Harriet Arnold

Awards highlights include technology, skills, access to justice — and a special achievement award

The initial focus when a law firm brings in innovations is on new tech and teams — often with unusual spellings to signal novelty. But the changes would not take place without the individuals who take a lead on making them happen. The FT Innovative Lawyers awards identify the most effective of these “change makers” and a judging panel picks the most outstanding. They were most impressed by Danielle Benecke, of Baker McKenzie Machine Learning. She was far-sighted on the impact of artificial inte…

Take 10 highly skilled practice lawyers and you will find still more different ways to shine in legal expertise. From financial and litigation skills to pioneering digital technology, the FT Innovative Lawyers awards seek out practitioners who go beyond sheer prowess to address the nexus of the law, business and wider society. All the lawyers featured here were notable for leadership in their field and for having an impact on the future practice of law. For our panel of judges, even if generat…

They all have attempted something different that often promises to have profound impacts, beyond their firms

Seven individuals with the vision and grit to lead change, even though they are rarely in the most senior positions

FT Innovative Lawyers awards choose individuals whose work makes a mark, especially where the law, business and society intersect

Work that turns pioneering ideas and tools into breakthroughs

The intrapreneurs highlighted here all have an entrepreneurial approach to law firm operation, but one in particular stood out