International Firm of the Year
Submissions are invited from leading independent non-UK or US law firms – operating onshore or offshore – in mainland Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and Africa. Key factors taken into account by our judges include a clear demonstration of growing market share, a well-conceived business strategy, stellar financial performance, strong management, a successful recruitment and retention strategy and a significant client development programme.
2019 Winner
A&L Goodbody
Julian Yarr
This Dublin powerhouse combines strong financial performance with standout mandates in M&A, property, financial services and litigation. Its international strategy is clearly defined with the US, UK, China and Germany key areas of focus. Its commitment to embracing new technology, supporting CSR initiatives and promoting diversity are impressive, with almost half the partners appointed in the last six years being female.
Shortlisted
Pérez-Llorca - HIGHLY COMMENDED
Pedro Pérez-Llorca
A firm that is clearly in the ascendant, when set against the big Spanish trio – Cuatrecasas, Garrigues and Uría – Pérez-Llorca manifestly continues to make great progress. A striking 20% growth in 2017 is combined with a strong set of 2018 deals, including advising CVC on the acquisition from Repsol of a 20% stake in Gas Natural for €3.8bn.
McCann FitzGerald
Barry Devereux
As a key plank of its four-year strategy, McCann FitzGerald’s new technology-led legal services business division is impressive, combining legal project management, agile resourcing and digital services. Growth in lawyer numbers (34% since 2008) and a highly impressive deal list attest to a strong performance for one of Ireland’s most respected law firms.
Noerr
Tobias Bürgers
Consistently noted as Germany’s leading independent firm, Noerr’s sustained financial performance comfortably surpasses its domestic competition over five and ten years, while an abundance of strategic and technology initiatives show the strength of management planning. In terms of diversity, flexible working and training, Noerr is also ahead of its German rivals.
Uría Menéndez
Luis de Carlos
The strongest performer in the last 12 months of Spain’s big three, Uría matched its revenue growth of the previous year of 6%. Its stake in PPU (in Chile, Colombia and Peru) has delivered a consistent stream of domestic and cross-border activity – around 12 per cent of its revenue is now generated in Latin America. A raft of heavyweight deals – 240 totalling €73bn –
confirm a strong year.
William Fry
Bryan Bourke
While one of the smallest of Ireland’s elite firms in terms of headcount, this has not prevented William Fry from outstanding performance – both in terms of revenue growth and winning impressive work. A particular highlight for 2018 was its role advising the Software Alliance, the leading advocate for the global software industry, in relation to the Max Schrems case.