About BTLA

Our History

The British Turkish Lawyers Association (BTLA) was founded 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 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.

Through seminars, networking events, and informal gatherings, the BTLA fostered a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between two dynamic and historically connected legal communities.

After a period of inactivity, 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:

Promote fellowship and good understanding and improve relations between the legal professions in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Turkey.
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.
Organise professional and social events, including joint seminars and congresses of United Kingdom and Turkish lawyers on matters of common interest.
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.
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.