After a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus made virtual events the default option, the ALB Awards series returned to in-person mode with a bang on Wednesday, May 25, with Singapore’s Grand Hyatt playing host to the 18th annual ALB SE Asia Law Awards.
More than 200 lawyers in private practice, in-house counsel, business leaders and more attended the celebration, with awards being given out in 54 categories, including the new category of ESG Law Firm of the Year. Around 190 law firms and in-house teams sent in more than 1230 entries, a 15 percent increase from 2021.
“Please allow me to express my excitement to be able to greet you in person at this event. These two years felt like a long time, I’m sure, for everyone,” said Amantha Chia, Head of Legal Media Business at Thomson Reuters, in her welcome address. “My team and I are beyond happiness to be able to welcome you back to our SE Asia Law Awards in this hotel.”
Among the big winners was Singapore’s largest law firm, Allen & Gledhill, which won awards in eight categories (not including deals). These included Singapore Litigation Law Firm of the Year and International Arbitration Law Firm of the Year, Banking and Financial Services Law Firm of the Year, Private Equity & Venture Capital Law Firm of the Year, and Technology, Media, and Telecommunications Law Firm of the Year.
Two other members of Singapore’s Big Four shone bright as well. Drew & Napier won four awards, including two key individual categories: Managing Partner of the Year (Singapore) for Cavinder Bull SC, and Young Lawyer of the Year (Law Firm) for Adam Maniam. Meanwhile, Rajah & Tann won three categories, including the new award of ESG and Sustainability Law Firm of the Year, and the much-coveted SE Asia Law Firm of the Year.
Recently merged Indonesian digital commerce platform GoTo made one of the strongest showings among in-house teams in recent years, winning four awards, including Dealmaker of the Year for Pablo Malay, and SE Asia In-House Team of the Year. The merger itself was named as M&A Deal of the Year (Premium).
Magic Circle firm Allen & Overy took home two important categories - Deal Firm of the Year and Singapore Law Firm of the Year – while Thailand’s Tilleke & Gibbins recorded a three-award haul that included Regional Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year and Thailand Law Firm of the Year.
