International Commercial Law

Major: International Commercial Law (Uluslararası Ticaret Hukuku)

Program Overview

A specialized legal program designed to equip students with expertise in cross-border trade, commercial contracts, dispute resolution, and regulatory frameworks. Combines legal theory, case studies, and practical skills to prepare graduates for careers in international law firms, multinational corporations, trade organizations, and government agencies in Turkey’s globally connected economy.

Key Learning Objectives

• Understand international trade law and treaties (WTO, UNCITRAL, CISG).
• Master cross-border commercial contracts (drafting, negotiation, enforcement).
• Learn international dispute resolution (arbitration, mediation, litigation).
• Gain expertise in maritime, aviation, and transport law.
• Develop skills in corporate governance and compliance for multinational businesses.
• Explore intellectual property rights in global trade.
• Apply Turkish and EU commercial law in international contexts.

Core Courses

1. Introduction to International Trade Law
   • WTO, GATT, and regional trade agreements (e.g., EU-Turkey Customs Union).
2. Cross-Border Commercial Contracts
   • Drafting, negotiation, and enforcement of international sales agreements.
3. International Dispute Resolution
   • Arbitration (ICC, LCIA), mediation, and enforcement of foreign judgments.
4. Maritime and Transport Law
   • Shipping contracts, Incoterms, and logistics regulations.
5. Corporate Law and Governance in Global Business
   • Mergers, acquisitions, and compliance for multinational corporations.
6. Intellectual Property in International Trade
   • Trademarks, patents, copyrights, and licensing across borders.
7. International Banking and Finance Law
   • Letters of credit, international payments, and anti-money laundering (AML).
8. Turkish and EU Commercial Law
   • Harmonization, customs regulations, and trade compliance.
9. E-Commerce and Digital Trade Law
   • Cross-border online transactions, data protection (GDPR), and cybersecurity.
10. Practicum in International Commercial Law
    • Internships with law firms, trade organizations, or corporate legal departments.
11. Capstone Project
    • Draft a cross-border commercial agreement or analyze an international trade dispute.

Assessment Methods

• Case studies on international trade disputes
• Drafting and negotiating commercial contracts
• Arbitration/mock trial simulations
• Research papers on global trade regulations
• Capstone project presentations

Tools & Resources

• Legal Databases: Westlaw, LexisNexis, UNCITRAL texts, Turkish Trade Registry
• Software: Contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools, e-discovery platforms
• Books:
  • International Trade Law by Andrew Guzman
  • The Law of International Trade by Jason Chuah
  • Principles of European Contract Law by Ole Lando

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in law (LLB) or related field.
• Interest in international business, trade, or corporate law.

Program Duration

1–2 years (LLM or certificate), including internships or moot court competitions.

Certifications (Optional)

• Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)
• Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Certification
• Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)

Career Paths

• International Trade Lawyer (law firms, corporate legal departments)
• Commercial Arbitrator/Mediator (dispute resolution centers)
• Compliance Officer (multinational corporations, banks)
• Legal Consultant (trade organizations, government agencies)
• Maritime/Aviation Lawyer (shipping, logistics, or transport companies)
• Intellectual Property Attorney (global IP protection and licensing)
• Corporate Counsel (international business transactions)
• Policy Advisor (trade ministries, NGOs, or EU institutions)

Why This Major?

Turkey’s strategic location as a global trade hub creates high demand for legal experts in international commercial law. This program provides specialized training in cross-border transactions, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance, preparing graduates for high-impact careers in a globalized economy. With strong industry connections and practical skills, students gain a competitive edge in a dynamic and lucrative field. Ideal for those passionate about law, business, and international relations.