By Cemil Ozyurt - The Turkish-American lawyers have practiced in 21 different states, from Florida to California, New York to Texas. New York is a home for Turkish-American lawyers. According to research, 82 Turkish-American lawyers have practiced in New York State, 38 lawyers are located in California, and 25 lawyers have practiced in Washington, DC. According to TurkofAmerica’s research on Turkish-American lawyers in the U.S., the most experienced lawyer is
Elizer Kapuya, who has practiced since 1975 in Los Angeles. After Kapuya, the second-most experienced lawyer is
Aydın S. Çağınalp, who has practiced in New York since 1976. He is listed in the Best Lawyers in America.
Melih Doğan also has practiced since 1979 in New York. New York is a home for Turkish-American lawyers.
Seda Aktas was honored as a new member of the Top 40 Under 40. She has successfully handled hundreds of trials so far in her career. Aktas Law, P.A. is one of the largest Turkish-American law firms in Florida. They have served to its clients in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami and Orlando. Being a former prosecutor Seda Aktas graduated with honors from UMASS Amherst in Massachusetts. She talked to TURKOFAMERICA. 
When she graduated from the law school in 2001, the economy had taken a hit and then September 11 happened. Petek Günay was looking for a job in corporate law when a great deal of corporate activity had virtually stopped. She responded to a job listing that said, “Get an opportunity to work on cases you read about in newspapers.” A week later, she had her first job in litigation. Günay answered TurkofAmerica’s questions. 
As a young and energetic lawyer, Barbaros Karaahmet first started at Herrick, Feinstein, LLP in 1995 and worked there until 2001. Ten years later, he re-joined the company as a partner. Today Karaahmet, Co-Chair of Herrick, Feinstein, LLP’s Turkish Practice Group answered our questions. 
Could you tell us about your personal background?
Iskender (Alex) Cemaletin, Esq., is one of the few Turkish-American lawyers who was raised in New York. He immigrated with his family from Turkey to New York in 1963. He graduated from Hofstra University, School of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1987. He has practiced immigration law for over 26 years and has maintained his main office in the same building, located in downtown New York City at 401 Broadway, New York, NY 10013. 
“There is a huge increase in business people who either invested in or established a business in the U.S.,” says Remzi Güvenç Kulen of Kulen Law, New York based law firm. “I think the interest is warranted since we have better companies and brilliant business people who can compete in the U.S.,” he adds. Kulen is a graduate of Marmara Law School in Istanbul and Tulane Law School in New Orleans. He is a member of American Immigration Lawyers Association and active in NY Chapter’s Corporate Law and USCIS committees. He writes articles in print and web media and he is a frequent guest on Turkish and U.S. TV stations. He is also invited to various panels, to speak about investment opportunities in the U.S., and visa options for professionals and foreign employees. He is also an active community member. He answered our questions. 
Looking back to the early 1980’s, one would not be able to find many Turkish professionals, including attorneys, accountants or physicians in the United States. J. Cahit Akbulut, an attorney currently operating his own law practice in New York City, had the courage to undertake the challenge to change this reality. 
The bill concerning the over 10 million illegal immigrants in America, waiting to be approved in the Congress, gives hopes to many people. Although the passing of the bill seems to be a challenge in a Republican majority Congress, immigration lawyers are hopeful. Working in New York in immigration law, lawyer Birsen Aksakal says, “The passing of the bill does not seem very likely but how much longer can the issue of illegal immigrants be avoided?”
“The biggest challenge is to understand the business culture in the United States,” says Mehmet Fırat Polat, New York based business lawyer. “Spreading the trade across different sectors should be a target. I hope that in the future we will achieve a balance in the bilateral trade,” he adds. Polat Law Firm has served its clients in their legal matters since 2007. 
Saltzman & Evinch, PLLC provides a variety of legal services to foreign and domestic clients in the private and public sectors. The firm, celebrates its 20th anniversary, concentrates on matters relating to Turkey and the surrounding region, providing an in-depth understanding of the area, its people and cultures; talent and experience in domestic and foreign legal system; and an extensive network of professionals and support staff. One of its founders, Gunay Evinch who is also a leader in the Turkish-American community, talked to TURKOFAMERICA. 
Vanessa Seckin represents clients ranging from members of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People list to NBA stars, from physicians to scientists. “It’s all about the marketing power of word of mouth and building a bridge of trust with clients that brings more clients,” she says. 
Sevil Özışık received her LL.B degree from Dokuz Eylul University Law Faculty in İzmir and her LL.M degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia. She is a member of both the New York Bar Association in the U.S. and the Istanbul Bar Association in Turkey. She has also been active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and is a member of the American Bar Association. 
