Overview

The awards ceremony will be a celebration of the best in innovation from law firms and in-house legal teams in the Asia-Pacific region. With over 20 awards, we will recognise leaders in digital innovation, strategic advice, talent management and driving positive change in the profession.

What can you expect?

Our award ceremonies are a glamorous affair, you can expect an evening filled with celebrations and it's a great excuse to get dressed up and let your hair down. The awards include a drinks reception, a gala dinner, and of course the award winner announcements.

Who attends?

Senior leaders and influencers from across the profession including a global community of general counsel, law firm leaders, in-house legal teams of large corporates together with industry thought-leaders and Financial Times journalists.

Submissions information

2025 submissions are now closed. 2026 submissions information will appear on the event website in October 2025. If you would like to be added to our newsletter database for submissions reminders and relevant information, email katie.jacobs@ft.com with your details.

"The awards matter. Nascent law firm innovation has been encouraged and the importance and credibility of these awards are embedded amongst firms and legal counsel alike."

Justin D'Agostino, Herbert Smith Freehills

Research Methodology

Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific 2025 is a rankings report and awards for lawyers based in the Asia-Pacific region. Shortlists for the awards comprise the top ranked submissions in each section of the report.

The FT and its research partner RSGI have devised a unique methodology to rank lawyers on innovation. Law firms and company in-house legal teams are invited to submit their innovations. These are then thoroughly researched through telephone interviews, questionnaires and reviews. Market experts are also called in to assess the submissions and the research. 

The 2025 report will highlight the firms and in-house teams who are digitally advanced and using innovative approaches to deliver exceptional value to business and society. The report will also highlight outstanding leaders and individuals bringing innovation to the practice of law. 

Each entry is scored out of 10 points for originality, leadership and impact, for a maximum score of 30. They are then benchmarked against each other to arrive at the final rankings and shortlists.

© Financial Times Live

FT Live and its journalism are subject to a self-regulation regime under the FT Editorial Code of Practice