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On May 16, 2025, Bıçak Law Firm proudly took part in the ILF Virtual European Conference 2025, a high-level event focused on the challenges and opportunities of data privacy in the digital era – particularly in relation to artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, and digital assets. Managing Partner Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak was featured as a keynote speaker in the “Spotlight” panel, where he delivered a presentation titled “Introducing Bıçak Law Firm: Bridging Legal Expertise from Türkiye to the World.” His presentation showcased the firm’s strategic mission, global vision, and leading role in practice areas such as data protection, white-collar crime, international arbitration, and regulatory compliance. The conference served as a key platform for legal professionals across the ILF network to exchange insights, foster collaboration, and strengthen cross-border legal engagement in an increasingly tech-driven regulatory landscape.
Spotlight on Data Privacy, Crypto, and AI
Themed “Enhancing Data Privacy in the Digital Era: Crypto, AI & Beyond,” the conference brought together the International Law Firms (ILF) members, legal innovators, and thought leaders to explore regulatory frameworks and legal challenges emerging from AI-driven technologies, digital assets, and advanced data processing.
Bıçak Law Firm is pleased to share insights from its participation in the 2025 ILF Virtual European Conference, held under the theme “Enhancing Data Privacy in the Digital Era: Crypto, AI, and Beyond.” The event brought together leading law firms from across the globe to discuss the evolving legal landscape shaped by emerging technologies, cross-border privacy obligations, and AI-driven disruption. The session was hosted by Tony Maalouli, Chairman of the International Law Firms Association, and opened with a warm welcome to newly admitted members, including Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak (Türkiye).
Objectives of the Conference
- Deliver High-Value Insights: Address the evolving regulatory landscape of data privacy, crypto compliance, and AI-driven legal challenges.
- Strengthen the ILF Network: Enable members and new firms to showcase expertise and foster business collaborations.
- Encourage Future Referrals & Growth: Facilitate brainstorming sessions to enhance cross-border cooperation and ILF’s strategic expansion.
Key Themes and Presentations
Dr. Anita Vereb delivered a compelling presentation titled “Hungry AI – Obeying GDPR While Feeding the Machine,” analyzing how the EU’s AI Act intersects with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). She addressed complex compliance issues such as anonymization, pseudonymization, and lawful data processing when building AI systems.
Following a short break, Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak presented an overview of Bıçak Law Firm, which has over 30 years of experience in white-collar crime and criminal law, international dispute resolution, commercial and corporate law, real estate and technology law, and family law. Operating out of Ankara and Istanbul, the firm was highlighted for its multilingual team, cross-border practice, and strong commitment to collaboration within the ILF network.
Cutting-Edge Legal Dialogues
The conference featured rich discussions around the legal implications of AI and blockchain, with topics including intellectual property rights in AI-generated content, the compatibility of smart contracts and the GDPR’s right to be forgotten, blockchain-based real estate transfers and digital wills, and legal personality and liability frameworks for autonomous AI systems. Türkiye’s experience with facial recognition technology and policing was also shared.
Members also reflected on global AI developments, including China’s open-source innovation model and the EU’s privacy-first approach, while exploring the idea of AI as the next industrial revolution.
AI in Legal Practice
Several members shared practical insights on AI integration in legal workflows, such as automating litigation document review, using tools like LexisNexis Protege, and developing partnerships with AI-focused legaltech startups. These exchanges underscored how law firms are adapting to technological change while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Collaboration and ILF Initiatives
The conference closed with proposals to strengthen collaboration across the ILF network. These included the creation of a Google Sheets-based referral matrix to streamline client referrals, the formation of a dedicated AI discussion group, and a renewed call for members to submit articles or success stories to the ILF website on a monthly basis.
Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak expressed interest in hosting a future ILF meeting in Türkiye, underlining the firm’s proactive role within the network.
Looking Ahead
Bıçak Law Firm is proud to contribute to ILF’s thought leadership efforts and will continue sharing expertise through publications and participation in global legal forums. We invite you to explore our firm’s latest insights at: https://www.bicakhukuk.com/en/category/insights/
As a dedicated member of the International Law Firms (ILF) network – spanning more than 70 jurisdictions – Bıçak Law Firm remains committed to sharing regional expertise while contributing to global legal thought leadership.
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