Muhammed Akif Serdar is a Turkish attorney and joins us from the new class of the IDR LL.M at HU. Next to his LL.B. studies at Istanbul University, Akif also obtained B.A. degrees in Philosophy and Western Languages and Literatures at Bogazici University.

Akif interned with several law firms before joining the Istanbul based law firm ErsoyBilgehan as a full-time attorney in 2019, specializing particularly in maritime law and international transport matters.

Akif does also have in-house experience thanks to his internship at Netas where he worked with the company’s contract management department and familiarised himself with the contract formation and management processes.

Akif is interested in the philosophy of law and keeps himself abreast of the discussions in this interdisciplinary field. All the same, as an admirer of the city where he was born and raised, he defines himself an Istanbul enthusiast. As he puts it, being the setting where his identity was forged, Istanbul mesmerises him with its rhythm, temper, music, and most particularly its gastronomy presenting the shared culinary experiences of interwoven cultures that reigned over the city in the course of history. His favourite dish is a specialty called “Vişneli Yaprak Sarma“, which consists of grape leaves stuffed with rice, sour cherries, onion, pepper, pine nuts, and cinnamon.

Although yet at a debutant level, Akif is also learning a musical instrument called Rebab.

Akif speaks Turkish, French and English and we cannot wait for our exchanges on the law, philosophy and Turkish cuisine alike.