CRITERIA

In-House Awards

Entry Eligibility
  • This award is open to general counsel who are based in the Middle East, leading a team of 5 lawyers and above.
  • A statement of 750 – 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate how the general counsel’s unique legal strategy has been able to influence and enhance company performance. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the sections given below (use same headings):
  • Profile of the general counsel
  • Overall legal strategy
  • Leadership skills
  • Management skills
  • Instances of successful implementation of innovative ideas and best practice methods in areas such as pricing, panel review, CSR initiatives, team performance
Entry Eligibility
  • This award is open to general counsel who are based in the Middle East, leading a team of 4 lawyers and below.
  • A statement of 750 – 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate how the general counsel’s unique legal strategy has been able to influence and enhance company performance. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the sections given below (use same headings):
  • Profile of the general counsel
  • Overall legal strategy
  • Leadership skills
  • Management skills
  • Instances of successful implementation of innovative ideas and best practice methods in areas such as pricing, panel review, CSR initiatives, team performance
Entry Eligibility
  • In-house legal departments based in the Middle East (5 lawyers & above).
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate the team’s performance in conducting in-house responsibilities in the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the team
  • Legal strategy and teamwork
  • Instances of successful implementation of innovative ideas and best practice methods (handling transactions, team structuring, productivity levels, CSR activities)
  • Employee training and development
  • Diversity in workforce
Entry Eligibility
  • In-house legal departments based in the Middle East (4 lawyers & below).
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate the team’s performance in conducting in-house responsibilities. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the team
  • Legal strategy and teamwork
  • Instances of successful implementation of innovative ideas and best practice methods (handling transactions, team structuring, productivity levels, CSR activities)
  • Employee training and development
  • Diversity in workforce

Private Practice Awards

Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the banking & finance practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the infrastructure and energy projects practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the employment practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the corporate practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the real estate practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the construction practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the intellectual property practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the telecommunications, media and technology practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the insurance practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the litigation practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one case completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen case (use same headings):
  • Description of the case
  • List of all parties involved in the case (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the arbitration practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one case completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen case (use same headings):
  • Description of the case
  • List of all parties involved in the case (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms based in the Middle East who work in the tax practice area.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should focus only on one deal completed in the last 12-15 months before July 2026. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections for the chosen deal (use same headings):
  • Description of the deal
  • List of all parties involved in the deal (partners, associates, key advisors, in-house counsel, etc.)
  • Team and project management
  • Legal expertise
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the Kuwait.
  • Minimum one office in the Kuwait.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the Qatar.
  • Minimum one office in the Qatar.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the Bahrain.
  • Minimum one office in the Bahrain.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the KSA.
  • Minimum one office in the KSA.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the Oman.
  • Minimum one office in the Oman.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms operating in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Minimum one office in the United Arab Emirates.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the country. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms with a head office in the Middle East.
  • Law firms who commenced operations in the Middle East from the year 2022 onwards.
  • Minimum one office in the Middle East.
  • This category does not apply to branch office openings, wherein the head office operations exceed four years.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken or progress made from 2022 onwards.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate the firm’s exceptional performance, having commenced operations from the year 2022 onwards. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the law firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • Law firms with a head office in the Middle East.
  • Minimum one office in the Middle East.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the chosen market. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development
Entry Eligibility
  • International law firms in the Middle East.
  • Minimum one office in the Middle East.
  • A statement of 750 - 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The entry submission should demonstrate why the firm is a leader in the chosen market. In the statement of 750 – 800 words, kindly elaborate on the following sections (use same headings):
  • Profile of the firm
  • Legal strategy and vision
  • Strong financial performance and growth
  • Innovative initiatives (client service delivery, pricing)
  • Significant client wins (deals, transactions and cases)
  • Workplace diversity, training and development

Others

Entry Eligibility
  • This award is not open to law firms or in-house teams.
  • This award is open to teams within independent legal entities/institutions/organisations who provide specialised legal support services to law firms or in-house teams in the Middle East.
  • The entity/institution/organisation should have minimum one office in the Middle East.
  • A statement of 750 – 800 words has to be provided for the entry submission.
  • Entry should cover work undertaken and progress made over should be the last 12 to 15 months before July 2026.
  • Entry submission word-count must be strictly adhered to.
  • Supporting material: If submitting supporting material, kindly refer to it in the entry submission and keep it to maximum of 3 pages (in PDF format). Supporting material must be clearly labelled.
Entry Submission The team must provide a statement of 750 – 800 words that includes the following:
  • The team’s overall performance in providing ancillary and support services to in-house teams or law firms.
  • In the statement, the judges will expect to see evidence of a project in which the team has successfully delivered a service to the client. The submission should include the goals of the project and evidence that the goals have been achieved.