Europe's Innovative Lawyers Awards 2025: Recognizing the Triumphant Winners
The FT Innovative Lawyer Europe Awards 2025, hosted by FT Live in association with research partner RSGI, took place on September 18. The event honoured the most innovative individuals, law firms, and in-house legal teams in the European legal industry.
The awards recognised various strides made in digital transformation, knowledge management, and operational efficiency. Notable winners included White & Case, Everlegal, and Latham & Watkins, who triumphed in the Restructuring, Disputes and Crisis Management, and Science and Technology categories respectively.
In the category of Most Innovative In-house Legal Team in Europe, National Grid was recognised for its operational transformation. However, the winner of the specific in-house legal team category in 2025 was not explicitly stated in the search results provided.
Several law firms focused on specific areas to drive innovation. Garrigues, for example, concentrated on knowledge and data management, while Perkins Coie prioritised training and development. A&O Shearman introduced new legal services, and Simmons & Simmons implemented automation and AI tools.
In-house legal teams also demonstrated a commitment to innovation. Broadfield provided strategic direction, while Ecija developed a digital strategy. UBS managed outside counsel effectively, and Abreu Advogados won the Responsible Business category.
Notable individuals were also recognised. Tim Johnson from Browne Jacobson received the Innovative Practitioner award, and José Rodríguez Coching from KPMG Abogados won the Innovative Legal Intrapreneur award.
Outside the UK, Garrigues was named the Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe, and Bracewell won the Infrastructure category. Accenture focused on people and skills, and FMO emphasised sustainability and impact. Citibank provided commercial and strategic advice, and Freshfields was named the Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe.
The event concluded with White & Case winning the Unlocking Capital category and Cravath, Swaine & Moore triumphing in the Dealmaking category.
The FT Innovative Lawyer Europe Awards 2025 highlighted the significant strides made in the European legal industry towards innovation, digital transformation, and operational efficiency. The winners demonstrated a commitment to driving change, adapting to new technologies, and prioritising sustainable and responsible practices.
