Congratulations to the Partner of Turkish International Law & Consulting Firm and Head of the Turkey Office, Advocate Funda İnal Çukavin, on Becoming a Certified Mediator
Advocate Funda İnal Çukavin’s Mediator Certification: What It Means for Clients and Its Significance in Turkey
Publication Date: May 16, 2025
We are proud to announce that Advocate Funda İnal Çukavin of the Russo-Turkish Law Firm has recently earned her mediator certification from Antalya Bilim University. This achievement marks a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of our firm. Let’s explore what this certification means for our clients and the role of a certified mediator in Turkey.
What Is Mediation and What Does Mediator Status Mean in Turkey?
In Turkey, mediation is an alternative dispute resolution method where a neutral third party, the mediator, assists conflicting parties in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement without going to court. This process is regulated by the Law on Mediation in Civil Disputes No. 6325, enacted in 2012, and has been increasingly adopted across the country.
To become a certified mediator in Turkey, one must meet the following requirements:
Hold a law degree and have at least 5 years of professional experience.
Complete a specialized training program of at least 84 hours (as Funda İnal Çukavin did at Antalya Bilim University) at an accredited institution.
Pass an exam and register in the mediator registry maintained by the Turkish Ministry of Justice.
A certified mediator is legally authorized to conduct mediation proceedings, which may be mandatory (e.g., in labor or commercial disputes) or voluntary, depending on the nature of the conflict.
What Does This Bring to Clients of the Russo-Turkish Law Firm?
Funda İnal Çukavin’s certification as a mediator offers numerous benefits to our clients, particularly in the context of local and international disputes in Turkey, Russia, and Europe:
1. Time and Cost Savings
Court proceedings in Turkey can take years, especially when involving foreign nationals or companies. Mediation can resolve disputes in a matter of weeks or even days.
The cost of mediation is significantly lower than court fees, which is particularly valuable for businesses and individual clients looking to minimize expenses.
2. Confidentiality
Unlike court hearings, which are often public, mediation is a completely confidential process. This is especially beneficial for corporate clients working with cryptocurrency exchanges or individuals addressing sensitive family matters, such as property division during relocation.
3. Flexibility and Control Over the Outcome
In mediation, the parties themselves determine the terms of the agreement, rather than relying on a court ruling. This allows clients (e.g., those in disputes with developers in Turkey) to find solutions that best suit their interests.
As a certified mediator, Funda İnal Çukavin can guide the process to ensure both parties are satisfied with the outcome.
4. Simplifying International Disputes
Given our firm’s operations in Turkey, Russia, and Europe, the mediator status enables Funda İnal Çukavin to effectively resolve cross-border disputes. For example, she can assist in conflicts between Turkish developers and Russian property buyers, avoiding complex litigation.
5. Mandatory Mediation in Certain Cases
Since 2018, mediation has been mandatory in Turkey for certain types of cases before they can proceed to court, including labor disputes, commercial conflicts, and some civil matters. Having a certified mediator on our team allows clients to begin this process immediately without needing to involve external specialists.
6. Additional Support for Relocation and Migration Issues
For clients relocating to Turkey, mediation can be useful in resolving disputes related to property purchases, residency permits (İkamet), or citizenship applications. For instance, if a conflict arises with a property seller, Funda İnal Çukavin can offer mediation as a quick and effective resolution method.
Specifics of Mediation in Turkey
Legal Framework: Mediation in Turkey is actively supported by the state to reduce the burden on the judicial system. Since 2019, mediation has been mandatory for disputes involving claims up to 100,000 Turkish Lira (approximately $3,500 as of May 2025).
Cultural Aspect: In Turkey, reconciliation is traditionally valued, making mediation a popular tool. Mediators like Funda İnal Çukavin take cultural differences into account, which is particularly important in disputes involving foreign nationals.
International Recognition: Agreements reached through mediation in Turkey can be recognized and enforced abroad under the 2019 Singapore Convention on Mediation, to which Turkey is a signatory.
How Does This Impact Our Firm’s Services?
Funda İnal Çukavin’s mediator certification enhances the services of the Russo-Turkish Law Firm in the following ways:
We can now offer a full spectrum of dispute resolution services: from mediation to court representation if reconciliation is not possible.
It strengthens our reputation as a reliable partner for businesses and individuals, particularly in the fields of cryptocurrency, real estate, and migration.
We can provide faster solutions for clients relocating to Turkey, minimizing their risks and costs.
If you’d like to learn more about how mediation can help in your situation, schedule a consultation with Funda İnal Çukavin through the form on our website or contact us by phone.