Aslan & Duran

Founding Partner | Head of Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Şerife Duran is a Founding Partner and the head of the Dispute Resolution & Litigation department at Aslan Duran Law Firm. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, she brings an elite 'bench perspective' to the firm, having served as a Judge in various prestigious roles, including the Criminal Court of First Instance, Civil Court of Peace, and the 21st Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation (Yargıtay). Her tenure at the Turkish Justice Academy further underscores her mastery of judicial procedures and legal doctrine. As a doctoral candidate with an LL.M. in European Union Law, she specializes in deconstructing complex uyuşmazlıklar through the lens of a former member of the judiciary, providing clients with unparalleled strategic foresight and meticulous procedural management in high-stakes litigation.

Şerife Duran graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Law in 1999. She began her legal career in the judiciary, serving as a judge in several courts, including the Criminal Court of First Instance, Civil Court of Peace, and Cadastre Court. She also held positions at the Turkish Justice Academy and the 21st Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation (Supreme Court of Appeals).

After years of distinguished judicial service, she transitioned into private practice as an attorney, bringing a comprehensive understanding of both trial and appellate procedures. Her judicial background provides her with a strategic advantage in litigation and dispute resolution.

Turkish (Native), English (Professional Proficiency)

Ankara Bar Association

LL.B., Ankara University Faculty of Law (1999) LL.M., Selçuk University, Private Law – European Union Law PhD Candidate, Private Law Expertise Training in Family Law and Actuarial Calculus (Alimony & Compensation Calculation) – Hacettepe University Faculty of Law (Certified Expertise for Court Expert Witnesses)

Expertise Training in Qualified Calculations and Actuarial Assessment Under Law of Obligations – Başkent University Education and Consultancy Center (Certified Expertise for Court Expert Witnesses, 2025)

Legal Aid and Access to Justice Training Certificate – Ankara Bar Association, Legal Aid Center (2021)

Training of Trainers (ToT) Certificate in Advanced Legal Skills – Justice Academy of Turkey (Advanced competency certification in judicial training and legal education methodologies, 2012)

Professional Certification in Basic Mediation (84-Hour Comprehensive Program) – KTO Karatay University Continuing Education Research and Application Center (KARSEM) (Accredited training in Alternative Dispute Resolution / ADR methodologies, 2022)

Expertise Training in Qualified Calculations and Actuarial Assessment Under Labor Law Regulations – Başkent University Education and Consultancy Center (Certified Expertise for Court Expert Witnesses, 2025)

International Symposium Certificate: "The Balance Between Freedom and Security in Fighting Against Terrorism" – Jointly organized by the Justice Academy of Turkey and the International Law and Justice Foundation (UHAV) (2013)

Professional Training Certificate in Social Media Law and Digital Media Regulations – Ankara Bar Association, Advocacy and Internship Academy (AVSA) (Focus on digital evidence admissibility and online personality rights, 2021)

Specialized Certification in the Juvenile Justice System and Child Rights Protection – Ankara Bar Association, Criminal Procedure Code (CMK) Application Center (Comprehensive training on legal representation of minors and child welfare in family and criminal courts, 2021) Expertise Training in Qualified Calculations and Actuarial Assessment Under Social Security Law – Başkent University Education and Consultancy Center (Certified Expertise for Court Expert Witnesses, 2025) Certified MED-ARB Arbitrator (Mediation-Arbitration Joint Procedure) – TOBBUYUM Mediation and Dispute Resolution Center (Official arbitrator title and panelist competency in advanced alternative dispute resolution, 2025) Official License to Practice Law / Bar Admission – Union of Turkish Bar Associations & Ankara Bar Association (Admitted to the Bar, 2020)

Şerife Duran is recognized for her disciplined work ethic, analytical thinking, and commitment to delivering effective legal solutions. Her combined academic and judicial experience allows her to approach complex legal matters with depth and precision.

In her free time, she maintains a strong interest in academic research, comparative law studies, and following developments in European Union legislation.