Alliance in Legal Education

3 institutions in Izmir have joined forces for ‘legal’ education. Under the coordination of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce (IZTO), which is a pioneer in Turkey with its projects and collaborations, a cooperation protocol was signed between Izmir Courthouse and Izmir University of Economics (IUE). With this protocol, which will bring a new perspective to legal education, students of IUE Faculty of Law will take practical courses at Izmir Courthouse and have the opportunity to observe trials firsthand. Additionally, both institutions will work on providing scholarships for judges and prosecutors within the courthouse to pursue masters and doctoral studies at IUE.

The cooperation protocol between Izmir Courthouse and Izmir University of Economics was signed at the Izmir Chamber of Commerce by Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor Ali Yeldan, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Chairman and Izmir University of Economics Board of Trustees President Mahmut Özgener, and Izmir University of Economics Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu.

IZMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ALWAYS PLAYS A LEADING ROLE

Highlighting the pioneering role undertaken by Izmir Chamber of Commerce in many areas, Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor Ali Yeldan said, “Izmir University of Economics is a bridge between ‘economy’ and ‘academia.’ Now, ‘justice’ is being added to this. Alongside bringing these three concepts together, quality is also essential. Education must be of high quality and meet current needs. In addition to access to knowledge, practical awareness is also necessary. In the training of judges and prosecutors, we have initiated a practice based on this awareness. We are training ‘judicial assistants’ through a mentor-apprentice model, and we have successfully produced our first graduates. The protocol we have signed with Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Law is a significant step for us. It is very important that university students also benefit from the capacity of our courthouse. Through this program, students will have the opportunity to observe the judicial process directly. I believe this practice will serve as a model for legal education in Turkey. The key is to develop and expand such models. Under the leadership of Mahmut Özgener, Izmir Chamber of Commerce plays a pioneering and locomotive role in this regard. I hope this protocol will contribute to our legal system.”

“WE ARE PROUD OF OUR LAW FACULTY”

Emphasizing that the protocol will greatly benefit the careers of law students, President Özgener, said, “Since its establishment, Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Law has been working with the goal of being a pioneer in modern legal education. It stands out with its scientific research, innovative curriculum, and highly qualified academic staff. The rapidly increasing success rate of the faculty in the ‘Judicial Justice Judgeship and Prosecutorship’ exams clearly shows that we are on the right track. We are incredibly proud of our students.”

“LAW COURSES IN COURTHOUSE CORRIDORS”

Özgener continued as follows: “With this protocol, which aligns with the goals outlined in the 2025-2029 Judicial Reform Strategy Document announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we aim to train fully equipped legal professionals for our city and country. We plan to conduct courses such as ‘Family Courts, Climate Law, Judicial Ethics, and Law Clinics for Combating Sexual Violence’ in collaboration with Izmir Courthouse and the Izmir Bar Association. Additionally, we intend to expand the scope of our project by introducing new clinical courses. During these courses, students will engage with real clients and real legal problems under the supervision of a faculty member. They will not only study in classrooms but also attend classes in courthouse corridors. They will interact not only with professors but also with legal professionals, working on real cases and files, thus gaining hands-on experience before graduation. They will be more experienced and well-equipped for the work conditions after their graduation. Furthermore, our efforts continue to provide scholarships for judges and prosecutors within the courthouse to pursue masters and doctoral studies at our University.”

“WE ARE AMONG THE FIRST IMPLEMENTERS OF LAW CLINICS IN TURKEY”

Pointing out that Izmir University of Economics is among the first institutions in Turkey to implement the Law Clinics model, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Rector of IUE, said, “Practical training is crucial in all fields of education. Theoretical knowledge must be complemented with hands-on experience. Thanks to the protocol signed with Izmir Courthouse, our students will gain experience in courthouse corridors. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Board of Trustees President and Chief Public Prosecutor for making this opportunity possible.”

“OUR SUCCESSE WILL CONTINUE TO GROW”

Providing insights into the concept of Law Clinics, Prof. Dr. Sevilay Uzunallı, Dean of the IUE Faculty of Law, said, “The Law Clinics courses teach students not only how to think like a lawyer but also how to act like one. As Izmir University of Economics, we are delighted with the success our students have demonstrated in nationwide legal exams. We believe that our success will continue to grow through such collaborations. One of the biggest advantages of foundation universities is that students receive a well-rounded education. In this regard, the protocol signed with Izmir Courthouse will greatly contribute to our efforts.”

WHO ATTENDED THE SIGNING CEREMONY?

The signing ceremony was attended by Izmir Judicial Justice Commission President Gökberk Sunal, Izmir Regional Court of Justice Commission President İdris Kizir, Izmir First Instance Judicial Justice Commission Member Ahmet Uğuz, IUE Faculty of Law Dean Sevilay Uzunallı, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Board Members Serdar Gökhan Arıkan, Nuray Eyigele İşleyen, and İsmail Kahraman, IUE Faculty of Law Faculty Members Prof. Dr. Ayşe Havutçu, Prof. Dr. Veli Özer Özbek, Res. Asst. Ezgi Arslan, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Direnç Akbay, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Assembly Vice President Mehmet Tahir Özdemir, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Secretary General Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tanyeri, IUE Secretary General Kaya Arslan, Izmir Chamber of Commerce General Coordinator Pınar Karayılanoğlu, and Izmir Chamber of Commerce Legal Consultant, Attorney Aykut Dikencik.

DIFFERENT LEARNING METHODS

Courses such as the Family Courts Law Clinic, Climate Law Clinic, Judicial Ethics Law Clinic, Sexual Violence Law Clinic, and Artificial Intelligence Law Clinic will be offered at Izmir University of Economics Faculty of Law. Through these clinic courses, students will move beyond traditional legal education and experience different learning methodologies. Before graduation, students will have the opportunity to engage with judges, prosecutors, lawyers, and clients at Izmir Courthouse, putting their theoretical knowledge into practice.