CMK request for attorney fees to be equal to minimum wage – Latest Turkey News
Istanbul Bar Association President Filiz Saraç Calls for Increase in Fees for Lawyers
In a press statement in front of the Istanbul Courthouse in Çağlayan, Istanbul Bar Association President Filiz Saraç emphasized the need for an increase in fees for lawyers providing advocacy or attorney services. Saraç pointed out that lawyers are currently paid according to a tariff set by the Ministry of Justice and Finance, which she believes is insufficient given the current economic conditions.
Saraç highlighted that the fees paid to lawyers working under the Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) are particularly low and called for a revision of the fees in 2025. With 26,041 lawyers working in the Istanbul Bar Association, Saraç revealed that a significant number of files were assigned in 2023, with even more expected for 2024.
“We are taking concrete steps to ensure fair trials and the right to defense,” Saraç stated. “We want to give the CMK system the value it deserves and prevent CMK lawyering from becoming a burden. Our goal is to minimize the disparities in fees and at least bring them in line with the minimum wage tariff.”
Saraç’s call for an increase in fees for lawyers has sparked a discussion within the legal community, with many supporting the idea of equalizing fees to better reflect the services provided by lawyers. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether the Ministry of Justice and Finance will consider revising the tariff to address the concerns raised by Saraç and other members of the Istanbul Bar Association.
