‘Choose yourself as a rival and evolve continuously’

The next interviewee of the Career Blog is Anar Suleymanov, the Chief Lawyer of the Legal Support and Analysis Department at the Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA).

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Baku State University (BSU) and a Master’s degree in the same field from Taras Shevchenko Kyiv State University.

With over 20 years of experience as an energy lawyer, Anar Suleymanov began his career at AERA in 2020 as a Lead Lawyer and is currently serving as a Chief Lawyer.

How would you describe your work at AERA? 

My work at AERA covers a highly specialized area requiring expert knowledge. Researching advanced international experience and other countries’ energy legislation and preparing proposals on their application, improving existing legislative acts, as well as participating in the preparation of new legislative acts are part of our daily activities. Additionally, my role includes providing legal support for AERA’s activities, analyzing and reviewing legal documents, offering both verbal and written legal advice, and preparing references.

What are your favorite aspects of your job?

I find great satisfaction in collaborating with lawyers, engineers and other specialists in the energy sector within a modern and flexible work environment. Being part of a positive, supportive team is also something I value. Another rewarding aspect of my work is keeping up with developments in the field of law, preparing and reviewing legal documents, and participating in nation-wide projects and strategic programs aimed at tackling global challenges, such as expanding the renewable energy sector, transitioning to green energy and achieving zero carbon emissions.

Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) seminar held in Baku, 2024

They say that a person’s character influences their career choice. In your opinion, does character influence career choice, or does career shape character?

In my view, there is a reciprocal relationship between character and career choice, with both factors influencing each other. A person’s career and work environment can significantly shape their character. Professional experiences allow individuals to develop new skills, while challenging projects can further influence their character traits.

At the same time, people tend to perform better when their career path aligns with their personal characteristics. In turn, the career they choose helps further cultivate and refine those traits. Thus, there is a dynamic, two-way relationship between character and career choice.

What do you consider important in your professional activity?

As is well-known, there are ten golden rules of being a lawyer, and continuously adhering to these principles is crucial to every lawyer’s professional development. In my opinion, a lawyer should consistently follow these guiding rules in their practice:

• Analytical thinking skills: Excellent analytical thinking is essential for a lawyer.
• Research skills: The ability to conduct extensive research on legal documents and to study legislation in detail is crucial.
• Networking skills: It is important to build an extensive network within your field, maintain regular contact with fellow lawyers and discuss emerging legal challenges.
• Effective communication: A lawyer must be able to clearly and thoroughly explain the requirements of the law.
• Creativity: Approaching legal issues from multiple perspectives and embracing innovation is key to success.
• Perseverance and patience: Positive qualities such as strong will, determination and patience are essential to conducting thorough research and preparing legal documents.
• Continuous education: Since law is a broad concept, it is necessary to keep improving professional knowledge and skills throughout the career.
• Reading comprehension: A lawyer must possess the ability to accurately comprehend and analyze what they read.
• Writing skills: A lawyer must possess developed professional writing skills.
• Humility: Like in any profession, humility is a vital quality for a lawyer to maintain.

Seminar held by ACE Group Consultants in Baku, 2024

Do you have any recommendations for aspiring energy lawyers?

Choose yourself as a rival and evolve continuously. For young people in particular, my recommendation is to first identify their strengths and weaknesses, as well as to clearly define their life goals and future aspirations. For those wishing to pursue a career in energy law, in addition to acquiring theoretical knowledge, I strongly suggest gaining practical experience. This can be achieved by participating in internships in local or international law firms, manufacturing companies and regulatory bodies involved in the energy sector. By doing so, they will be well-equipped to succeed in this field.