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.
- Mahmut Barlas is the lead. He is very professional. He always provides utmost attention to his cases. He knows every single detail. We have never lost a case that is led by Mahmut Barlas. He is our go-to lawyer in Turkey with an outstanding international network. Many multinational reinsurers want to work with Mahmut Barlas.
- Kerem and Mahmut are leaders of the law firm. The team is also experienced.
- They are highly experienced and competent in insurance, and before giving any legal advice, they definitely conduct a thorough search. Besides, they possess diversified experience in different areas of law.
- The application stands out with its structure that simplifies processes and increases efficiency. The team is competent in its field and experienced in developing innovative solutions. Continuous improvement is aimed at in the areas of technology, collaboration, and diversity, and this approach distinguishes the application from its counterparts.
- 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.
- 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.
- ‘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 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 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.’
- ‘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.’
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
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 Yahyaoglu Ceryanis