Matheson and Arthur Cox named in Europe’s top 10 most innovative law firms list

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Irish firms Matheson and Arthur Cox have been named among Europe’s most innovative law firms in the Financial Times’ (FT) Innovative Lawyers 20 Years Report, which was launched on 24 June at the FT’s Innovative Lawyers Global Summit.

The Irish firms were recognised in the European top 10 list, which focuses on European firms outside the UK.

Arthur Cox stated: “This recognition, announced at their annual global summit in London this week, reflects our consistent inclusion in the FT Innovation Index over the last 20 years. We are proud to be acknowledged alongside leading firms across the region.”

Meanwhile, Matheson’s managing partner, Michael Jackson, said: “Innovation and Entrepreneurship are core values at Matheson. This recognition from the FT is a testament to all of those at the firm who have lived and displayed those core values over the past twenty years, and to the clients with whom we have collaborated on so many innovative projects. It is pleasing to see our ability to innovate and evolve being recognised in this way by such a reputable source as the FT innovative lawyers on this our 200th anniversary.”

Looking to the future, he noted that the firm expects technology “will continue to play a very significant part in the evolution of the legal industry – and Matheson is committed to continuing to be at the forefront of the digital and AI revolutions”.

This ranking also featured standout performers from the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

In addition, the FT spotlighted firms that have appeared most frequently in the FT’s Innovative Lawyers regional reports. UK and North American firms dominated this list because they’re the “world’s largest and most global”, according to the FT. A&O Shearman received top billing, followed by Hogan Lovells, White & Case LLP, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP and Linklaters LLP.

The report also recognised individuals across five top 20 lists, including “firm and in-house lawyers, professionals, operations experts, entrepreneurs and academics” who’ve featured in several editions of FT’s Innovative Lawyers or related reports. Dana Denis-Smith, founder and CEO of Obelisk Legal Support and future Law Society of England and Wales president, was included on the top 20 market shapers list.

Obelisk Legal Support stated: “Dana’s been challenging the status quo in the legal world for over nearly 15 years […] from founding Obelisk Support to create real flexibility for legal professionals, to leading the charge for gender equality and inclusion across the profession. This latest recognition celebrates the bold thinkers who are not only reimagining legal services, but doing so in ways that create lasting, positive change. We couldn’t be prouder to see Dana’s vision and impact recognised. Here’s to continuing to shape a more inclusive, future-facing legal industry.”

Check out this episode of the LawCareers.Net podcast, sponsored by The University of Law, where we hear from Dana Denis-Smith about why she launched the First 100 Years, the mission behind Obelisk Support, the future of the legal profession for women and the new scholarship campaign – Paving the Way.