The Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards took place in Hong Kong yesterday with Gilbert + Tobin awarded the overall Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific 

Gilbert + Tobin was awarded the overall Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific (Asia-Pacific headquartered), and Innovation in People and Skills for the firm’s Generative AI Bounty and related AI initiatives. Partner and Head of the Charities + Social Sector team, Darren Fittler, also took home the prestigious title of Innovative Practitioner.  

This trio of awards places Gilbert + Tobin at the forefront of Innovative law firms in the region and reflects the firm’s relentless pursuit of innovation and technology to drive efficiency and client deliverables. Gilbert + Tobin has always been a disruptor and an innovator, constantly challenging norms amongst law firms.

Caryn Sandler, Partner + Chief Knowledge & Innovation Officer, accepted the awards on behalf of the firm and commented: 

“We are honoured to be recognised as the Most Innovative Law Firm in the Asia-Pacific. This award underscores our commitment to pioneering new solutions and setting industry standards in the legal industry. We remain committed to delivering legal services that meet the evolving needs of our clients.”

Darren Fittler commented on the win, noting:

“It is a great honour to receive such a prominent award on an international stage. I dedicate this award to all people challenging norms and conventions in their work and lives. After all, innovation is not a single breakthrough or implementation. Innovation is a mindset from which many things are achieved.” 

The firm was a finalist for five categories in total. In addition to winning the three awards mentioned above, Gilbert + Tobin was a finalist for:

• Innovation in Responsible Business: Gilbert + Tobin has throughout its 36-year history worked hard to support Australia’s Indigenous peoples. In 2023, the firm spearheaded several significant projects which included extensive pro bono efforts for communities across Australia, an Indigenous Cadetship Program for law students and financial support to several Indigenous community organisations. Most prominent was Gilbert + Tobin’s support for ‘Yes23’ – a campaign aimed at amending the Australian Constitution, providing Indigenous peoples with a voice to the Australian Parliament.
• Innovative Lawyers in Deal Making: Gilbert + Tobin supported Sigma Healthcare on its transformational proposed merger (by acquisition) with Chemist Warehouse, one of Australia’s best-known pharmaceutical businesses. This was one of the largest M&A deals in Australia in 2023 and (subject to regulatory approval) will create Australia’s biggest pharmacy group, which expects to sit within the S&P/ASX200. The AFR also reported that: “…few other deals will have such an impact on the ASX boards”.