Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain

Best Lawyers^® continues to expand its presence among leading legal communities worldwide. The 2026 editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain show broad engagement across the profession. More than half a million evaluations were reviewed across these countries.

Each recognition is determined through verified peer review, ensuring consistency and credibility. Continued engagement reinforces the integrity of the process, which remains grounded in transparency and our rigorous methodology.

Overview of the 2026 The Best Lawyers in Brazil^™

Now in its 16^th edition, The Best Lawyers in Brazil recognizes 2,977 lawyers for their exceptional achievements, representing 0.23% of the legal profession nationwide. Among those included, 96 also earned the "Lawyer of the Year" distinction, awarded to those receiving the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area and geographic region. The honorees come from 808 firms, based on 85,328 evaluations, with a cumulative total of 430,051 historical evaluations.

In its third edition, The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil^™ extends to highlight emerging legal talent. In 2026, 438 early-career professionals were selected, reflecting performance and reputation across a wide range of firms and practice areas, based on 28,607 evaluations.

Brazil’s Tax Reform Drives Demand for Legal Expertise

Tax Law in Brazil is poised for major changes in 2026 with the introduction of a sweeping tax reform. The new legislation consolidates multiple taxes into a single system, providing greater clarity for small businesses and real estate transactions. Excise duties on sugary beverages will gradually align with rates for alcohol and tobacco. Exemptions for app-based and taxi drivers aim to level the regulatory playing field.

These reforms are creating additional workloads for lawyers as companies seek advice to comply with the new rules.

Honorees leading tax law in Brazil

This practice area remains one of the largest in Brazil, with voting participation in Best Lawyers growing by 3% and Ones to Watch by 42% this year. Firms are engaging more deeply with these updates, demonstrating rising demand for legal expertise.

Even amid these shifts, awardees are well positioned to advise clients, helping organizations navigate evolving regulations and prepare a more predictable, streamlined system.

Discover the featured lawyers on our Find a Lawyer in Brazil page.

Findings From the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico^™

Entering its 17^th edition, The Best Lawyers in Mexico recognizes 1,843 legal professionals, constituting less than 1% of the national market. These recipients come from 798 firms and their selection is based on 64,437 evaluations, contributing to a total of 297,839 cumulative evaluations over time. Among them, 63 received the “Lawyer of the Year” title, signifying the highest peer feedback.

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico^™, now in its fourth edition, identifies 453 emerging lawyers. Selections were based on 34,224 evaluations this cycle, part of 95,993 total historical assessments. This demonstrates strong engagement from early-career professionals and their role in developing the next generation of legal talent.

Trade Reform Shapes Corporate and M&A Law in Mexico

Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law in Mexico is undergoing shifts in 2026. Trade and regulatory reforms are reshaping the sector, including a pending draft decree amending the General Import and Export Tax Law. The legislation aims to modernize customs operations and strengthen oversight of brokers. It also introduces new inventory and surveillance controls and increases penalties for violations.

These measures are part of the government's "Plan México" strategy, which aims to promote economic growth, reduce inequality and encourage investment in manufacturing. The decree complements the Nearshoring Decree, offering tax incentives for companies relocating operations to Mexico.

Global trade developments will also influence practice. The upcoming review of the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) in July 2026 could impact cross-border operations and compliance obligations.

Navigating reform and cross-border complexity

Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law tops both the Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch lists in Mexico for 2026. Firms are adjusting to shifts in continental trade policy and increased cross-border activity as reforms take effect. These developments will create new opportunities for lawyers guiding clients through regulatory and structural transitions.

View the featured professionals on our Find a Lawyer in Mexico page.

2026 Results from The Best Lawyers in Portugal^™

In its 16^th edition, The Best Lawyers in Portugal recognizes 1,253 legal professionals, representing 3.9% of the country's lawyers. These honorees come from 179 firms and were selected based on 60,500 peer evaluations, contributing to a cumulative total of 296,413 evaluations. These include, 53 who received the “Lawyer of the Year” honor, indicating the highest peer feedback in their practice areas.

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Portugal^™, now in its fourth edition, illustrate 338 emerging lawyers (4.2%). Selections were based on 33,432 evaluations, contributing to a cumulative total of 120,941, demonstrating strong engagement from rising legal talent across the country.

Litigation and ESG Drive Legal Activity in Portugal

Litigation leads the Portuguese rankings, showcasing increased court activity across 2025 and 2026. Third-party funding and consumer associations have fueled large-scale cases, particularly around unfair commercial practices, advertising, banking and e-commerce disputes. As class actions grow, individual claims in these areas are declining. At the same time, ESG litigation is expanding. After Portugal’s first climate change lawsuit against the government was rejected, advocacy groups are preparing more targeted claims.

Portuguese awardees guide complex litigation

This year’s editions feature more honorees in Litigation than any other practice area. Recognized lawyers continue to demonstrate versatility across a range of matters. From class actions to emerging ESG disputes, these practitioners are equipped to advise clients on evolving legal landscapes.

See Portugals’s leading lawyers on our Find a Lawyer in Portugal page.

Key Data from the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa^™

The 17^th edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa features 1,080 recognized lawyers, accounting for 4.4% of the domestic legal market. These professionals come from 199 firms, with selections based on 39,463 evaluations and a cumulative total of 187,612 assessments. Part of this cohort, 49 received the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.

Corporate Governance and Regulatory Updates

Corporate Law leads in South Africa, reflecting active engagement with ongoing regulatory updates. Amendments to the Companies Act, enacted in late 2024, have reshaped corporate governance. Shareholders must approve most share buybacks and assume responsibility for selecting Social and Ethics Committee members in public and state-owned companies. They also benefit from an extended filing window to declare director delinquent or under probation, now five years instead of two.

Guiding corporate reform

Corporate Law specialists remain at the forefront of the 2026 Best Lawyers in South Africa. Honorees are advising clients as companies adapt to new governance rules and regulatory updates. Their expertise helps organizations revise policies, implement compliance measures and navigate evolving corporate requirements with confidence.

Browse the legal professionals featured on our Find a Lawyer in South Africa page.

Insights from the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain^™

The 18^th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain honors 5,297 legal professionals, representing 3.4% of the national market. These honorees come from 1,066 firms and were designated based on 247,741 evaluations, bringing the cumulative total to more than 1.8 million. Selected recipients, 202, also received the “Lawyer of the Year” title.

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain^™, now in its fifth edition, highlights 1,114 emerging lawyers, constituting 22.9% of the legal market. Designations were based on 55,882 evaluations, emphasizing strong engagement from early-career professionals and their visible role in shaping the next generation of Spanish legal talent.

Corporate and Tax Synergy under New Reforms

Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions law remains the leading practice area in Spain for 2026. Its prominence signals sustained demand for strategic dealmaking amid evolving economic conditions. With the 2025 tax reform package reshaping how corporations manage profits and deductions, lawyers are advising clients on structuring transactions that align with the new framework.
Tax law follows closely in second place, emphasizing its role in corporate decision-making. Reforms include new incentives for renewable energy investment, enabling companies to deduct profits from solar, wind or other renewable energy sources. They also expand eligibility for simplified VAT calculations for small businesses, easing administrative obligations.

Spain’s corporate and tax outlook

Corporate lawyers guide clients through transactions that balance growth ambitions with regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, tax professionals serve as key advisors for companies pursuing both compliance and sustainability goals under the 2025 tax reforms. These fields will continue to intersect as Spain’s business environment evolves.

Review this year's honorees on our Find a Lawyer in Spain page.

Where Legal Excellence Connects the World

Best Lawyers stands as a global recognition network, honoring excellence within the legal profession. The 2026 editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain reflect peer-driven distinction and verified evaluation across jurisdictions. Recognition signifies genuine respect and trust within the international legal community.

To explore who was awarded, visit the Find a Lawyer page for each country to see the honorees and their practice areas.