How David Saltzman and Gunay Evinch Built a Law Firm Bridging
“Serving the Turkish American community has been the honor of a lifetime,
US-Turkish Relations Through Expertise and Integrity.
and we are committed to making both America and Turkiye better.”
By Sitki Kazanci
In the complex world of international law, few firms stand out as distinctly as Saltzman & Evinch PLLC. Co-founded by David Saltzman and Gunay Evinch, this firm has spent decades fostering US-Turkish relations, representing their clients with unwavering dedication. What began as a friendship formed in law school has evolved into a dynamic partnership that has navigated the intricate terrains of public international law, earning a sterling reputation along the way. In this interview, David and Gunay reflect on their early years, the origins of their firm, and the principles that have guided their success.
Reflecting on your early years, could you share some insights into your childhood and how those experiences shaped your journey into law?
Each of us had active childhoods filled with curiosity and exploration. And law is a good profession for the curious as it sweeps in virtually all of human behavior, good and bad.
Your partnership has been remarkably successful. How did you first meet, and what inspired you to establish Saltzman & Evinch PLLC?
Our firm was, first and foremost, born out of a friendship. We met initially in law school and played in a band together. The idea for our firm took roots in the early 1990’s when David, who was then at a large law firm in New York, visited Ankara, where I was doing research as a U Fulbright Scholar. We explored Turkiye, traveling by bus and dolmuş vans across the country, meeting the locals in the rural areas, and assessing the legal mission we were to undertake in representing all the people of Türkiye. We recognized the need for quality legal services that would support the growing political and commercial relations between the US and Türkiye.
Saltzman & Evinch PLLC has shaped a strong reputation in the legal community. Can you elaborate on your firm’s primary focus and what sets you apart from others in the field?
Our firm has focused on public international law, which delves into the legal rights of states as they engage with one another. In many instances states are treated as “persons” within the law, but very special persons to which special rules apply. We consider ourselves experts in these rules.
We also relish our work-enhancing business relationships between Türkiye and the US, serving companies on both sides of the Atlantic and helping them grow wisely. We believe we have been successful because we have never wavered from several basic principles: (1) Honesty with our clients—telling a client what he or she wants to hear makes for an easy meeting, but ultimately leads to worse outcomes; (2) Continual education and improvement—the law is hardly static and we enjoy staying up to date on developments in the legal environment and honing our skills accordingly; and, (3) It is about people, after all — a person’s livelihood and even sometimes liberty can be at stake when a legal matter arises. We feel the weight of this responsibility, which informs everything we do. Further, we enjoy interacting with people and helping them through some of the most stressful days of their lives.
Something priceless in what we provide is loyalty and dedication. We work 24/7 with our specially trained legal team. We are available to our clients 24/7. We answer our phones. We provide written updates. We provide realistic advice.
The pandemic has transformed the way many businesses operate. You are about to open a new office next month in Washington, DC, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. What can you tell us about the new location and how it aligns with your firm’s strategic goals?
Our firm has always been a downtown DC firm. We are committed to providing this convenience. Recently, we purchased a historic DuPont Circle brownstone from the family of the celebrated Speaker of the House, Democrat Tip O’Neill, who coined the term, “All politics is local.” Our building was also used by First Lady Nancy Reagan’s astrological advisor. Our location offers some of the best restaurants and bars in DC. It is also in the center of Embassy Row. Tip’s spirit will be a reminder that both sides of the aisle need to work together; freedom is about responsible liberty, and democracy is about service by the people for the people.
As a firm with deep ties to the Turkish community, what message would you like to share with our readers, particularly those within the Turkish-American community?
Serving the Turkish American community has been the honor of a lifetime. In 1974, my parents tried to move back to Turkiye, but my father could not find a job. We returned to San Francisco. One evening, he gathered the family around the kitchen table. A man of few words, he said, “America is our new country. It is a good country. People let each other be. People respect each other. They stand in line. They wait at the red light. They stop at the Stop sign. If you work hard, you succeed. Love it. Make it even better. But never forget your motherland, and Atatürk.”
Legal landscapes are continuously evolving. How do you see the role of law firms like yours adapting in the next five years, especially in the context of global and digital challenges?
Artificial Intelligence is being used these days to write legal briefs and conduct other elements of the law. The results so far have been mixed and courts are struggling with how to address this robotic, mechanical innovation in what is ultimately a system meant to govern relations between humans. Our firm is adapting to this new landscape, as we continue to do our own research and writing. This helps us and court never lose focus on the importance of human relationships and the vital need to always understand the client’s goals.
Mentorship is often crucial in legal careers. Can you speak to the importance of mentorship in your careers and how you foster it within your firm?
We each had different mentors. David was trained in a large firm in New York, while my formative experiences were with a small firm in San Francisco who went after giants and won. Experience has taught us that a law degree and passing the bar exam does not make a lawyer. There is no substitute for experience. We try to train our lawyers in-house, giving them as much real-world experience as possible, while also accepting a rotating group of younger interns most summers.
Many Turkish law students contact us. We give about a dozen informational interviews each year. For those who aim to practice law in America, a three-year Juris Doctor (JD) degree is strongly advised. A good JD education teaches fast and comprehensive reading, objective analysis, and excellent writing and speaking skills.
Finally, looking back at your journey together, what are some of the proudest moments or cases that define Saltzman & Evinch PLLC’s achievements?
Our legal lives have been a constant stream of proud movements. We have served the Republic of Türkiye as General Counsel and litigation attorneys for 30 years. Our reputation is one of loyalty and dedication. We have represented Türkiye in the federal courts for 30 years and won every case arising from 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation, Armenian allegation of genocide, and terrorism by ASALA, JCAG and PKK/YPG. At times we have been the subject of threats upon our lives and our families.
But there is nothing like helping the down trodden. We helped the widow of a journalist who was killed by Assad while reporting for a US news agency in Syria. We also represented a scholar who was a Holocaust survivor who was defamed by a US magazine because of his legal critique of Armenian claims. We made sure our clients found swift and complete justice. We represented a Turkish family whose restaurant was ransacked in a hate crime.
We are forever grateful to our spouses and children who have unflinchingly stood by our sides during our legal journey.
Saltzman & Evinch, PLLC
Historic DuPont Circle Office
1310 19th Street NW
Washington DC 20036
+1 (202) 550-4474
www.SaltzmanEvinch.com
