The Law Society Round Table Discussion on new Free-Trade Agreement between Türkiye and United Kingdom

Nisanur Hekimoğlu Participated in the UK–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement Roundtable Hosted by The Law Society of England and Wales

Nisanur Hekimoğlu, whose professional experience encompasses both English law and Turkish law, participated in a high-level roundtable organised by The Law Society of England and Wales to discuss the ongoing modernisation of the UK–Türkiye Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The event brought together dual-qualified legal professionals and practitioners currently pursuing qualification as UK solicitors while practising in Türkiye.

During the discussions, views were exchanged on key developments expected to shape the forthcoming fifth round of FTA negotiations. Particular attention was given to the proposed inclusion of legal services within the Agreement. It was highlighted that the inclusion of legal services has the potential to facilitate stronger cross-border legal cooperation, promote greater competition, and further enhance the quality of legal services in both the United Kingdom and Türkiye.

Particular attention was devoted to the regulatory and professional qualification frameworks governing cross-border legal practice between the United Kingdom and Türkiye. Discussions addressed equivalency requirements for admission to the Turkish Bar, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) pathway in England and Wales, and the legal and practical considerations associated with citizenship, work authorisation, rights of establishment, and the scope of legal services that may be provided across jurisdictions.

The exchange of views also covered professional competency standards, regulatory barriers affecting internationally qualified lawyers, and opportunities to facilitate greater mobility within the legal profession. Constructive policy advocacy was undertaken with a view to supporting a more transparent, accessible, and mutually beneficial framework for legal practitioners operating between the two jurisdictions.

The roundtable was hosted by The Law Society of England and Wales and organised by Beatriz Martinez Molina and Marco Cillario. Hospitality for the event was kindly provided by Nadia Cansun and Jonathan Blythe of the British-Turkish Lawyers Association.