Name
The British Turkish Lawyers Association (BTLA)
Description
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.
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.
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