Barlas & Karabucak Law Firm is distinguished by its strong cross-border insurance capabilities, routinely engaging in insurance and reinsurance litigation, including major fire losses, business interruption claims, and reinsurance recovery disputes. Representing both reinsurers and corporate policyholders is seasoned litigator Mahmut Barlas, who routinely handles insurance-related corporate structuring. Kerem Karabucak is a key port of call for clients in insurance arbitration and ADR, frequently leading the settlement and mediation of insurance disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Barlas & Karabucak Law Firm demonstrates its expertise in insurance law, commercial disputes, and arbitration. The team’s key strength lies in its ability to combine comprehensive sector knowledge with a client-oriented approach to litigation.'
- ‘Barlas & Karabucak’s insurance practice combines deep expertise in Turkish law with a strong grasp of international reinsurance standards. Their partner-led, highly responsive, and commercially minded approach, supported by innovative technology, has made them one of the most reliable and forward-looking practices in the market.’
- 'The team combines deep sector knowledge with a client-oriented litigation approach, setting itself apart through transparent billing, advanced technology, and a strong culture of collaboration.’
- ‘The professionals we collaborate with are distinguished not only by their strong legal expertise but also by their approachability, solution-driven mindset, and commercial insight. The combination of senior partners’ deep sector knowledge and associates’ energetic, meticulous work provides both assurance and efficiency.’
- 'Kerem Karabucak and Mahmut Barlas are highly engaged and approachable, driving the firm’s success through hands-on leadership.’
- ‘The individuals we work with excel through accessibility, solution-oriented thinking, and strong commercial awareness. What sets them apart is direct partner involvement in every matter and associates’ structured, innovative case management, which differentiates the team from competitors.’
- ‘What distinguishes the team is their ability to combine rigorous legal analysis with a calm, solutions-focused approach, even in fast-moving or high-pressure matters. Their communication is always clear and commercially grounded, making complex issues feel manageable for clients.’
- ‘Barlas & Karabucak Law Firm is the highest-quality service provider in insurance law in Turkey. The entire team's expertise is exceptional, supported by sophisticated technological infrastructure, including AI-based reporting, and a strong, solution-oriented group of lawyers respected across the sector.’
- The Barlas & Karabucak re-insurance team is simply excellent. They are very close to the market. They know the correct players. They are always reachable and have the best know-how and expertise in Turkey for re-insurance litigation and regulatory work. We are very happy collaborating with Barlas & Karabucak. They are our go-to lawyers in Turkey. Also, they have an outstanding international network. Whenever we need foreign counsel, Barlas & Karabucak always refer us to the best counsel overseas.
- The people we work with are highly responsible, solution-oriented, and reliable. Transparency, mutual respect, and continuous improvement are valued in our collaborations. These values are key elements that differentiate our partners from competitors in similar fields.
Key clients
- Ray Insurance Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance Axa IARD France AIG MunichRe MENA RE Wealins DLA Piper DAC Beachcroft France DAC Beachcroft UK MilliRe BMS Turkey HDI Insurance Turkey Axa-Partners Marsh Turkey Howden Turkey ZurichRe Allianz Insurance Turkey TrustRe Allianz Worldwide Partners Turkey Turkiye Insurance Eureko Insurance Turkey EMAA Insurance Turkey Powszechny Zakład Ubezpieczeń Marsh Insurance WKB Wierciński, Kwieciński, Baehr sp. k Global Benefits Group CREA Insurance HFW EMAA Insurance BUPA Acıbadem Insurance GIG Insurance VHV International VHV Turkey ORIA Insurance
Work highlights
Representing Infrassure Ltd. under a very high value reinsurance litigation in Turkey.
Representing the reinsurer and insurer in a complex USD 23.5 million property and business interruption claim following a major factory fire at Assan Aluminum.
Advising Ray Sigorta in property claims, liability claims, insurance fraud cases, subrogation, and recovery cases and in many other lines and service points.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Mahmut Barlas; Kerem Karabucak
Other key lawyers
Alara Ceryan