Standout
Herbert Smith Freehills: Winner
Originality: 8; Leadership: 8; Impact: 8;
Total: 24
The firm collected data from more than 1,000 arbitration cases to build a database, called Genesis, that can predict the length and price of future cases, after clients called for greater predictability of legal costs in disputes. The information allows lawyers to bill clients using fixed fees or other charging arrangements, instead of hourly rates. The firm is expanding the model into more practice areas.
Highly commended
Deloitte Legal
O: 7; L: 8; I: 8; Total: 23
The firm integrated artificial intelligence capabilities from systems provided by software partner Emérita Legal into its proprietary case management system, ValerIA. The platform, trained in Spanish law, manages documentation, provides relevant regulation and legislation, and automatically assigns tasks to lawyers.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
O: 7; L: 8; I: 8; Total: 23
The firm launched an updated version of its Deal Flow survey that analyses the scale and terms of venture capital investment in European start-ups. The report, covering 350 equity deals, suggests investors are imposing more stringent “consent rights” to tighten their control over these companies.
Kennedys
O: 7; L: 8; I: 7; Total: 22
Lawyers from the firm’s motor insurance practice and its technology subsidiary, Kennedys iQ, developed a platform that helps insurer clients manage motor accident and injury claims. It analyses medical evidence and recommends whether claims should be accepted or contested.
Linklaters
O: 6; L: 8; I: 8; Total: 22
In May 2023, the firm rolled out its due diligence management platform, ReportIQ. It aims to make each stage of a deal process more efficient and consistent. Since launch, it has been used on high-value transactions including a €12bn deal, for which about 300 lawyers collaborated via the platform. Commended individual: Timo Engelhardt
Eversheds Sutherland
O: 6; L: 8; I: 7; Total: 21
The firm has worked to manage due diligence on client transactions more consistently. Its legal services subsidiary, Konexo, helped to select the best technologies for each stage of the process. The firm is now rolling out more standardised processes, guidance notes, and wording for its due diligence work.
Commended
Norton Rose Fulbright
O: 6; L: 7; I: 7; Total: 20
In 2022, the firm developed a tool called NRF Litigation Manager. This service has helped property group ECE manage its portfolio of retail spaces at shopping centres across Europe, by tracking the state of legal claims. The system has since been rolled out to two other clients.
Shoosmiths
O: 6; L: 7; I: 7; Total: 20
The firm created a searchable database of UK merger and acquisitions deals that it has advised on. This can provide lawyers and clients with an overview of common terms applied in UK acquisitions, to help them evaluate the likelihood of the other party accepting an offer.
Cuatrecasas
O: 5; L: 7; I: 7; Total: 19
In 2023, the Spanish firm developed a tool to help its lawyers track stages of arbitration proceedings across different jurisdictions, backed up by precedent documents drawn from about 600 sources. The system has been used in 194 international arbitrations, supporting the disputes team across six countries.
Morais Leitão
O: 6; L: 7; I: 6; Total: 19
The Portuguese firm expanded its due diligence service for takeovers to include an initial assessment of documents and make more informed decisions in deals that have complicated contractual and compliance requirements.
Arthur Cox
O: 5; L: 7; I: 6; Total: 18
In 2023, the Irish firm launched a revamped cyber incident management team made up of lawyers, consultants, and former law enforcement personnel. It aims to help clients take preventive action and provides post-attack support, identifying compromised data and offering legal advice on how to proceed.
Littler
O: 5; L: 7; I: 6; Total: 18
In November 2023, the firm — which advises businesses on labour issues — published its latest European Employer Survey. The report, now in its sixth year, draws on information supplied by 780 human resources executives, in-house lawyers, and business leaders across 15 European countries.
link