Turkish lawyering has been influenced by the tradition of the Committee of Union and Progress. It is action-oriented, political, communal, and views matters from a societal perspective.
It relies on a leader, is leader-based; the office is established by the leader, elevated by the leader, and if the leader falls, the office falls and closes, taking its place in legal history.
Turkish lawyering has progressed in this manner, with few exceptions, and this tradition has been established as such. However, it is time to break this tradition.
When we look to the West, we see law firms that have been around for 200 or 300 years. Of course, the industrial revolution happened there, and systems developed differently. However, the new leaders of Turkish lawyering should institutionalize the offices they establish according to global norms, adopt different models, make them sustainable and resilient through syntheses, and facilitate the emergence and prominence of new leaders within the offices, as well as the transfer of these offices.
We need to create offices that are permanent and can be passed on to future generations, and examples of this should be multiplied.
This perspective should be strengthened, and strategies for establishing or transforming permanent offices should be devised, accepted as a mission for leadership, and pursued with a sense of responsibility. This path should also be idealistic.
Strategies for permanent and institutional offices will have significant effects on the defense and struggle for the principle, system, and ideal of the “RULE OF LAW,” which is present in and should always be a part of the historical traditions of the Turkish legal world.
Future articles will also focus on the outcomes of united, strong, and institutional offices. However, this approach will also ensure that the relationships established, the knowledge accumulated, and the experience gained are not wasted, thus preventing the demoralizing effect of having to start over continuously.
Contrary to popular belief, the principles of lawyering can become more enduring in these offices through adherence to rules.
This path is partially contrary to traditions; it is a new and difficult path. There are many habits to be overcome and many behaviors to be changed. Many egos need to be curbed. However, the place, status, and position where Turkish lawyering should be is here. The way to be like global law firms is here; this is how an invincible and competitive organization will be formed.
There are many beautiful aspects to be taken from our tradition of mastership. Therefore, this path should go through synthesizing processes.
In various writings, I will explain my views on methods and ways, but benefiting from global knowledge is essential. Without knowing and examining global information, the development of legal technologies, and new business models, it is not possible to establish, progress, or be permanent. Someone should take on this duty, explain new models, and develop them.
I will try to express my thoughts on enhancing the contributions of Turkish lawyers to the rule of law through writings.
Of course, special and significant duties fall upon bar associations. It is essential that the Istanbul Bar Association, to which I belong, creates a working program suitable to its historical responsibility and holds “WORKSHOPS” in line with this program.
Career models that thousands of young colleagues can discuss, be inspired by, and find targets in should be created, reports on office systems, new business development, and business models should be prepared, and large forums where these reports are discussed should be organized. It is the duty of the Istanbul Bar Association to ensure that Turkish lawyering encounters new business models and different thought models.
It is not difficult. The global legal community has discussed these issues, is discussing them, and walks are taking place in line with the results. It is really not difficult, but it is necessary to delve deeper into the global information network. It is POSSIBLE.
In our subsequent writings, we will focus extensively on the global legal system. The main reason for this, even though it may seem paradoxical, is that for our national legal system to be strong and to experience significant qualitative development, it must be part of and interact with the global information network.
The term “international lawyer” is often used as a target among our young colleagues. However, without establishing perfect mastery over the national legal system first, no strong role can be assumed in any international relationship. In an international dispute where English law is applied, an English lawyer is always preferred. Having knowledge of English law does not change this reality. Of course, it is necessary to know the applications of International Trade Law and agreements, but you also need to know the perspective and rules of your national law on these applications.
It is not possible to detach from National Law. The starting point is here, and the area where power will always be based is also here.
There are various international networks, institutions that research the legal industry, or rate law firms. However, I think that at this point, some of their activities have exceeded their own purposes and reasons for existence. Their activities and attitudes are becoming more daring, and they are trying to become the determining factor and the most important criterion on the reputation of law firms. Unfortunately, my young colleagues are greatly influenced by these institutions.
It is necessary to write about this, as there are unjust situations developing against those who do not participate in these networks and institutions. Of course, I will address these issues more. Balance should be the principle.
Boldness should turn into humility.
Turkish lawyering will develop and advance its potential, establish more connections with the global legal system, and this will not only enhance the rule of law but also change the practices of bar associations. Bar associations will become places where enriched topics are discussed, and new business models will emerge in the existing lawyering system.
