At Bıçak Law Firm, we are committed to fostering the next generation of legal professionals through a structured and intellectually rigorous Legal Internship Program. Based in Ankara, our firm operates at the intersection of national and international law, advising clients on cross-border legal matters, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. Our internship program is designed to provide law students and recent graduates with meaningful exposure to real legal practice in Türkiye within a global context.

Why Bıçak Law Firm?

Interning at Bıçak Law Firm offers a unique opportunity to work within a high-level academic and professional legal environment. Our firm is led by Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak, a distinguished legal scholar and practitioner with extensive international publications and experience. Interns benefit from:

• Direct or indirect mentorship under an academic-professional hybrid structure
• Exposure to international clients, including embassies, foreign investors, and multinational companies
• Involvement in cross-border legal matters, including sanctions, export controls, and international trade law
• Participation in a firm actively engaged in global legal networks and collaborations

This combination ensures that interns gain both theoretical depth and practical insight into modern legal practice.

Program Structure

Our internship program is flexible and designed to accommodate both domestic and international candidates.

Duration:

• Short-term internships: 2–4 weeks
• Extended internships: up to 26 weeks

Format:

• On-site (Ankara)
• Hybrid or remote (subject to availability and scope of work)

Practice Areas Covered:

• International Law and Cross-Border Transactions
• Corporate and Commercial Law
• Criminal Law and Compliance
• Sanctions and Export Control Law
• Constitutional and Administrative Law

What You Will Do

Interns at Bıçak Law Firm are engaged in substantive and practical legal work, including:

• Conducting legal research (Turkish law, comparative law, and international frameworks)
• Assisting in the drafting of legal opinions, memoranda, and reports
• Supporting case preparation and file analysis (with appropriate confidentiality measures)
• Contributing to academic and professional publications
• Observing aspects of client interaction and legal strategy development, where appropriate

Our goal is to ensure that each intern gains hands-on experience and analytical skills relevant to international legal practice.

International Collaboration and Academic Partnerships

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from:

• Law students (LL.B., J.D., LL.M.)
• Recent law graduates
• Candidates with a strong interest in international and comparative law

Preferred qualifications:

• Strong legal research and writing skills
• Proficiency in English (additional languages are an asset)
• Demonstrated interest in cross-border legal issues

Our International Alumni Network

Over the years, Bıçak Law Firm has hosted interns from various countries and academic institutions. Our alumni have gone on to build careers in:

• International law firms
• Public institutions
• Academia
• Multinational corporations

We take pride in maintaining a growing global network of former interns, reflecting the international character of our practice. The below list highlights the most ambitious, passionate, and talented interns we had over the years.

• Eva Marie Doyle, England, 2019
• Elinda Karpoutzoglou, France / Greece, 2019
• Ronja Westlin, Sweeden, 2018
• Bogdanova Daria Stanislavovna, Russia, 2018
• Lena Marıann Björkholm, Filland, 2018
• Lidiya Levitskaya, Ukraine,  2017 
• Daniella Labarthe, France, 2017
• Marcin Kudraszew,  Poland, 2015
• Mehmet Yıldız, Turkey, 2015
• Beyza Gözde Bıçak, Turkey, 2014
• Vahdet Talha Bıçak, Turkey, 2014
• Erdem Hacım, Turkey, 2013 
• Gülsün Ulusoy, Germany, 2013
• Övgüm Bozdoğan, England, 2012
• Feridun Kurt, Turkey 2011
• Dilek Taylan, Germany, 2007
• Leila Goodarzi, England, 2007

Testimonials from Our Interns

Lena Björkholm – University of Helsinki (Finland): “My internship at Bıçak Law Firm has been truly rewarding on many levels. I gained valuable experience in legal research, translation, and comparative law, while also developing my legal English skills. The welcoming atmosphere and international working environment made this an unforgettable experience that will benefit me throughout my legal career.”

Elinda Karpoutzoglou – KU Leuven / Université Paris-Saclay (Belgium/France): “Working with a dynamic and prestigious team at Bıçak Law Firm significantly contributed to my academic, professional, and personal development. The diverse tasks – from legal research to client interaction – enhanced my communication, research, and legal writing skills in an international environment.”

Eva Doyle – University of Reading (United Kingdom): “This traineeship provided me with practical legal experience, including attending mediation meetings and observing court proceedings. It offered valuable insight into the Turkish legal system and the work of a globally oriented law firm, making it an excellent international learning experience.”

Leila Goodarzi – University of Bristol (United Kingdom): “My time at Bıçak Law Firm was an invaluable personal and professional experience. It allowed me to gain insight into a different legal system while developing a deeper appreciation for comparative law and international legal practice.”

Övgüm Bozdoğan – University of Essex (United Kingdom): “The internship provided me with a strong understanding of case preparation, courtroom procedures, and the Turkish judicial system. The supportive and welcoming environment, combined with practical exposure, made this a highly beneficial experience for my future legal career.”

Ronja Westlin – Örebro University (Sweden): “Bıçak Law Firm offers a truly international and collaborative working environment. Through legal research, translation, and comparative studies, I gained knowledge that exceeded my expectations. Learning directly from experienced professionals, including Prof. Dr. Vahit Bıçak, was a unique and valuable opportunity.”

Daria Bogdanova – Saint Petersburg State University (Russia): “This traineeship allowed me to improve my legal knowledge, research skills, and English proficiency while working in an international environment. The combination of practical assignments and academic research made it an unforgettable and highly valuable experience.”

Lidiia Levitska – University of Tartu (Ukraine/Estonia): “My internship at Bıçak Law Firm was an outstanding experience. I gained practical legal knowledge, participated in research and client-related work, and developed professionally in an international environment. It is a unique opportunity for young lawyers to grow both academically and personally”.

Application Process

To apply for the internship program, candidates are invited to submit:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Short motivation letter
• Preferred internship dates and duration

Applications are reviewed carefully to ensure alignment between the candidate’s interests and our firm’s practice areas.

Apply Now

For internship applications and inquiries, please contact us at:

📧 contact@bicakhukuk.com

We look forward to welcoming talented and motivated law students to Bıçak Law Firm and contributing to their professional development in an international legal environment.