Founded in 2006, the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers programme has become one of the most respected rankings of legal innovation worldwide. In 2026, we celebrate two decades of recognising those shaping the legal profession across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America.
Each year, the RSGI research team undertakes months of in-depth analysis: assessing submissions, conducting interviews, and investigating the stories behind the most impactful legal innovations. The resulting FT Innovative Lawyers reports showcase industry trends, the shortlisted innovations, and an index ranking firms by their scores for innovation, people management, social responsibility, digital maturity, and financial growth.
Visit our FAQs page for guidance on making a submission and details of our research process.
You can also read our article on How to Make a Good Submission for practical tips.
For questions, contact us at ftresearch@rsgi.co.
Find out how to make a submission to the awards via the submission guidelines, available here
Read last year’s 2025 report: here
Deadline for submission: January 22
Shortlists announced: April
Awards event: May 14, Hong Kong (More information available here)
Report published: May 15, in print and online
Find out how to make a submission to the awards via the submission guidelines, available here
Read last year’s 2025 report: here
Deadline for submission: April
Shortlists announced: July
Awards event: September 24, London (More information available here)
Report published: September 25, in print and online
Find out how to make a submission to the awards via the submission guidelines, available here
Read last year’s 2025 report: here
Deadline for submission: July
Shortlists announced: October
Awards event: 7th December, New York (More information available here)
Report published: 8th December, in print and online
Key findings
Key findings
