25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer in Turkey

Introduction

A legal consultation is not only an opportunity for the lawyer to assess the client's matter.

It is also an opportunity for the client to assess the lawyer.

Before hiring a lawyer in Turkey, foreign clients should understand:

• whether the lawyer has relevant experience;
• how the lawyer views the legal problem;
• which options may be available;
• what risks should be considered;
• who will manage the file;
• What services are included?
• how legal fees and external costs are structured;
• how communication and updates will be handled;
• whether a Power of Attorney is required;
• What happens if the matter becomes more complex.

Many misunderstandings arise because clients focus only on one question:

“How much will the legal service cost?”

Fees are important, but they are only one part of the decision.

A low fee may cover a limited service. A higher fee may include document review, preparation, representation, ongoing communication and several procedural stages.

Similarly, a confident answer does not always indicate a strong legal assessment. A careful lawyer may need to review further documents before reaching a final conclusion.

This guide provides a practical list of questions foreign clients can ask before hiring a lawyer in Turkey.

The questions should be adapted to the type, urgency and complexity of the legal matter.

Quick Answer

Before hiring a lawyer in Turkey, ask questions about:

• relevant experience;
• professional qualifications;
• the main legal issues;
• available options;
• risks and possible outcomes;
• the proposed legal strategy;
• Documents required;
• legal deadlines;
• Scope of services;
• professional fees and VAT;
• court, government and third-party costs;
• the lawyer or team responsible for the file;
• communication and update procedures;
• whether a Power of Attorney is required;
• how the engagement may end.

The purpose is not to test the lawyer with technical questions.

It is to determine whether the lawyer understands the matter, communicates clearly, provides realistic advice and offers a transparent professional arrangement.

At a Glance: The 15 Most Important Questions

Why Asking Questions Matters

Hiring a lawyer creates a professional relationship that may continue for weeks, months or years.

The lawyer may handle:

• confidential personal information;
• business records;
• property documents;
• court proceedings;
• immigration files;
• financial evidence;
• family matters;
• negotiations with another party.

It is therefore important to understand how the relationship will operate before formal engagement begins.

Good questions help clients assess:

• competence;
• relevance of experience;
• legal reasoning;
• transparency;
• communication style;
• professional independence;
• organization;
• practical suitability.

Questions Help Prevent Assumptions

Clients sometimes assume that legal representation includes:

• all future court stages;
• appeals;
• enforcement;
• translations;
• government fees;
• unlimited communication;
• related legal matters.

These assumptions may be incorrect.

Asking direct questions allows the client and lawyer to define expectations clearly before work begins.

Questions About Relevant Experience

The first group of questions should focus on whether the lawyer's experience relates to the specific legal matter.

Useful questions include:

• Have you handled this type of matter before?
• Do you regularly work in this area of law?
• Are you familiar with the relevant court or authority?
• Have you represented foreign clients in similar situations?
• Does the matter require another lawyer or specialist?
• Have you dealt with foreign documents or cross-border issues of this type?

The lawyer should be able to discuss relevant professional experience without disclosing confidential information about other clients.

Better Questions About Experience

Instead of asking:

“Are you an experienced lawyer?”

Love:

“What experience do you have with residence permit refusals involving previous overstays?”

Or:

“Have you advised foreign buyers on off-plan property purchases and developer contracts?”

Specific questions produce more useful answers than broad questions.

Experience Questions by Legal Matter

Questions About Your Legal Matter

A lawyer should be able to identify the principal legal questions after reviewing sufficient information.

Love:

• What do you understand to be the main legal issue?
• Which facts are most important?
• Is any information missing?
• Which documents should be reviewed?
• Which court or authority may be responsible?
• Does another country's law or procedure affect the matter?
• Is any issue more urgent than the others?

These questions help reveal whether the lawyer has understood the client's actual situation rather than responding only to a general category.

Ask the Lawyer to Summarise the Matter

A useful question is:

“Based on what I have explained, how do you understand my legal situation?”

The answer may show whether:

• important facts were understood;
• Assumptions were made;
• missing information was identified;
• The client's objective is clear.

If the lawyer's understanding is inaccurate, the client can correct it before the engagement proceeds.

Questions About Legal Strategy

Clients should ask how the lawyer proposes to approach the matter.

Useful questions include:

• What legal options may be available?
• Which option do you recommend?
• Why do you recommend that option?
• Are there alternatives?
• Should we negotiate before filing proceedings?
• Is an administrative application possible?
• Would a formal notice be useful?
• Is commercial litigation sensible?
• What happens if no action is taken?
• Could the strategy change after further document review?

A strong strategy should reflect the client's objective and the evidence available.

Strategy Is Not Always Litigation

A suitable legal strategy may involve:

• consultation;
• document review;
• negotiation;
• legal notice;
• mediation;
• administrative application;
• objection;
• lawsuit;
• appeal;
• enforcement.

The lawyer should explain why a particular step is appropriate rather than automatically recommending the most aggressive option.

Strategy Comparison

Questions About Risks and Possible Outcomes

No lawyer can guarantee the decision of a court, public authority or opposing party.

Clients should ask for a realistic assessment rather than a promise.

Useful questions include:

• What are the strengths of my position?
• What are the weaknesses?
• Which facts may create difficulty?
• What evidence is missing?
• What outcomes are realistically possible?
• What could cause the matter to fail?
• Is enforcement likely to be difficult?
• Could the procedure create additional legal risks?
• Are there immigration, tax or commercial consequences?

Avoid Asking Only “Will I Win?”

A more useful set of questions is:

• What must be proven?
• What currently evidence exists?
• What may the other party argue?
• What procedural risks apply?
• What outcomes should I prepare for?

These questions encourage a more balanced and informative assessment.

Questions About Legal Deadlines

Deadlines may determine whether a legal remedy remains available.

Love:

• Is any legal deadline currently running?
• When did the deadline begin?
• What is the last date for action?
• Do we have enough time to prepare properly?
• Are translations or original documents needed before filing?
• What happens if the deadline has already expired?
• Is an urgent protective step required?

The lawyer may need to review the original notice, envelope, electronic notification or proof of receipt before confirming the deadline.

Deadline Documents to Bring

Provide:

• the complete official decision;
• all annexes;
• the envelope;
• service records;
• electronic notification;
• the exact date received.

Do not rely only on memory where the notification date may affect legal rights.

Questions About the Lawyer and Legal Team

Clients should know who will actually manage and perform the legal work.

Love:

• Who will be the responsible lawyer?
• Will you personally handle the matter?
• Will another lawyer or trainee assist?
• Who will attend hearings or appointments?
• Who will review important submissions?
• Who will communicate with me?
• What happens if the responsible lawyer is unavailable?
• Will translators, consultants or other professionals be involved?

Delegation is normal, but responsibility should be clear.

Team Structure Table

Questions About Communication

Different clients have different communication expectations.

Love:

• What is the preferred communication method?
• Should I use email, telephone or messaging applications?
• How quickly are general inquiries normally answered?
• How urgent matters are handled?
• How often will I receive updates?
• Will updates be provided only when developments occur?
• Who should I contact if the main lawyer is unavailable?
• Will I receive copies of important documents?
• How will time-zone differences be managed?

The objective is not to demand immediate access at all times.

It is to establish clear and realistic procedures.

Communication Expectations

For more information, see Communicating With Your Lawyer in Turkey.

Questions About Legal Fees

Clients should understand how professional fees are calculated before accepting the engagement.

Love:

• Is the fee fixed, hourly or stage-based?
• What services does the fee include?
• Is VAT included or additional?
• When are payments due?
• Is an advance payment required?
• Does the fee include meetings and communication?
• Are appeals included?
• Is enforcement involved?
• Will additional work require additional fees?
• How long is the proposal valid?
• What happens if I decide not to continue?

Fee Questions Checklist

Questions About External Costs

Professional legal fees may not include official or third-party expenses.

Ask whether the client must pay separately for:

• court fees;
• government application fees;
• notary fees;
• certified translations;
• Apostille or legalization;
• interpreters;
• experts;
• valuation reports;
• Courier services;
• travel;
• enforcement expenses.

Ask also:

• Who pays these costs?
• When are they due?
• Can they be estimated?
• Will receipts or supporting documents be provided?
• Must the client pay third parties directly?

Professional Fees vs External Costs

For further details, see Lawyer Fees and Legal Costs in Turkey.

Questions About the Scope of Work

The scope of work is one of the most important parts of the engagement.

Love:

• What exactly is included?
• What is not included?
• Does the service include document review?
• Does it include drafting?
• Does it include submission?
• Does it include attendance before authorities?
• Does it include hearing?
• Does it include appeals?
• Does it include enforcement?
• Does it include communication with the other party?
• What happens if a new legal issue arises?

Included vs Excluded Work

Never assume that related legal work is automatically included.

For more information, see Understanding Legal Service Agreements in Turkey.

Questions About Timelines

Clients should ask for a realistic explanation of timing.

Love:

• When can work begin?
• What is the first step?
• Which stages may be involved?
• How long may each stage take?
• Which parts are controlled by the lawyer?
• Which parts depend on a court or authority?
• Are delays common?
• When will my action or approval be required?
• What could extend the process?

No exact outcome date can usually be guaranteed.

A responsible lawyer should distinguish between:

• estimated preparation time;
• official processing time;
• court timelines;
• factors outside the lawyer's control.

Key Takeaways From Part One

• A consultation is also an opportunity for the client to evaluate the lawyer.
• Questions should cover experience, strategy, risks, deadlines, team responsibility, communication, fees and scope.
• Specific questions usually produce more useful answers than broad questions.
• Clients should ask for a balanced risk assessment rather than guaranteed success.
• The responsible lawyer and supporting team members should be clearly identified.
• Legal fees should be distinguished from court, government and third-party costs.
• The scope should explain included and excluded work.
• Timelines should be realistic and should distinguish lawyer-controlled work from court or authority processing.

Questions About Documents

Legal advice depends on accurate and complete information.

Before hiring a lawyer, ask which documents are required for:

• the initial consultation;
• preliminary legal assessment;
• formal representation;
• court or administrative filing;
• issuing a Power of Attorney.

Useful questions include:

• Which documents should I send before the consultation?
• Are scanned copies sufficient initially?
• Will original documents be required later?
• Do foreign documents need certified Turkish translation?
• Is an Apostille or legalization required?
• Do you need the complete document or only selected pages?
• How should I organize and label the files?
• Which documents should I avoid sending through messaging applications?
• Will you help me obtain missing official records?

Why Document Questions Matter

Clients sometimes spend time and money translating or authenticating documents that are not actually required.

Others send incomplete documents that prevent a meaningful legal assessment.

Asking for a tailored checklist may help avoid both problems.

Document Preparation Table

For more information, see Legal Documents You May Need in Turkey.

Questions About a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney grants legal authority to another person.

It is separate from the legal service agreement and is not required for every type of legal assistance.

Love:

• Do you need a Power of Attorney for this matter?
• Why is it required?
• Which authorities or procedures will cover it?
• Can you provide the correct wording?
• Why are several lawyers named?
• Does it include authority to receive money?
• Does it include authority to settle or waive claims?
• Does it include property, banking or company powers?
• Can the Power of Attorney be limited?
• Where should it be issued?
• Will it require Apostille, legalization or translation?
• How can it later be revoked?

Power of Attorney Questions by Risk

Clients should understand every important authority before signing.

For further guidance, see Power of Attorney in Turkey.

Questions About Remote Representation

Many foreign clients hire and work with Turkish lawyers while living abroad.

Love:

• Can the matter be handled remotely?
• Which stages require my personal attendance?
• Can the consultation be conducted by video?
• Can the agreement be signed remotely?
• How will original documents be delivered?
• Can the Power of Attorney be issued at a Turkish consulate?
• Can it be issued before a foreign notary?
• How will identity be verified?
• How will time-zone differences be managed?
• Which communication channel will be used?
• How urgent matters will be handled while I am abroad?

Remote Representation Checklist

Remote engagement can be efficient, but the procedures should be explained clearly in advance.

Questions About Confidentiality

Clients should feel able to provide complete and accurate information.

Love:

• How will my information be kept confidential?
• Who within the team may access my file?
• Will translators or consultants be involved?
• How confidential will documents be shared?
• Is email or messaging suitable for sensitive information?
• Will information be shared with another party?
• What happens if the lawyer was introduced by an agent or intermediary?
• How are original documents stored?
• How long are records retained?
• What should I do if I accidentally send information to the wrong person?

Confidentiality and Team Involvement

Where several professionals are involved, ask:

• who they are;
• what role they perform;
• Why access is necessary;
• How confidentiality is maintained.

The use of a team is not inherently a concern.

The important issue is transparency and proper handling of sensitive information.

For more guidance, see Communicating With Your Lawyer in Turkey.

Questions About Conflicts of Interest and Independence

A lawyer should act in the legal interests of the client they represent.

Love:

• Have you represented another party involved in this matter?
• Do you have a professional or commercial relationship with the other party?
• Were you introduced by the seller, developer, agent or business partner?
• Who will you formally represent?
• Will any information be shared with the person who introduced me?
• Does any potential conflict exist?
• If a conflict appears later, what will happen?
• Can you provide independent advice even though another party referred me?

When Independence Requires Particular Attention

Independence should be examined carefully where the lawyer was introduced by:

• a property seller;
• a developer;
• a real estate agent;
• an employer;
• a business partner;
• an immigration intermediary;
• another family member in a dispute;
• another party to the transaction.

A referral may be legitimate, but the lawyer's duties and client relationship should be clear.

Questions About Ending the Engagement

Before hiring a lawyer, ask how the professional relationship may end.

Useful questions include:

• When does the engagement begin?
• When is the agreed work considered complete?
• Can I terminate the agreement?
• Can the lawyer terminate it?
• What happens to work already completed?
• Are any payments refundable?
• How will original documents be returned?
• What happens to approaching deadlines?
• Will the file be transferred to another lawyer?
• Must the Power of Attorney be revoked?
• Will any outstanding fees remain payable?
• What happens if I stop providing instructions?

Why Termination Questions Matter

Clients often focus on the beginning of the relationship but not on how it concludes.

Clear termination provisions help protect:

• ongoing deadlines;
• Document Access;
• continuity;
• financial arrangements;
• authority granted under a Power of Attorney.

For more information, see Understanding Legal Service Agreements in Turkey.

Practice-Area-Specific Questions

General questions should be adapted to the legal matter.

The following sections provide targeted questions for common practice areas.

Questions to Ask an Immigration Lawyer in Turkey

Love:

• Which immigration status or application category may apply?
• Does my previous immigration history create a problem?
• Is my passport validity sufficient?
• Have I overstayed?
• Do I have a legal deadline?
• Can I remain in Turkey during the process?
• Is a new application possible after refusal?
• Is there an objection or court case available?
• Could the matter lead to deportation or an entry ban?
• Which foreign documents are required?
• Will I need to attend an appointment personally?
• Can the matter affect future applications?
• What happens if the application is rejected?
• Are appeals or litigation included in your proposed scope?

Immigration Warning Question

A particularly important question is:

“What are the legal consequences if this application is refused?”

This helps the client understand whether the matter is routine or carries wider immigration risk.

Questions to Ask a Property Lawyer in Turkey

Love:

• Will you verify legal ownership?
• Will you check mortgages, liens and restrictions?
• Will you review zoning and municipality records?
• Will you check construction and occupancy status?
• Will you review the purchase or reservation agreement?
• Should I pay a deposit before due diligence?
• Is the seller legally authorized to transfer the property?
• Are there any restrictions affecting foreign ownership?
• Does the property support my residence or citizenship objective?
• Will you attend the title transfer?
• Are valuation, translation and notary expenses separate?
• What happens if the seller cannot complete the transfer?
• Does the Power of Attorney include only the required property powers?
• Is ongoing litigation included if a dispute arises later?

Property Transaction Question

Before transferring money, ask:

“What legal protection do I have if the transaction does not complete?”

The answer should address the contract, payment structure and recovery options.

Questions to Ask a Business or Corporate Lawyer

Love:

• Which company structure is appropriate?
• Can foreigners own all the shares?
• What capital requirements apply?
• Which licenses or regulatory approvals are required?
• Who will have signing authority?
• How should shareholder rights be documented?
• Do we need a partners' agreement?
• What happens if a shareholder wants to leave?
• Who owns the intellectual property?
• Which contracts should be prepared before operations begin?
• Are tax and accounting services included?
• Which matters require a separate accountant or advisor?
• Does the service include ongoing compliance?
• Are employment documents included?
• What happens if a shareholder dispute arises?

Corporate Responsibility Question

Love:

“Which parts of the process will be handled by the lawyer, accountant, notary and Trade Registry?”

This helps distinguish different professional responsibilities.

Questions to Ask a Family Lawyer

Love:

• Which court has jurisdiction?
• Does the foreign marriage need to be registered or recognised?
• How are custody and contact determined?
• Can urgent protective measures be requested?
• Can one parent relocate the child?
• Are foreign court decisions recognized in Turkey?
• What documents are required?
• Will the proceedings affect immigration status?
• How is maintenance assessed?
• How are matrimonial assets handled?
• Is negotiation or an uncontested agreement realistic?
• Will I need to attend hearings?
• Can the matter be handled while I live abroad?
• What happens if the other parent removes the child?

Family Law Urgency Question

Ask immediately:

“Is there any urgent action required to protect the child or prevent relocation?”

Timing may be particularly important in custody and safety matters.

Questions to Ask an Inheritance Lawyer

Love:

• Which law applies to the estate?
• Which Turkish authority or court is responsible?
• How will the heirs be identified?
• Are foreign death and family documents acceptable?
• Do documents require Apostille or legalisation?
• How can Turkish assets be identified?
• Are bank accounts, property or company shares involved?
• Is a Turkish inheritance certificate required?
• Are tax obligations involved?
• Is there a will?
• Can foreign succession documents be used?
• How long may the process take?
• Can one act for the others?
• What happens if the heirs disagree?
• Will property-sale or bank procedures require separate services?

Questions to Ask a Litigation Lawyer

Love:

• Which court has jurisdiction?
• What must be proven?
• What evidence is available?
• What evidence is missing?
• Is mediation required before filing?
• What are the likely stages?
• What are the court and expert costs?
• Is settlement realistic?
• What may the other party argue?
• How long might first-instance proceedings take?
• Are appeals included?
• Is enforcement involved?
• What happens if we win but the other party does not pay?
• Does the other party appear to have recoverable assets?
• Are interim measures available?
• What are the principal procedural risks?

Litigation Outcome Question

Love:

“Even if we obtain a favorable judgment, how likely is practical enforcement?”

A legal victory and actual recovery are not always the same.

Questions to Ask a Criminal Lawyer

Love:

• What is my current procedural status?
• Am I a complainant, suspect, accused person or victim?
• Should I speak to the police or prosecutor now?
• Is immediate representation required?
• Can I be detained?
• Is a travel restriction possible?
• Could the matter affect immigration status?
• What evidence has been collected?
• Can the case involve search, seizure or asset freezing?
• What should I avoid doing?
• Can you attend questioning?
• Will you review the investigation file where legally possible?
• Does the proposed fee cover investigation and trial stages?
• Are appeal proceedings separate?
• How urgent communication will be handled?

Criminal matters often require prompt, fact-specific advice.

Questions to Ask a Debt-Recovery Lawyer

Love:

• Is the debt legally documented?
• Are the invoices, contract and payment records sufficient?
• Has the debtor acknowledged the debt?
• Is a formal notice advisable?
• Should we negotiate first?
• Can enforcement begin directly?
• Is litigation required?
• Does the debtor appear to have assets?
• Are limitation periods relevant?
• What are the expected enforcement costs?
• Is a success-related fee proposed?
• What happens if the debtor becomes insolvent?
• Does the scope include asset investigation and enforcement?

Questions to Ask About a Cross-Border Matter

Love:

• Which country's law may apply?
• Which court has jurisdiction?
• Will foreign counsel be required?
• Who will coordinate the lawyers?
• Which documents require authentication?
• Can a foreign judgment be recognized in Turkey?
• Can a Turkish decision be enforced abroad?
• Which language will govern the main documents?
• Are tax or regulatory advisors needed?
• How will costs in several jurisdictions be managed?
• Which part of the work falls within the Turkish lawyer's scope?

Questions You Should Be Cautious About

Some questions are understandable but may encourage misleading answers if framed poorly.

“Can You Guarantee Success?”

No responsible lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a court case, application or investigation.

Ask instead:

• What are the strengths?
• What are the risks?
• What outcomes are possible?

“How Quickly Can You Finish Everything?”

Many timelines depend on courts, authorities and third parties.

Ask instead:

• Which stages do you control?
• What may cause delay?

“Can You Use Your Connections?”

A lawyer should rely on lawful procedures and professional representation, not promises of improper influence.

“Can You Make the Problem Disappear?”

Ask for legal options and realistic consequences rather than an undefined result.

Good Questions vs Less Useful Questions

Consultation Checklist

Before the consultation, prepare:

• a short factual summary;
• chronological timeline;
• full names of parties involved;
• important dates;
• official documents;
• contracts;
• correspondence;
• payment records;
• desired outcome;
• List of questions.

During the consultation, record answers regarding:

Key Takeaways

• Questions about documents help avoid unnecessary translation, authentication and courier costs.
• A Power of Attorney should be understood before it is issued.
• Foreign clients should clarify which parts of the matter can be handled remotely.
• Confidentiality, team access and secure communication should be discussed.
• Conflicts of interest and professional independence should be addressed before engagement.
• Clients should understand how the engagement may end and what happens to documents, fees and deadlines.
• Practice-area-specific questions produce more useful answers than generic questions.
• Good questions focus on legal issues, evidence, strategy, risk, scope and practical consequences.
• Avoid seeking guaranteed outcomes or promises of influence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask a lawyer during the first consultation?

Ask questions about:

• relevant experience;
• the main legal issues;
• possible options;
• strengths and risks;
• deadlines;
• required documents;
• the proposed strategy;
• the scope of work;
• legal fees and external costs;
• communication;
• the responsible lawyer;
• Power of Attorney requirements.

The consultation should help you understand both your legal position and how the professional relationship would operate.

How many questions should I ask before hiring a lawyer?

There is no fixed number.

For most matters, a focused list of 10–15 important questions is more useful than asking dozens of general questions.

The most important areas are:

• experience;
• strategy;
• risks;
• deadlines;
• scope;
• fees;
• communication;
• responsibility for the file.

Should I ask whether the lawyer has handled a similar case?

Yes.

Ask about general experience with similar legal issues, procedures or authorities.

The lawyer should not disclose confidential details about other clients, but should be able to explain whether the matter falls within their usual professional work.

Should I ask for examples of previous results?

You may ask about general experience and the types of matters handled.

However, previous outcomes do not guarantee the outcome of your case, and confidentiality may prevent the lawyer from providing detailed examples.

Focus on:

• legal approach;
• procedural familiarity;
• risk assessment;
• case management ability.

Should I ask the lawyer whether I will win?

You may ask for an assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and possible outcomes.

A more useful question is:

“Based on the current evidence, what are the principal risks and realistic outcomes?”

No lawyer should guarantee a court decision, government approval or settlement result.

What should I ask about legal strategy?

Love:

• What options are available?
• Which option do you recommend?
• Why?
• What are the disadvantages?
• Are negotiation or mediation possible?
• What happens if no action is taken?
• Could the strategy change after further review?

A responsible answer should be reasoned and should acknowledge uncertainty where it exists.

What should I ask about legal deadlines?

Ask:

• Is a deadline currently running?
• When did it begin?
• What is the final date?
• Which documents are required before action?
• What happens if the deadline has expired?
• Is an urgent protective measure available?

Provide the complete official notice and proof of receipt where possible.

What should I ask about legal fees?

Ask:

• Is the fee fixed, hourly or stage-based?
• What is included?
• Is VAT additional?
• When are payments due?
• Are appeals included?
• Is enforcement included?
• What happens if the matter expands?
• How long is the proposal valid?

Do not compare fees without comparing scope.

What external costs should I ask about?

Ask whether you must pay separately for:

• court fees;
• official charges;
• notary fees;
• translations;
• Apostille or legalisation;
• experts;
• interpreters;
• valuation reports;
• courier services;
• travel;
• enforcement expenses.

Request an estimate where possible, while recognising that some costs may depend on future procedural developments.

Should I ask who will actually handle my case?

Yes.

Confirm:

• the responsible lawyer;
• who communicates with you;
• who prepares documents;
• who attends hearings or appointments;
• whether junior lawyers, trainees, translators or consultants will assist;
• who provides backup if the main lawyer is unavailable.

Delegation may be normal, but responsibility should be transparent.

Should I ask how often the lawyer will update me?

Yes.

Ask:

• when significant developments will be reported;
• which communication channel will be used;
• who to contact for urgent matters;
• whether you will receive copies of filings and decisions;
• what the normal response period is for general questions.

The appropriate update frequency depends on the nature of the matter.

What should I ask about the scope of work?

Ask exactly which services and procedural stages are included.

Clarify whether the proposed service covers:

• consultation;
• document review;
• drafting;
• submission;
• negotiation;
• authority attendance;
• hearings;
• appeal;
• enforcement;
• related future applications.

Also ask what is expressly excluded.

What should I ask about a Power of Attorney?

Ask:

• Why is it required?
• Which powers does it grant?
• Why are several lawyers named?
• Can the authority be limited?
• Does it include settlement, receipt of money or property powers?
• Where should it be issued?
• Does it require translation or authentication?
• How can it be revoked?

Do not sign until the important powers are understood.

Should I ask whether the lawyer can work remotely?

Yes, especially when you live outside Turkey.

Ask:

• which stages can be handled remotely;
• whether personal attendance is required;
• how identity will be verified;
• how documents will be exchanged;
• how the agreement and Power of Attorney will be completed;
• how urgent communication will be handled.

What should I ask about confidentiality?

Ask:

• who may access the file;
• whether translators or consultants will be involved;
• how sensitive documents will be stored;
• which communication channels are appropriate;
• whether information will be shared with the person who introduced you;
• How confidentiality is protected during remote work.

Should I ask about conflicts of interest?

Yes.

This is particularly important where the lawyer was introduced by:

• the seller;
• a property developer;
• a real estate agent;
• a business partner;
• an employer;
• another party in the dispute.

Ask who the lawyer represents and whether any professional or commercial relationship could affect independence.

Should I ask how long the matter will take?

Yes, but ask for a realistic procedural estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date.

A lawyer should distinguish between:

• Preparation time;
• official processing time;
• court timelines;
• Delays caused by experts, authorities or other parties.

Should I ask about appeals at the beginning?

Yes, especially in litigation and administrative matters.

Clarify whether:

• appeal assessment is included;
• appeal drafting and representation are separate;
• higher-court proceedings require additional fees;
• Deadlines will be monitored.

Should I ask about enforcement before filing a lawsuit?

Yes.

A favorable judgment may have limited practical value if the other party has no identifiable assets or cannot be reached.

Love:

• whether enforcement is likely to be necessary;
• whether the debtor has recoverable assets;
• whether enforcement is included in the scope;
• what additional costs may arise.

What should I ask if two lawyers give different advice?

Ask each lawyer to explain:

• the legal basis of the recommendation;
• assumptions being made;
• risks of the proposed approach;
• available alternatives;
• What may happen if the strategy fails.

Different recommendations may both be professionally reasonable. The quality of the explanation is important.

What should I ask if the lawyer recommends immediate litigation?

Love:

• Why is litigation preferable to negotiation?
• Is mediation required or advisable?
• What evidence supports the claim?
• What are the cost and enforcement risks?
• What happens if the case is unsuccessful?
• Are interim measures available?

Immediate litigation may be appropriate, but it should be justified.

Should I ask for everything in writing?

Important terms should generally be documented.

These include:

• scope of work;
• professional fees;
• payment terms;
• WATT;
• exclusions;
• responsible lawyer;
• Power of Attorney requirements;
• significant changes to the engagement.

Routine discussions do not always need separate written confirmation, but important instructions and commercial terms should be clear.

What if the lawyer refuses to answer my questions?

A lawyer may be unable to provide a final answer before reviewing documents or conducting research.

That is different from refusing to explain:

• professional identity;
• scope;
• fees;
• responsibility;
• communication procedures.

A lack of transparency about the engagement itself should be treated cautiously.

Should I ask for a second opinion?

A second opinion may be useful where:

• the matter is high-value;
• the consequences are serious;
• The advice is unclear;
• The proposed strategy is unusually aggressive;
• different jurisdictions are involved;
• You are considering changing lawyers.

The second lawyer should review enough information to provide a meaningful assessment.

Should I prepare my questions in advance?

Yes.

Preparing questions helps you:

• use consultation time efficiently;
• avoid forgetting important concerns;
• compare lawyers consistently;
• record answers;
• identify issues requiring follow-up.

A written checklist is particularly useful when consulting several candidates.

The 25 Essential Questions to Ask

Use this condensed list before making your final decision.

Experience and Suitability

1. Have you handled this type of matter before?
2. Do you regularly work with foreign clients?
3. Which court, authority or legal process is likely to be involved?
4. Does another specialist need to participate?

Legal Assessment

1. What do you understand to be the main legal issue?
2. What facts or documents are missing?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses?
4. Is any deadline running?
5. What outcomes are realistically possible?

Strategy

1. What legal options are available?
2. Which option do you recommend and why?
3. Are negotiation, mediation or settlement possible?
4. What happens if no action is taken?

Team and Communication

1. Who will be the responsible lawyer?
2. Who will perform the daily work?
3. How will updates be provided?
4. Who handles urgent matters?

Scope and Fees

1. What services are included?
2. What is excluded?
3. Are appeals and enforcement included?
4. How are professional fees calculated?
5. Is VAT additional?
6. Which official and third-party costs are separate?

Documents and Authority

1. Which documents and translations are required?
2. Do I need a Power of Attorney, and what powers will it contain?

Printable Consultation Scorecard

Score each category from 1 to 5.

Suggested Interpretation

56–70: Strong Professional Fit

The lawyer has provided clear and satisfactory answers across most important areas.

40–55: Further Clarification Needed

The lawyer may be suitable, but significant questions remain unanswered.

Below 40: Consider Other Options

The engagement may lack sufficient clarity, transparency or suitability.

The scorecard is only a practical tool. A serious concern—such as an undisclosed conflict or guaranteed-result promise—should not be ignored because of an otherwise high score.

Positive Indicators During the Consultation

Positive signs may include:

• The lawyer listens before giving conclusions;
• relevant follow-up questions are asked;
• missing documents are identified;
• Deadlines are discussed;
• both strengths and weaknesses are explained;
• No outcome is guaranteed;
• the scope and fees are documented;
• the responsible lawyer is identified;
• communication expectations are realistic;
• The client is encouraged to read the agreement before signing.

Warning Signs

Potential concerns include:

• guaranteed success or approval;
• claims of personal influence over courts or authorities;
• pressure to pay immediately;
• refusing to identify the responsible lawyer;
• no written scope or fee proposal;
• advice based on incomplete documents;
• unexplained payment to an unrelated person;
• Refuse to discuss risks;
• no distinction between professional fees and official costs;
• pressure to issue a broad Power of Attorney without explanation.

Good Answers vs Concerning Answers

Final Decision Indicators

Before hiring the lawyer, you should be able to explain:

• who the responsible lawyer is;
• What the main legal issue is;
• which option is recommended;
• What the principal risks are;
• whether any deadline exists;
• What documents are needed?
• What services are included?
• what is excluded;
• What is the professional fee?
• which additional costs may arise;
• how communication will work;
• whether a Power of Attorney is required;
• What happens next?

If you cannot answer several of these questions after the consultation, seek clarification before proceeding.

Key Takeaways

• The best questions focus on experience, legal assessment, strategy, risks, scope, fees, deadlines and responsibility.
• Specific questions produce more useful answers than broad questions.
• The consultation should help the client evaluate the lawyer as well as understand the legal matter.
• A responsible lawyer explains uncertainty and does not guarantee outcomes.
• Professional fees should be distinguished from VAT, official costs and third-party expenses.
• The client should know who will actually handle the matter.
• Important engagement terms should be documented in writing.
• Questions should be adapted to the relevant practice area.
• A consultation scorecard can make comparisons more objective.
• Unclear scope, pressure to pay and guaranteed significant-result claims are warning signs.

Related Legal Guides

Continue exploring the Turkey Legal Knowledge Center.

Finding and Choosing a Lawyer

• Finding the Right Lawyer in Turkey
• How to Choose the Right Lawyer in Turkey
• How to Verify a Turkish Lawyer
• Red Flags When Choosing a Lawyer in Turkey
• Understanding Lawyer Qualifications in Turkey
• Understanding Legal Specializations in Turkey

Hiring and Working With a Lawyer

• How to Hire a Lawyer in Turkey
• Legal Consultancy in Turkey
• Lawyer Fees and Legal Costs in Turkey
• Understanding Legal Service Agreements
• Communicating With Your Lawyer
• How Your Legal Case Is Managed in Turkey
• Hiring and Working With a Lawyer in Turkey Remotely

Legal Documents and Procedures

• Power of Attorney in Turkey
• Legal Documents You May Need in Turkey
• Certified Translation in Turkey
• Apostille and Legalization in Turkey
• Understanding the Turkish Legal System

Legal Notice

This guide is provided for general educational and informational purposes only.

It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a lawyer-client relationship.

The questions that should be asked depend on the facts, complexity, urgency and procedural stage of the individual legal matter.

A lawyer may reasonably need additional documents, legal research or factual clarification before providing a final assessment.

No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of a court case, government application, investigation, negotiation or enforcement process.

Speak With Our Team

Hukuk&Co provides fee-based legal consultations for foreign individuals, international families, investors and businesses dealing with legal matters in Turkey.

During the consultation, our multilingual legal team can:

• review the available facts and documents;
• identify the main legal and procedural issues;
• assess whether deadlines may apply;
• explain possible options and risks;
• Identify missing documents;
• Discuss the proposed scope of legal services;
• explain professional fees, VAT and external expenses;
• Clarify communication and Power of Attorney arrangements.

We encourage prospective clients to ask questions and understand the proposed engagement before making a decision.

Where formal representation is offered, the responsible legal team, scope of work, professional fees and principal engagement terms are explained before legal work begins.

No legal outcome can be guaranteed. Every assessment depends on the specific facts, available evidence, applicable law and decisions of the competent authorities, courts or other parties.