2020 TLA EMERGING EXCELLENCE AWARD
Ceyda Turan
Ceyda Turan to receive the Toronto Lawyers Association Emerging Excellence Award on March 5, 2020
In celebration of its 135th anniversary, the TLA is pleased to present the TLA Emerging Excellence Award to Ceyda Turan, Barrister and Solicitor at Turan Law Office, Toronto.
The Award recognizes a lawyer who has been in practice for 10 years or less and exemplifies leadership and/or innovation in advancing the TLA’s three pillars of Knowledge, Community, and Advocacy.
Ceyda was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, and arrived in Canada in 2002 to attend McGill University where she earned an undergraduate Joint Honours Degree in Political Science and International Development. She also worked as a researcher and policy analyst at the McGill Institute for Health and Social Policy.
She also earned a Masters degree with Distinction from the School of Oriental and African Studies, at the University of London, England.
In 2008, she established the Alternatives International Journal in Montreal where she served as its editor-in-chief. Ceyda exhibited leadership in advancing knowledge and community activities as a Founder of the Toronto Ward Museum, an organization that focuses on sharing of personal stories of immigration in Toronto’s history. And in 2012, she earned her law degree from McGill University.
In what is sure to be only the first among many momentous achievements, and despite being the youngest member of the team, Ceyda was appointed Lead Counsel in the negotiations with both the Ontario and Canadian Governments where she effectively advocated on behalf of the First Nations. She had begun as co-counsel representing the Williams Treaties First Nations in Alderville et. al v H.M.Q., a large complex litigation action before the Federal Court regarding a longstanding dispute over the 1923 Williams Treaties. In the end, she was involved in all aspects of the litigation that resulted in a historic settlement for the Williams Treaties First Nations that included financial compensation of $1.11 billion.
“The resolution of this claim would not have been possible without Ms. Turan’s excellent advocacy, commitment and knowledge of the file,” said Karry Sandy, Williams Treaties First Nations Process Coordinator and Negotiator. “(Her) success is not only based on her knowledge … but on her ability to understand the community that she serves.”
Ceyda has since opened her own firm, Turan Law Office specializing in litigation of Aboriginal and treaty rights, historic treaties, and dispute resolution through negotiations and mediation.
She also volunteers with Pro Bono Ontario, assisting unaccompanied refugee minors in managing the refugee claims process and appearing on their behalf before the Immigration Refugee Board.
Join us to celebrate Ceyda Turan's outstanding contribution to the legal profession!