What is the state of 'Law' and 'Legal Practice' in Turkey?

12punto.com.tr

Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU

Today is April 5, Lawyers' Day. While Turkey has experienced a decline among world nations according to the 2025 'Rule of Law Index' data, the number of lawyers has increased by 44% over the last 5 years, according to data on the official website of the Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB). This contradiction raises doubts about the future of the legal profession in Turkey and issues such as the 'administration of justice.' Attorney Kerim Bütün, a member of the Voice of Lawyers Initiative (ASİ), spoke to 12punto about the matter.

According to the '2025 Rule of Law Index' data from the World Justice Project (WJP), Turkey ranks 118th out of 143 countries with a score of 0.41. According to the same data, the number of lawyers in Turkey, which ranks 134th in the 'Fundamental Rights' category, is also showing a significant increase.

Speaking to 12punto, ASİ member Attorney Kerim Bütün commented on the conditions Turkey is in from a legal perspective and made statements regarding the state of the legal profession.

'LAWYER INFLATION HAS BEEN DELIBERATELY CREATED'

According to information shared by the TBB, the number of lawyers, which was 143,330 on December 31, 2020, increased by 44 percent to reach 206,678 as of December 31, 2025. Regarding the issue, Bütün said, "A lawyer inflation has been deliberately created due to the uncontrolled opening of private universities by the AKP government and the fact that the law faculties at these universities exceed the need. In the face of reactions from lawyers, lawyer suicides, and the impoverishment of lawyers, a monstrosity called the 'Entrance Exam for Legal Professions' has been created as a solution. With this exam, which is far from measuring quality, lawyers have been rendered unable to practice law without the state's approval. It is absolutely necessary to object to this exam. The way to solve lawyer inflation is to close the surplus law faculties in private schools." he stated. 

'IT IS CLEARLY SEEN THAT THEY ARE INSUFFICIENT'

According to Ministry of Justice data, in 2025, there were 767 cases per judge and 1,373 cases per prosecutor. Addressing the issue, Bütün said, "When the caseload of judges and prosecutors is considered today, it is clearly seen that their numbers are insufficient. In a justice system where a judge has to handle an average of 750 cases annually, is it possible to access justice? It is certainly not. This problem must be resolved by abolishing interviews in the judiciary and recruiting judges and prosecutors according to actual needs."

'EXCLUDED FROM THE BUDGET'

Last December, the 2026 Ministry of Justice budget was finalized after being approved by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM). Under the Central Government Budget Law, a total allocation of 389 billion 560 million 443 thousand TL was earmarked for the Ministry of Justice. Regarding the budget, Bütün said, "Lawyers and bar associations, which are the professional organizations of lawyers, are practically excluded from the Ministry of Justice budget. The 'raise' given to CMK (Compulsory Defense) fees, which are the source of livelihood for young lawyers, clearly demonstrates this. We are experiencing the painful consequences of this situation. We are facing outcomes such as lawyers being unable to make a living, falling into poverty, leaving the profession, and most tragically, committing suicide." he added. 

'WE VIEW THEIR PROMISES AS BRIBERY'

In response to Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek's statements that lawyers' incomes would be increased, Bütün said, “Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek, who knows that lawyers are in an economic impasse, announces so-called reforms regarding lawyers every day. He promises to increase the income of lawyers. We see these promises as a 'bribe.' We understand his concern to appear charming, and we see his goal. But we also expect him to see this: It will never be possible for him to turn into a respectable personality in the eyes of lawyers. He will not be able to make people forget what he has done with the positive steps he has taken or will take”he remarked.

‘AMIDST ALL THIS EVIL’

Attorney Kerim Bütün expressed his message regarding April 5 Lawyers' Day as follows: “Amidst all this evil, I celebrate the April 5 Lawyers' Day of all my colleagues. I hope to practice law in a country where fair and independent courts are established, economic pressures come to an end, and poverty is eradicated” he stated.

News Source: 12punto