway is European Capital of Culture, for which we are proud to be involved as a corporate partner.

Each year cities are chosen by the European Union to be a European Capital of Culture. Cities have chance to showcase developments in culture and the unique spirit. By being designated a European City of Culture many cities have transformed their international profile and rejuvenated local participation in cultural and urban projects that bring together their communities.

Learn about initiatives in Istanbul here.

Education

Pekin & Pekin donated to the building of a USD1mn community school dormitory for girls established by the Ministry of Education.

For the past eight years we have provided bursaries to countless students in their bids to become lawyers. Currently we provide monthly bursaries to 10 students in the Law Faculty of Istanbul University. For 2010 we hope to provide even more assistance to dedicated students through the offering of scholarships and employment opportunities post-university.

The Firm also sponsors moot courts and student publications and has funded graduation ceremonies for those law students who make it through to the other side!

Related link

Corporate Responsibility

Vural Günal – Committed to opening law to all