About BTLA
Our History
The British Turkish Lawyers Association (BTLA) was founded by British and Turkish lawyers under the leadership of Paul Sheridon over 20 years ago. Its aim is to bring together members of the legal professions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Turkey who share a commitment to professional excellence, cross-border collaboration, and the rule of law. In summary its purpose is: “To foster cooperation and friendship between British and Turkish lawyers.”
In its earlier years, BTLA provided a forum for lawyers, academics, in-house counsel, judges, and legal professionals with connections to both jurisdictions to meet, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
Over the years the BTLA organised a number of high-profile events, bringing members together and hosting some stellar guest speakers both in London and Istanbul. These included Lord Phillips, the first president of the UK Supreme court, High Court judges from Turkey and the UK and a long line of illustrious firms and practitioners.
Some innovative seminars on subjects such as “What do in-house lawyers expect of external counsel”, and “Turkish Judicial System reforms UK lawyers should be aware of” were held in the British Consulate in Istanbul. The BTLA also had a number of very successful networking events in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Turkey (“BCCT”) and held gathering at the Law Society and Inns of Court.
The BTLA has also been a supporting organisation in a number of key conferences and seminars both in Turkey (Istanbul and Ankara) and in the UK.
All of these activities fostered a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between two dynamic and historically connected legal communities.
Following the tragic loss of our former chairperson, Selçuk Şengüler, and the Covid years there was a period of inactivity. However, with the huge increase in dual qualified Turkish British lawyers, a number of the former committee have been encouraged by a great surge of renewed interest in getting the BTLA back to its former glory.
Accordingly, we are proud to relaunch the Association with renewed energy and a clear sense of purpose. The legal and commercial ties between the United Kingdom and Turkey continue to evolve in a complex global environment. Now more than ever, there is a need for a dedicated platform that supports dialogue, professional development, and collaboration across borders.
Our Objectives
The Association exists to:
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Promote fellowship and good understanding and improve relations between the legal professions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Turkey.
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Develop and strengthen legal, business, and cultural links between lawyers in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Turkey, and support the role of lawyers and the law.
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Organise professional and social events, including joint seminars and congresses of United Kingdom and Turkish lawyers on matters of common interest.
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Create a professional directory to facilitate business networking and encourage the exchange of information and ideas relating to professional training, access to justice, and other legal topics.
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Co-operate with other British and Turkish associations and undertake all activities necessary and incidental to the furtherance of these objectives.
A Platform for Connection and Collaboration
The BTLA is not only a professional network, but a community. We aim to create an inclusive space where established practitioners and early-career lawyers alike can build meaningful connections, share expertise, and contribute to strengthening legal dialogue between the United Kingdom and Turkey.
Through our activities, we seek to support high professional standards, encourage constructive engagement, and reinforce the vital role of lawyers in upholding justice, commercial certainty, and the rule of law across jurisdictions.
We invite all members of the legal community with an interest in UK–Turkey relations to join us in shaping the next chapter of the British Turkish Lawyers Association.
