The nominations reflect the firm's strong culture of excellence, collaboration and curiosity, with a clear focus on enhancing the outcomes it delivers to clients.
The shortlisted entries include:
- Innovative lawyers in sustainability: For the firm's work with key client Stockland on their partnership with Energy Bay. Led by Partners Euon Williams (Real Estate) and Joel Reid (Energy, Resources & Projects), this partnership will assist Stockland in sustainably managing the development and provision of solar energy across Stockland's property portfolio comprising more than 50 buildings with over 50 megawatts peak (MWp) of solar energy generated on the rooftops of Stockland’s shopping centres and logistics assets (Stockland Portfolio).
- Innovation in business operations: Recognising MinterEllison Applied Innovation (MEAI), which represents the firm's sustained evolution, enabling the design, development, verification, and governance of highly ambitious AI tailored to its people and clients. One standout product developed under MEAI is Lantern AI, an advanced eDiscovery tool that leverages large language models to assess document responsiveness to specific queries.
- Innovative lawyers in responsible business: Recognising Credit Guardian, a tool developed by MinterEllison's Pro Bono and Community Investment team together with Tech Consulting. The tool automates the analysis of bank statements for responsible lending matters, saving time, improving accuracy and enabling legal teams to handle more cases efficiently. It supports volunteer lawyers by reducing manual workload, therefore benefiting clients through better financial assessments and successful outcomes.
- Innovation in training and development: For Dedicated GenAI Time, the firm's first GenAI specific learning program, which offers its people 12 hours of fee credited time over 12 weeks to experiment with Generative AI technology through a carefully curated, incentivised program of activity. This programme has inspired the wide-scale adoption of GenAI technology across the firm.
- Intrapreneur: MinterEllison's Head of Innovation Amber O'Meara has been recognised as a significant changemaker within the firm, igniting MinterEllison's innovation journey. Amber has mobilised a vibrant community of over 100 Innovation Leaders and Champions, fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation, and a confidence to challenge organisational norms. Notable achievements include the establishment of the MinterEllison Innovation Scholarship and the launch of MintCoin®, a cryptocurrency to incentivise innovation.
- Most Innovative Law Firm in Asia-Pacific (Headquartered outside of Asia Pacific): Recognising firms that are pushing the status quo and driving innovation for good.
The FT Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific celebrate the best in innovation from law firms and in-house legal teams across the region. With over 20 award categories, the awards recognise excellence in digital innovation, strategic advice, talent management, and driving positive change in the legal profession.
Winners will be announced on 15 May 2025 in Hong Kong.
