World Litigation Forum is now “World Lawyers Forum.”
How to Nominate:
The WLF Legal Awards represent a unique opportunity to honor and elevate the legal professionals who have made exceptional contributions to our profession. By nominating yourself, your colleagues, contacts, or friends, you are actively shaping the future of the legal community and inspiring others to achieve greatness.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of this prestigious event. Nominate now and let us recognize and applaud the outstanding achievements within the legal profession. Together, we can celebrate excellence and foster a culture of continuous growth and innovation in the legal world.
The ADR Law Firm of the Year award recognizes the outstanding achievements and contributions of a law firm in the field of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This award is open to law firms that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and effectiveness in resolving disputes through ADR methods, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or other non-litigation approaches.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: To enter, provide a comprehensive overview of the law firm’s ADR achievements, including notable cases, successful ADR strategies, innovative approaches, and thought leadership activities. Include specific examples of client successes and testimonials highlighting client satisfaction. Supporting evidence, such as publications, presentations, or industry recognition, can be included to strengthen the submission.
Word Limit: The submission should not exceed 800 words
Eligibility: This award is open to law firm teams, with at least some members based in the Middle East. Each law firm is allowed only one entry.
Entry criteria: For this award, entries should focus on a single corporate deal with a significant Middle East element. The deal should set new standards in the delivery of legal services and demonstrate the law firm’s market-leading position. The entry should provide an overview of the deal’s key features, explain its significance, and outline the team’s role.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: The online entry form or document submission should adhere to the following sections and word limits:
Note: Please record the word count for each section in your document if submitting it in that format.
Entry Criteria: To be considered for this competition, entrants must demonstrate to the judges their exceptional service provided to clients during the past 12-18 months.
Judges will look for evidence of the following:
Submissions should emphasize cases and information that showcase the firm’s outstanding performance. Objective data and research supporting the entry will be highly regarded by the judges.
Please include the following information:
Emerging Law Firm of the Year
The Environment Law Firm of the Year award recognizes a law firm’s exceptional achievements and contributions in environmental law. This award is open to law firms that have demonstrated excellence, expertise, and effectiveness in providing legal services related to environmental protection, sustainability, and environmental compliance.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: To enter, provide a comprehensive overview of the law firm’s achievements in environmental law. Include specific examples of successful client representations, notable cases, environmental compliance work, or sustainable initiatives. Highlight the firm’s expertise, innovative approaches, and thought leadership activities. Supporting evidence, such as case studies, client testimonials, publications, or industry recognition, can be included to strengthen the submission.
Word Limit: The submission should not exceed 800 words.
Eligibility: This award is open to law firm teams, with at least some members based in the Middle East. Each law firm is allowed only one entry.
Entry criteria: For this award, entries should focus on a single corporate deal with a significant Middle East element. The deal should set new standards in the delivery of legal services and demonstrate the law firm’s market-leading position. The entry should provide an overview of the deal’s key features, explain its significance, and outline the team’s role.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: The online entry form or document submission should adhere to the following sections and word limits:
Note: Please record the word count for each section in your document if submitting it in that format.
Entry Criteria: To be considered for this competition, entrants must demonstrate to the judges their exceptional service provided to clients during the past 12-18 months.
Judges will look for evidence of the following:
Submissions should emphasize cases and information that showcase the firm’s outstanding performance. Objective data and research supporting the entry will be highly regarded by the judges.
Please include the following information:
Eligibility: This award is open to law firms that specialize in litigation. There are no restrictions on the geographical location or size of the firm. Each law firm is allowed only one entry.
Entry Criteria: Entries for the Litigation Law Firm of the Year award should focus on the law firm’s exceptional achievements and contributions in the field of litigation. The entry should highlight the firm’s expertise, successful case outcomes, and its impact on clients.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: To enter, provide a comprehensive overview of the law firm’s achievements in litigation. Describe specific examples of successful case representations, notable victories, or significant settlements. Highlight the firm’s expertise, client impact, legal strategies, and any thought leadership activities. Supporting evidence, such as case studies, client testimonials, publications, or industry recognition, can be included to strengthen the submission.
Word Limit: The submission should not exceed 800 words.
Entry Criteria: To be considered for this competition, entrants must demonstrate to the judges their exceptional service provided to clients during the past 12-18 months.
Judges will look for evidence of the following:
Submissions should emphasize cases and information that showcase the firm’s outstanding performance. Objective data and research supporting the entry will be highly regarded by the judges.
Please include the following information:
For the “Mergers and Acquisition Law Firm of the Year” award, entrants must demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in mergers and acquisitions.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you increase your chances of winning the award.
To compete for the “Oil and Gas Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in the oil and gas sector.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Oil and Gas Law Firm of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Private Equity Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in the field of private equity.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Private Equity Law Firm of the Year” award.
o compete for the “Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must showcase exceptional expertise and achievements in the field of real estate law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Real Estate Law Firm of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in restructuring and insolvency.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Restructuring and Insolvency Law Firm of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Start-up and Investment Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must showcase exceptional expertise and achievements in the field of start-ups and investment law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Start-up and Investment Law Firm of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Tax Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must showcase exceptional expertise and achievements in the field of tax law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Tax Law Firm of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise and achievements in the field of technology, media, and telecommunications law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year” award.
Trademark Attorney of the Year
Eligibility:
Open to in-house legal teams based globally, comprising a minimum of Eight lawyers.
Entry Criteria:
The judges will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
Submissions should highlight exemplary work and initiatives that showcase the team’s performance across various in-house responsibilities (financial, customer, operational, and people), rather than focusing solely on high-profile transactions.
Online Entry Form Sections:
Please adhere to the word limits for each section and maintain the same headings if submitting your entry as a separate document. Additionally, record the word count for each section on your document.
Eligibility:
Open to in-house legal teams based globally, comprising a minimum of Five lawyers.
Entry Criteria:
The judges will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
Submissions should highlight exemplary work and initiatives that showcase the team’s performance across various in-house responsibilities (financial, customer, operational, and people), rather than focusing solely on high-profile transactions.
Online Entry Form Sections:
Please adhere to the word limits for each section and maintain the same headings if submitting your entry as a separate document. Additionally, record the word count for each section on your document.
Entry Criteria: To be considered for this competition, entrants must demonstrate to the judges their exceptional service provided to clients during the past 12-18 months.
Judges will look for evidence of the following:
Submissions should emphasize cases and information that showcase the firm’s outstanding performance. Objective data and research supporting the entry will be highly regarded by the judges.
Please include the following information:
Eligibility:
Open to General Counsel or Heads of Legal who lead a team of at least Seven lawyers.
Entry Criteria:
The judges will evaluate submissions based on the following criteria:
Submissions should highlight tangible and measurable ways the General Counsel has contributed to the company’s success across various in-house responsibilities (financial, customer, operational, and people), rather than focusing solely on high-profile transactions.
Please adhere to the word limits for each section and maintain the same headings if submitting your entry as a separate document. Additionally, record the word count for each section on your document.
Eligibility:
This award is open to in-house lawyers who do not hold the position of general counsel or head of legal. They should have between four and 10 years of experience. Only one entry is allowed per Middle East legal team.
Entry Criteria: Judges will assess the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: The submission should demonstrate specific, preferably measurable, ways in which the entrant has contributed to the success of their company.
Submission Sections and Word Limits:
This award recognizes the in-house legal team that has demonstrated the most innovative and effective use of technology. The team should have implemented technological solutions that have significantly improved their legal operations, efficiency, and overall performance.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
1) Name of organisation
2) 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. 250 words.
3) 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.
4) Feedback – please provide an appropriate written reference that illustrates the success of this project. 100 words.
The Employment Law Award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions in employment law. This award is open to individuals, law firms, or legal departments with exceptional expertise, innovation, and effectiveness in employment law.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Legal Expertise: Demonstrated deep knowledge and understanding of employment law principles, regulations, and precedents.
Client Impact: Successful representation and positive outcomes for clients in complex employment law matter, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage disputes, or workplace safety issues.
Innovation and Thought Leadership: Introduction of innovative strategies, approaches, or solutions to address emerging employment law challenges and trends.
Contribution to the Field: Active involvement in advancing employment law through publications, presentations, or participation in industry associations and committees.
Client Testimonials: Strong client feedback, testimonials, or case studies showcasing the lawyer or firm’s exceptional service, responsiveness, and client satisfaction.
Submission Requirements:
To enter, provide a comprehensive overview of the employment law achievements, including notable cases, legal strategies, innovative approaches, and contributions to the field. Include specific examples of successful client representations and testimonials highlighting client satisfaction. Supporting evidence, such as publications, presentations, or industry recognition, can be included to strengthen the submission.
Word Limit: The submission should not exceed 800 words.
The Intellectual Property Award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of intellectual property (IP). This award is open to individuals, law firms, or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional expertise, innovation, and effectiveness in the protection, management, and enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Judges will consider the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: To enter, provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual property achievements, including notable cases, successful IP strategies, innovative approaches, and thought leadership activities. Include specific examples of client successes and testimonials showcasing the impact of your work. Supporting evidence, such as publications, presentations, or industry recognition, can be included to strengthen the submission.
Word Limit: The submission should not exceed 800 words.
Counsel of the Year – Independent Practice (above 50)
Managing Partner of the Year
Woman Lawyer of the Year
Pro-bono Lawyer of the Year
Most Innovative Lawyer of the Year
Eligibility:
This award is open to in-house lawyers who do not hold the position of general counsel or head of legal. They should have between four and 10 years of experience. Only one entry is allowed per Middle East legal team.
Entry Criteria: Judges will assess the following criteria:
Submission Requirements: The submission should demonstrate specific, preferably measurable, ways in which the entrant has contributed to the success of their company.
Submission Sections and Word Limits:
To compete for the “Best Legal Entrepreneur of the Year” award, individuals must showcase exceptional entrepreneurial skills and achievements in the legal industry.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Best Legal Entrepreneur of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Best Legal Entrepreneur of the Year” award, individuals must showcase exceptional entrepreneurial skills and achievements in the legal industry.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Best Legal Entrepreneur of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Best Service Provider to the Legal Sector of the Year” award, companies must demonstrate exceptional service and contributions to the legal industry.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Best Service Provider to the Legal Sector of the Year” award.
To compete for the “Policy Think-tank of the Year” award, think-tanks must showcase exceptional research, analysis, and policy influence in their respective fields.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Policy Think-tank of the Year” award and showcasing your organization’s impact on policy development and public discourse.
To compete for the “Patent Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise, achievements, and client satisfaction in the field of patent law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Patent Law Firm of the Year” award and demonstrating your firm’s excellence in patent law practice.
To compete for the “Trademark Law Firm of the Year” award, firms must demonstrate exceptional expertise, achievements, and client satisfaction in the field of trademark law.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, you enhance your chances of winning the “Trademark Law Firm of the Year” award and demonstrating your firm’s excellence in trademark law practice.
Patent Attorney of the Year
Trademark Attorney of the Year
Trademark Attorney of the Year
Women in IP” is a recognition and celebration of the contributions and achievements of women in the field of intellectual property (IP). It acknowledges their expertise, leadership, and impact within the IP industry.
Submission Requirements:
By providing compelling information in these areas, we can honor and acknowledge the achievements of women in IP and inspire future generations to pursue careers in this field.