How to Become a Lawyer in Turkey
- Zeynep Atım Kurucuk
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
How to become a lawyer in Turkey is one of the most important questions for law graduates, international students, and aspiring legal professionals. The process involves completing a law degree, undergoing a compulsory legal internship, and registering with the Turkish Bar Association (Türkiye Barolar Birliği). For those interested in practicing law, Turkey offers a structured but challenging path that ensures only qualified professionals enter the legal system. In this guide, we will cover the educational requirements, legal internship (staj), bar admission, licensing, and career opportunities for lawyers in Turkey.
What Does It Mean to Become a Lawyer in Turkey?
Role of lawyers in Turkey’s legal system
In Turkey, lawyers (avukatlar) are vital actors in ensuring justice, defending rights, and advising both individuals and companies. They represent clients in civil, criminal, and administrative cases.
Importance of the Turkish Bar Association
The Türkiye Barolar Birliği (TBB) regulates the profession, supervises internships, and issues the avukatlık ruhsatı (lawyer’s license). Without registration, no one can legally practice as a Turkish lawyer.
Difference between lawyers, judges, and prosecutors
Lawyers (Avukatlar): Represent and defend clients.
Judges (Hâkimler): Deliver impartial rulings.
Prosecutors (Savcılar): Represent the state in criminal matters.
Educational Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer in Turkey
Law school admission and study period
Admission requires passing the YKS (Yükseköğretim Kurumları Sınavı). Students must complete a 4-year law degree (Hukuk Fakültesi) at a recognized university.
Recognition of foreign law degrees
Foreign graduates must apply for YÖK denklik (degree recognition) to validate their diploma in Turkey. Without equivalence, they cannot continue to bar registration.
Mandatory coursework and subjects
Core subjects include constitutional law, civil law, criminal law, administrative law, international law, and commercial law. These courses prepare graduates for both theory and practice.
Internship and Training Process
Duration of the compulsory legal internship (staj)
After graduation, candidates must complete a 1-year legal internship (Avukatlık Stajı).
Practical training under a licensed lawyer
The internship is divided into 6 months at the courthouse and 6 months under the supervision of a licensed lawyer.
Registration with the local bar association
Before starting, interns apply to their local bar association (e.g., Istanbul Barosu, Ankara Barosu). The bar monitors the staj process and approves the internship logbook (staj defteri).
Bar Admission and Licensing Process
Documents required for bar admission
Applicants submit their diploma, internship certificate, identity records, and proof of Turkish citizenship or recognized foreign status.
Examinations or assessments involved
Currently, bar admission requires internship completion, but discussions are ongoing about introducing a Turkish bar exam in the future.
Oath-taking ceremony and licensing
Upon approval, candidates attend an oath ceremony and receive their avukatlık ruhsatı (lawyer’s license). Their name is entered into the Baro levhası (official bar roll).
Career Path and Opportunities After Becoming a Lawyer in Turkey
Private practice and law firms
Many graduates join law firms like Kurucuk & Associates, which provide opportunities in commercial, family, and international law.
Corporate legal departments
Large companies in Turkey employ in-house counsel to manage contracts, compliance, and dispute resolution.
Opportunities for international lawyers
Foreign lawyers in Turkey can work as legal consultants after recognition, particularly in cross-border business and international arbitration.
Common Challenges and FAQs About Becoming a Lawyer in Turkey
What are the educational requirements to become a lawyer in Turkey?
You must graduate from a law faculty (Hukuk Fakültesi) in Turkey or get YÖK denklik for a foreign degree. The program lasts 4 years and covers core legal subjects.
Is there a bar exam in Turkey?
Currently, there is no formal Turkish bar exam. Instead, graduates must complete the 1-year compulsory internship (Avukatlık Stajı) and register with a bar.
How long does it take to become a lawyer in Turkey?
On average, 5–6 years: 4 years of law school plus 1 year of internship. Foreign degrees may add extra time for recognition.
What is the Turkish Bar Association (Türkiye Barolar Birliği) process?
After internship, local bars send applications to the Türkiye Barolar Birliği, which issues the avukatlık ruhsatı (lawyer’s license).
Can a foreigner become a lawyer in Turkey?
Yes, but only with degree recognition (denklik) and completion of the internship. Without it, foreigners can only act as consultants.
What is the internship (staj) requirement for lawyers in Turkey?
The legal internship (Avukatlık Stajı) is 12 months: 6 months in court, 6 under a licensed lawyer, supervised by the bar association.
What are the steps to become a lawyer after graduating from law school in Turkey?
Graduate law school / get denklik
Apply for avukatlık stajı
Complete 1-year internship
Register with bar association
Receive avukatlık ruhsatı
How difficult is the lawyer qualification process in Turkey?
It is demanding due to strict internship supervision by bar associations, but no national bar exam currently exists.
What is the difference between an avukat and a hukukçu in Turkey?
An avukat is a licensed lawyer. A hukukçu is anyone trained in law but cannot represent clients without the license.
Are there any age restrictions to become a lawyer in Turkey?
No maximum age limit exists; once you meet educational and internship requirements, you can qualify.
What subjects are tested on the Turkish bar exam?
No national bar exam yet, but law studies cover civil, criminal, commercial, constitutional, and administrative law.
How do I apply for the attorney's license in Turkey?
Submit your diploma, internship certificate, ID records, and staj logbook to your bar. After approval, you receive your license.
What is the cost of becoming a lawyer in Turkey?
Costs include law school tuition, internship expenses, and bar registration fees. Public universities are cheaper than private ones.
Is a law degree from another country valid to practice law in Turkey?
Yes, if you obtain YÖK denklik. After recognition, you must complete the internship and bar registration.
What are the language requirements to practice law in Turkey?
Fluency in Turkish is required. Foreigners may need to pass a proficiency test like TÖMER.
What is the role of the bar association in becoming a lawyer?
Bar associations register interns, supervise staj, and approve licenses in cooperation with the Türkiye Barolar Birliği.
How to become a lawyer in Turkey for international students?
Study law in Turkey or get denklik, complete the internship, and register with a bar association to receive the license.
What is the avukatlık ruhsatı and how do I get it?
The avukatlık ruhsatı is the lawyer’s license. You get it after the internship, bar registration, and oath ceremony.
What are the best law schools in Turkey for becoming a lawyer?
Top faculties include Istanbul University, Ankara University, Marmara University, Bilkent, and Koç University.
Can I practice law in Turkey with an EU law degree?
Yes, but only after YÖK recognition and completing the internship. Without it, you can work only as a consultant.
Start Your Legal Journey in Turkey
Need guidance on how to become a lawyer in Turkey? Our team at Kurucuk & Associates has helped law graduates, international students, and foreign lawyers navigate bar admission, internships, and licensing. Contact us today to discuss your legal career path.
