- There is a limit of one entry per category
- The time period covered should be 12 months prior to the entry deadline
- The word limit is 800 words
This category recognizes law firms that can show demonstrable ROI from the implementation of technology that supports, streamlines or improves any aspect of the e-discovery process. Successful entries will demonstrate how technology aided in improving e-discovery outcomes or workflows, with supporting data where possible. Entries should showcase how technology was paired with process to result in the ROI.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This category recognizes law firms that have implemented technology that helps internal users or clients discover, track, and understand new and existing regulations, support and streamline their compliance processes, or support an information governance program. Supporting evidence of the impact for end-users is encouraged.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
Technology that has disrupted or clearly changed an existing sector, marketplace or work technique within the legal services industry. Entrants must demonstrate originality in the delivery of their products or service. Entries for this award should focus on a single project or product that exemplifies the quality of the service being supplied.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
Entries must demonstrate to the judges that the firm is not only at the forefront of innovation in the legal industry but has also made groundbreaking advancements over the past 12 months.
The judges will expect to see evidence of:
- Legal expertise and innovation
- Strategic vision
- Business winning
- Client care (including measures relating to efficiency and cost effectiveness of service delivery)
- Employee development
- Sustainable improvements in financial performance
- A commitment to CSR
Please include the following information:
- Provide a brief overview of your firm, including its size, history, number of offices and key practice areas.
- Outline your firm’s innovation strategy: include goals and key milestones. With reference to this strategy, please provide evidence that it is succeeding, including financial data, flagship deals, client wins and other relevant developments eg. partner hires, investment in new technology, client feedback programmes etc.
- How is your firm excelling in the fields of employee development and CSR?
This category recognizes the law firms that have engaged in successful partnerships or initiatives that improve and promote diversity, equity and inclusion by making advances in cultural change and advancing women, people of color and other underrepresented groups in the legal profession.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This award seeks to uncover innovation in the arena of knowledge management. The entry should focus on a clearly defined project or initiative; outline its objectives; and provide hard evidence that these have been - or are being - achieved.
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This award seeks to uncover innovation in the arena of training. The entry should focus on a clearly defined project or initiative; outline its objectives; and provide hard evidence that these have been - or are being - achieved.
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
The Leading Incubator Project category honors pioneering initiatives within law firms that leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to solve critical legal challenges. This award recognizes projects that demonstrate significant impact, scalability, and sustainability, while fostering collaboration and adhering to the highest ethical standards. Strong leadership, a visionary approach, and positive feedback from clients and end-users are key factors in selecting the standout project that sets new benchmarks in the legal industry.
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
The legal sector is one of the least socioeconomically diverse in the country, with barristers, solicitors and judges disproportionately coming from the same few schools and universities. This award is for organisations that are widening access to the legal sector for the next generation through initiatives or alternative routes into law.
Please show how your organisation has increased social mobility, this can include but is not limited to:
- Collecting socio-economic background of employees
- Mentoring programmes
- Contextual Recruitment, open advertising and paid for internships
- Specific initiatives you have in place
- Establishing Social Mobility networks to help with retention and progression
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This award is for in-house legal departments that have gone through a clear period of change or launched an innovative transformation project in the last year. The entry should describe the project, explain its significance, set out its goals and provide hard evidence that these goals have been achieved, or are being achieved.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This category recognizes internal legal ops teams at both emerging and public companies. Successful entries should demonstrate true innovation through the use of technology in establishing or growing the legal operations function.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This category recognizes legal technology companies or alternative legal service providers that use technology to support the business functions of corporate legal departments, outside counsel management, and more. Successful entries will provide concrete evidence of how their products or services help users establish or strengthen the legal operations function.
- Product/Initiative - define the product or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this product or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this product.
Technology that has disrupted or clearly changed an existing sector, marketplace or work technique within the legal services industry. Entrants must demonstrate originality in the delivery of their products or service. Entries for this award should focus on a single project or product that exemplifies the quality of the service being supplied.
- Product/Initiative - define the product or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this product or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this product.
This award, open to suppliers, is for an innovative product that has launched or gained significant traction in the last year. Entrants must demonstrate originality in the delivery of their products and/or service. Product types include AI / Cyber Security / E-discovery tech / Data management / Translation / Knowledge Management / Contract tech / Litigation tech / Practice Management.
- Product Overview – Provide a clear and concise description of the product, its purpose, and the problem it aims to solve within the legal industry. What are the key features and innovations that set it apart from competitors? Include information on the development process, the team involved, and the timeline from concept to launch.
- Implementation and Impact – Discuss the effectiveness of the product's implementation. Was the product deployed successfully within the expected timeframe and budget? Highlight its performance in real-world scenarios, including how it has improved legal processes, increased efficiencies, or delivered cost savings to users. Provide evidence of how the product is meeting or exceeding its goals.
- Client Feedback - Provide a written reference or testimonial that illustrates the value and success of your offering
This award recognizes emerging African start-ups that are revolutionizing the legal industry through innovative technology solutions. It celebrates young companies (1-5 years since inception) that are at the forefront of using cutting-edge technology to address challenges in the legal ecosystem, empowering legal professionals and clients alike across the continent.
- Market Reception - Demonstrate the market’s acceptance of your product or service. This can include data on user adoption, customer acquisition, and traction in target markets. What has been the initial reaction to the start-up’s offering? Has the solution addressed a critical legal need or introduced a unique innovation within the legal industry? Anything else that makes this start-up special?
- Investor Interest and Initial Growth – Outline the level of interest from investors and other financial stakeholders. Provide details on funding rounds, key partnerships, and strategic investments that have contributed to the start-up’s growth.
- Client Feedback - Provide a written reference or testimonial that illustrates the value and success of your offering
The Alternative Legal Service Provider of the Year Award celebrates a pioneering organization in Africa that has revolutionized the delivery of legal services through innovative, efficient, and client-centric solutions. Applicants must be institutions that derive a majority, or very large amount, of their revenue from the provision of legal services to third parties but do not operate under a traditional law firm model.
- Service Overview – Provide a description of the offering, outlining its purpose and how it differentiates from traditional legal services. What innovative solutions or approaches does it bring to the legal industry?
- Implementation and Success – Detail the successful implementation of the service, including timelines, budget, and how the service met client needs. Highlight specific examples of how the service has improved legal processes, reduced costs, or provided new efficiencies for clients. Provide quantifiable evidence, such as client outcomes, cost savings, or time reductions, that demonstrate the service's success.
- Client Feedback - Provide a written reference or testimonial that illustrates the value and success of your offering
This award honors a person's accomplishments and impact on legal innovation over a long period. They should be nearing the end of their career or have a long track record of success.
- Role - describe your role, number of years of experience and areas of responsibility.
- Achievements - how have you excelled in your role? You should provide evidence of your leadership ability, strategic vision, troubleshooting and legal skills, client satisfaction and contribution to the success of the business and the wider community.
- Feedback - provide one written reference (inside or outside of the firm/organisation) for an on-the-record conversation about the nominee’s legal work and accomplishments.
This award seeks to uncover innovation in the application of artificial intelligence. The entry should focus on a clearly defined project or initiative; outline its objectives; and provide hard evidence that these have been - or are being - achieved.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
The judges will be looking for an ambitious project or initiative that has effectively delivered its objectives. This could be an international, national or local project. A key element of this initiative should be to reduce environmental impact.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved. 450 words.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
This award honors a visionary individual or team whose creative approach, technological advancements, and forward-thinking strategies have significantly impacted the practice of law, enhanced access to justice, and set new benchmarks for excellence in the legal profession. The trailblazer is celebrated not just for their achievements, but for paving the way for future generations to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the legal field.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Role - describe the function of the trailblazer(s), number of years of experience and areas of responsibility.
- Achievements - how have they excelled in their field? You should provide evidence of leadership ability, strategic vision, troubleshooting skills, client satisfaction and contribution to the success of the business and the wider community.
- Feedback - provide one written reference from an executive from within your company or an external advocate who has been impacted by the work.
Entries for this award should focus on a deal that demonstrated innovative and collaborative working across in-house and law firm and/or supplier teams.
Please include the following information:
- Please provide an example of a deal, transaction, project or initiative where an external legal adviser and in-house legal team showed excellent collaboration.
- Show evidence of the ability of both sides to adapt and innovate to needs that arose, and explain why the collaboration was unique and impressive.
- Show how the team members on both sides worked as change agents and creatively challenged the status quo.
This category recognizes those whose tools or services help increase access to justice for the people most often neglected by the criminal and civil system. Successful entries will demonstrate how they’re helping to level the playing field in the justice system.
Your entry must answer the following questions:
- Project/Initiative - define the project or initiative’s scope: include timelines, goals and team members. It is acceptable for the entry to focus on a particular stage of a long-term project.
- Implementation - how successful was the implementation of this project or initiative? Was it within budget and delivered in time? What have been its benefits? Please provide hard evidence that goals have – or are being – achieved.
- Feedback - please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project.
Click the button above to see the form, you do not need to complete your nomination right away, just as long as it's submitted before the deadline.