Who We Are

Founded by two adventurous fresh graduates from Ankara Law School, Ms. Banu Yilmaz and the late Mr. Ilter Yilmaz, our story began with a spark of ambition and a thirst for legal excellence.

In 1971, immediately after graduation, Banu and Ilter were awarded a scholarship to further their studies in Rome, Italy. Seizing the moment, they quickly tied the knot and embarked on their academic journey together. Enrolling at the University of Rome Law School, they delved into a doctoral program focused on “labour law.”

As fate would have it, during their time in Rome, their only son, who would later grow to become the managing partner of our firm, was born. This experience cemented the Yilmaz family’s bond and commitment to both family and legal excellence.

In 1982, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a burning desire to make a difference, Banu and Ilter bid farewell to their roles in the public sector and embarked on a new chapter. They founded their own law firm in Kocaeli, Izmit—a city steeped in industry and innovation, in close proximity to Istanbul.

In 1997, their son Cagatay Yilmaz joined the firm, breathing new life and energy into the legacy. In 2000, Rana Yilmaz, Cagatay’s spouse, became an integral part of the team. Together, they expanded the firm’s reach by opening an office in Istanbul, the vibrant heart of business in Turkey.

While Rana followed in the footsteps of her parents-in-law, specializing in labour law, Cagatay charted a different course. He established a practice exclusively dedicated to assisting small and mid-sized foreign direct investors looking to thrive in the Turkish market.

Ilter Yilmaz, one of the founders, wasn’t just a legal practitioner; he also served as a neutral expert witness accredited to labour courts, bringing his expertise to bear on labour accidents for over 25 years. His contributions extended beyond the courtroom—he served as the president of the local bar in Kocaeli from 2006 to 2008, and following his tenure, he was elected to the high disciplinary board of the national union of lawyers’ bar, where he served for four years.

In 2018, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Ilter Yilmaz, but his legacy lives on in our hearts and in the principles he instilled in our firm. Recently, Banu Yilmaz has chosen to take a step back, leaving the reins in the capable hands of the second generation, who are committed to upholding the values and traditions that have defined us.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of serving over 100 foreign investors, while also providing invaluable services to local clients venturing abroad.

Our journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As we look to the future, we carry forward the torch of our founders, driven by a shared vision of making a positive impact in the world of law.