Ali Iskeceli

Project Assistant at Jones Day | Boston University Alum (Cum Laude) | AKD Sociology Honors | Dean’s List | Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law

New York, New York, United States

About

I am a Boston University pre-law alum specializing in Sociology and International Relations. My global upbringing in Istanbul, London, and Boston has shaped my passion for using law to drive positive social change and navigate complex intersections of culture, history, and human behavior. Graduating in May 2025, I’m eager to bring my global perspective to the legal profession. At Marsh Law Firm in New York, I worked alongside a dedicated team of survivor-focused, trauma-informed attorneys who advocate for justice on behalf of survivors of sexual abuse and discrimination. My experience at Yöndem Yiğit Üçlertoprağı Attorneys at Law in Istanbul grounded me in key areas of corporate law, from mergers and acquisitions to high-stakes litigation. Finally, interning with Independent Diplomat in Geneva expanded my understanding of international law and human rights. Through these roles, I have developed a strong foundation in legal research, strategic analysis, and drafting, with a focus on applying these skills in socially impactful ways. I am excited to connect with like-minded professionals and organizations that share my dedication to rigorous legal work and meaningful advocacy.

Experience

  • Intern at Independent Diplomat
    Sep 2024 - Dec 2024 · 4 mos

    As an intern at Independent Diplomat, I supported diplomatic advisory work for clients navigating complex international arenas, gaining practical insights into the intersection of diplomacy, advocacy, and international policy. Working alongside ID’s experts, I: - Conducted in-depth due diligence and drafted reports on behalf of the European Committee of the Water for Rojava coalition, evaluating diplomatic engagement strategies to address critical water access issues in NE Syria. - Researched and developed a comprehensive concept note on the role of businesses in peace negotiations, which involved integrating frameworks like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and insights from COP climate justice approaches. My work here provided foundational guidance for upcoming dialogues between the private sector and peacebuilding organizations. - Attended and authored a readout for the 57th Human Rights Council, with a focus on urgent topics including Afghanistan, Yemen, Myanmar, and environmental rights, contributing to ID’s ongoing advocacy work. My responsibilities also included synthesizing complex political landscapes, developing strategic recommendations, and ensuring a thorough understanding of international protocols. This experience strengthened my skills in research, strategic analysis, and the formulation of actionable insights—all critical for advancing diplomacy in challenging environments.

  • Legal Intern at Yöndem Yiğit Üçlertoprağı Attorneys at Law
    May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

    During my internship at Yöndem Yiğit Üçlertoprağı Attorneys at Law, I had the opportunity to support experienced lawyers across several key legal areas, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, banking and finance, public-private partnerships, and litigation. This role provided foundational insights into the legal frameworks and documentation crucial for large-scale business transactions and high-stakes litigation. Key Responsibilities and Achievements: - Assisted in analyzing complex legal issues surrounding M&A transactions, gaining firsthand knowledge of due diligence processes, regulatory compliance, and negotiation strategies. - Authored various legal documents, from partnership agreements to due diligence reports, supporting clients in high-stakes corporate transactions and collaborating on governance frameworks for partnerships between global enterprises and governmental bodies. - Contributed to the strategic planning of a legal defense for a major energy drink conglomerate, gaining valuable insight into corporate law nuances and high-level legal strategy. This role refined my analytical skills, precision in legal drafting, and understanding of how legal principles apply within complex, large-scale corporate and financial transactions.

  • Event Planner at Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association
    Jan 2024 - May 2024 · 5 mos

    As the Event Planner for the Boston University Undergraduate Sociology Association, I organized a diverse array of events to foster community and enrich the academic experience for sociology students. In this role, I: - Orchestrated and executed a range of engaging events, from panel discussions with industry professionals to social gatherings, demonstrating strong organizational skills and a commitment to enhancing student engagement within the sociology department. - Led collaborative planning efforts to oversee all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, budgeting, scheduling, and on-site coordination, ensuring smooth and impactful experiences for attendees. - Drove event attendance through targeted promotional campaigns, utilizing strategic marketing techniques to increase visibility and participation, which significantly elevated the association's presence and influence on campus. Through this role, I honed my skills in event management, cross-team collaboration, and strategic promotion, gaining valuable experience in logistics and audience engagement that will serve me well in any fast-paced, people-oriented environment. This position refined my ability to balance detailed planning with big-picture vision, creating meaningful experiences for my peers.

  • Legal Intern at Marsh Law Firm
    Jun 2023 - Feb 2024 · 9 mos

    At Marsh Law Firm, I supported the mission of a survivor-focused, trauma-informed legal team dedicated to representing victims of sexual abuse and discrimination. Working alongside attorneys experienced in sensitive, high-stakes cases, I: Assisted in drafting and organizing key legal documents, including retainer agreements, closing statements, and case summaries, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with procedural standards. This work underscored the firm’s commitment to thorough and professional representation for survivors. Managed intake and organization of client correspondence and case materials, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail to support the firm’s trauma-informed approach. This included ensuring sensitive documents were securely maintained and easily accessible to attorneys. Streamlined administrative support for attorneys, overseeing tasks such as managing calendars, coordinating client meetings, and scheduling travel arrangements. These efforts allowed attorneys to focus on strategic advocacy for clients, optimizing the firm’s operations. This role strengthened my proficiency in legal documentation, case management, and client-centered service in a demanding legal environment. I gained insight into the importance of compassionate, organized support in law, equipping me with the skills and commitment necessary for my career in private law.

  • Intern at AVRUPA MÜZİK
    Feb 2019 - Mar 2019 · 2 mos

    At Avrupa Müzik Record Label, I supported digital and localization initiatives to expand the label’s reach and enhance engagement with diverse audiences. Working closely with the marketing team, I: Led the localization of video subtitles into two languages, effectively broadening content accessibility and driving significant increases in both local and international subscriber engagement on digital platforms. This project demonstrated my ability to manage multilingual content in a way that resonated with diverse audiences. Collaborated on targeted marketing strategies with the team, contributing to creative messaging and audience segmentation efforts that successfully attracted new followers on Instagram and Spotify. These strategies showcased my understanding of social media dynamics and effective digital engagement practices. Demonstrated project leadership and attention to detail by overseeing the localization process, from translation quality control to timely implementation, ensuring seamless integration that aligned with the label’s brand voice. This role enhanced my skills in digital marketing, project coordination, and audience engagement, building a foundation for managing cross-functional, global projects in the future.