1. Sub-Saharan African Law Firm of the Year

Celebrating legal leadership across Sub-Saharan Africa’s dynamic markets

Eligible Regions: All Sub-Saharan African countries
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Legal Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in African legal systems and cross-border transactions
• Regional Impact: Significant presence and influence across multiple Sub-Saharan African jurisdictions
• Innovation: Creative approaches to complex African legal challenges
• Client Service: Exceptional client satisfaction and value delivery
• Market Leadership: Recognition as a leading firm in African legal markets
• Development Contribution: Contribution to African economic and legal development

Submission Requirements:

• Firm background and Sub-Saharan African presence
• 3-5 significant matters demonstrating regional expertise
• Client testimonials and peer recognition
• Financial performance indicators and growth metrics

2. MENA Law Firm of the Year

Honoring excellence across Middle East & North Africa’s diverse legal landscape

Eligible Regions: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and other Levant countries
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Regional Legal Expertise: Deep understanding of diverse MENA legal systems and regulatory frameworks
• Cross-Border Capability: Proven experience across multiple MENA jurisdictions
• Cultural and Legal Navigation: Ability to work across different legal traditions (civil law, Islamic law influences)
• Government Relations: Experience with MENA governments and regulatory bodies
• Regional Development: Contribution to MENA economic development and legal integration

Submission Requirements:

• MENA regional practice overview and presence
• Major cross-border transactions and regulatory matters
• Government relations and institutional work examples
• Regional legal precedents and market influence

3. GCC Law Firm of the Year

Celebrating leadership in the Gulf’s dynamic business and legal environment

Eligible Regions: United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• GCC Market Leadership: Demonstrated excellence across Gulf Cooperation Council jurisdictions
• Islamic Finance Expertise: Leadership in Sharia-compliant financial products and structures
• Energy & Infrastructure: Excellence in oil, gas, renewable energy, and major infrastructure projects
• Cross-GCC Integration: Capability across multiple Gulf markets and regulatory environments
• Vision 2030 & Economic Diversification: Support for Gulf economic transformation initiatives
• International Investment: Facilitating GCC outbound investment and inbound foreign investment

Submission Requirements:

• GCC market presence and strategy
• Islamic finance and energy sector expertise
• Cross-GCC transaction experience
• Government relations and major project work
• Economic diversification and Vision 2030 contributions

4. Asian Law Firm of the Year

Recognizing leadership across Asia’s diverse and rapidly evolving legal landscape

Eligible Regions: South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, Central Asia
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Pan-Asian Presence: Operations across multiple Asian jurisdictions
• Technology Integration: Innovation in legal technology and service delivery
• Regulatory Expertise: Navigation of complex and evolving Asian regulatory environments
• Cross-Border Capability: Excellence in multi-jurisdictional Asian transactions
• Market Innovation: Leadership in emerging practice areas and client service models

Submission Requirements:

• Asian market presence and strategy
• Technology and innovation initiatives
• Cross-border transaction experience
• Regulatory and compliance expertise examples

5. European Law Firm of the Year

Celebrating excellence in Europe’s complex and integrated legal environment

Eligible Regions: European Union, United Kingdom, EFTA countries (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland)
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• EU Law Expertise: Mastery of European Union law and regulations
• Brexit Navigation: Successful adaptation to post-Brexit legal landscape
• Multi-Jurisdictional Operations: Seamless service delivery across European jurisdictions
• Regulatory Compliance: Leadership in European regulatory and compliance matters
• Innovation Leadership: Pioneering approaches to European legal challenges

Submission Requirements:

• European practice structure and capabilities
• EU law and regulatory expertise
• Cross-border European transaction experience
• Brexit-related advisory work and client outcomes

6. North American Law Firm of the Year

Honoring leadership across North America’s integrated legal markets

Eligible Regions: United States, Canada, Mexico
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• USMCA/NAFTA Expertise: Deep understanding of North American trade and regulatory frameworks
• Tri-National Experience: Proven capability across US-Canada-Mexico corridor
• Cross-Border Transactions: Excellence in multi-jurisdictional North American deals
• Regulatory Leadership: Innovation in North American regulatory and compliance matters
• Market Integration: Contribution to North American legal and economic integration

Submission Requirements:

• North American practice overview
• USMCA/NAFTA-related transaction experience
• Tri-national regulatory and compliance work
• Cross-border client service examples

7. Latin American Law Firm of the Year

Celebrating leadership in Latin America’s emerging and dynamic markets

Eligible Regions: Central and South America (excluding Mexico)
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Regional Presence: Significant operations across Latin American markets
• Infrastructure Expertise: Leadership in infrastructure, energy, and development finance
• Regulatory Innovation: Excellence in navigating evolving Latin American regulations
• Economic Development: Contribution to Latin American economic growth and integration
• Local Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of local laws, customs, and business practices

Submission Requirements:

• Latin American market presence and strategy
• Infrastructure and project finance experience
• Regulatory and government relations work
• Economic development and social impact initiatives

8. Oceania Law Firm of the Year

Recognizing excellence across the Asia-Pacific island region

Eligible Regions: Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Regional Leadership: Market-leading position in Oceania legal markets
• Resource Sector Expertise: Excellence in mining, energy, and natural resources law
• Indigenous Rights: Leadership in indigenous legal rights and reconciliation
• Pacific Rim Integration: Contribution to Asia-Pacific economic and legal integration
• Environmental Leadership: Innovation in environmental and sustainability law

Submission Requirements:

• Oceania market presence and capabilities
• Resource sector and environmental law expertise
• Indigenous rights and community engagement work
• Asia-Pacific cross-border transaction experience

9. Legal Innovation Award

Honoring groundbreaking approaches that advance the practice of law

Eligible: All regions – focus on innovation rather than geography
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Technology Integration: Successful implementation of legal technology solutions
• Process Innovation: Revolutionary approaches to legal service delivery
• Client Experience: Measurable improvements in client service and satisfaction
• Industry Impact: Influence on legal industry practices and standards
• Scalability: Potential for widespread adoption across the legal profession

Submission Requirements:

• Detailed description of innovation initiative
• Implementation timeline and methodology
• Measurable results and client impact
• Industry recognition and peer adoption

10. Rising Regional Firm Award

Celebrating emerging excellence and future leaders in legal practice

Eligible: Firms established within 5 years across any region
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Growth Trajectory: Exceptional growth in revenue, clients, and market recognition
• Market Recognition: Awards, rankings, and peer acknowledgment
• Innovation Leadership: Fresh approaches to traditional legal challenges
• Client Acquisition: Success in building diverse, high-quality client base
• Future Potential: Strategic vision and capability for continued growth

Submission Requirements:

• Firm founding story and growth metrics
• Market recognition and awards received
• Innovation and differentiation strategies
• Client testimonials and growth case studies

11. International Law Firm of the Year

The ultimate recognition of global legal excellence

Eligible: All regions – representing the pinnacle of international legal practice
Nomination Fee: €750

Award Criteria:

• Global Presence: Significant operations across multiple continents
• Cross-Border Excellence: Seamless coordination of multi-jurisdictional matters
• International Client Service: Exceptional service to multinational clients and governments
• Industry Leadership: Setting global standards for legal excellence and innovation
• Global Impact: Significant contribution to international commerce, law, and justice

Submission Requirements:

• Global practice overview and international presence
• Major cross-border transactions and international matters
• International client testimonials and peer recognition
• Global industry leadership and thought leadership examples

Basic Qualifications

• Operating Period: Minimum 3 years of active legal practice
• Regional Presence: Significant presence in the relevant award region
• Professional Standing: Good standing with all relevant bar associations
• Team Size: Minimum of 10 qualified lawyers
• Financial Stability: Demonstrated financial stability and growth

Submission Guidelines

• Language: All submissions must be in English
• Format: Online submission via GLF Awards portal
• Supporting Documents: Client testimonials, financial metrics, awards/recognition
• Confidentiality: All submissions treated with strict confidentiality
• Deadline: All submissions must be received by January 31, 2026

Judging Process

• Independent Panel: Distinguished international legal professionals
• Evaluation Criteria: Standardized scoring across all award criteria
• Multiple Reviewers: Minimum of two judges per regional category
• Transparency: Clear methodology published and available
• Final Decision: Judge decisions are final and binding