A bilateral law association linking the legal professions in the UK and Turkey was launched last week.

The British-Turkish Lawyers Association will organise a series of professional and social events, and joint seminars. Information and ideas in relation to professional training, access to justice and other legal topics will be exchanged, while there are also plans for a directory for business networking.


The association's first event is set to take place on 3 October 2005 to celebrate the opening of the legal year in England and Wales, coinciding with the start of talks for Turkish membership of the EU.


Denton Wilde Sapte partner Paul Sheridan, who worked for four years as resident partner at the firm's Istanbul office and is the association's first chairman, said: 'The establishment of the association is an important step forward in the relationship between the Turkish and British legal communities.'


To join the association, e-mail: internationalprojects@lawsociety.org.uk.