The 2027 editions of the Best Lawyers® Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore celebrate leading legal talent across the Asia-Pacific region.
Grounded in a rigorous peer-review process, evaluations reflect trusted feedback from lawyers regarding the professional skills of their peers. Each year, Best Lawyers re-evaluates legal professionals to keep recognition current, credible and aligned with evolving trends and developments within these markets.
Primary Forces Powering Market Trends
Legal practice in these jurisdictions continues to evolve, likely shaped by new regulations and the increasing complexity of global business. In Australia, heightened enforcement and new policy frameworks are driving litigation demand, while Japan is facing growing pressure from shareholder activism and corporate governance reforms. Singapore, long established as a hub for dispute resolution, continues to strengthen its position in both arbitration and international litigation.
At the same time, the legal profession is addressing the impact of generative AI, with courts and professional bodies beginning to define how these tools can be used responsibly in practice.
Earning the Best Lawyers Distinction
At the heart of Best Lawyers is the Purely Peer Review® process, a structured, research-driven methodology in which lawyers evaluate their peers. Confidential feedback is collected across defined practice areas and regions, assessing candidates on legal skill, integrity and standing in the community.
Lawyers who consistently earn this endorsement are recognized in the awards, with one individual in each specialty and location also receiving the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction. This methodology actively addresses potential biases and ensures recognition reflects true professional excellence.
Overview of the 2027 The Best Lawyers in Australia™
Edition 19 of The Best Lawyers in Australia recognizes 4,678 lawyers throughout 96 practice areas, representing 4.8% of the legal profession. The acknowledgment spans nine metropolitan areas and is based on 423,710 evaluations submitted in this cycle. In addition, 326 lawyers also earned the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.
Litigation remains the most represented area of law, followed by Insurance Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law and Corporate Law.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia™, Edition 5, includes 1,001 lawyers in 49 areas of specialization, representing 4.1% of the Australian market. These honorees are drawn from seven metropolitan areas, with 105,428 evaluations informing the results. Litigation leads through this cohort, followed by Insurance Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Property Law and Corporate Law.
Geographically, recognition for The Best Lawyers in Australia remains concentrated in major legal centers. Sydney and Melbourne account for a significant share of awardees with Sydney alone representing well over a third of those recognized, followed by strong representation in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
A similar pattern appears among Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Australia, reinforcing the continued importance of these metropolitan hubs in shaping the legal market.
First-Time “Lawyer of the Year” Honorees
Best Lawyers congratulates the following lawyers on earning their inaugural “Lawyer of the Year” distinction across the five leading practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Australia 2027:
- Damien Clarke, McCullough Robertson — Brisbane
- Elizabeth Macknay, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer — Perth
- Grant Marjoribanks, Kardos Scanlan — Sydney
- Julie Kinnear, Barry Nilsson — Adelaide
- Justin Harris, Johnson Winter Slattery — Perth
- Khory McCormick, Bartley Cohen Litigation Lawyers — Brisbane
- Lucy Terracall, Corrs Chambers Westgarth — Melbourne
- Luke Livingston SC, New Chambers SC— Sydney
- Matthew Darke SC, Tenth Floor Chambers SC — Sydney
- Natasha Toholka, Norton Rose Fulbright Australia — Melbourne
- Neil J. Young KC, List A Barristers — Melbourne
- Oliver Talbot, Talbot Sayer — Brisbane
- Patricia Cahill SC, Francis Burt Chambers — Perth
- Philip Walker SC, Blackburn Chambers — Canberra
- Scott Hooper, Level 17 Chambers Pty Ltd — Brisbane
- Tim McEwen, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer — Melbourne
Factors Influencing Australia’s Leading Practice Areas
Discover the economic and legal shifts likely behind the prominence of these top five practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Australia:
Litigation
Enforcement activity has shifted toward product liability and consumer actions, particularly in areas such as data privacy and “greenwashing.” This shift reflects a broader regulatory focus on financial services, credit and consumer protection, where scrutiny of conduct involving automated systems and AI continues to intensify.
As noted by Luke Livingston SC, who received the Best Lawyers 2027 Litigation “Lawyer of the Year” award in Sydney, "regulators such as ASIC and the ACCC are expected to maintain close attention on these core areas, with further litigation likely to emerge from disputes involving corporate governance, voidable transactions and asset tracing."
At the same time, the Australian judiciary has moved to mitigate risks associated with generative AI. Courts including the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the Fair Work Commission have introduced guidelines requiring disclosure of AI use and verification of citations, aimed at preventing reliance on fabricated or inaccurate legal authorities.
Insurance Law
This sector is growing rapidly as it manages a “hard market” of rising premiums and complex cases. A primary catalyst is the surge in cyber-insurance claims following stricter privacy oversight and high-profile data breaches.
Additionally, professional indemnity remains critical as regulators increase scrutiny over non-compliant building materials, highlighted by a Supreme Court ruling that exposed significant coverage gaps for construction professionals regarding cladding liability.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
With rising pressure on courts, ADR continues to play a central role in resolving commercial disputes efficiently. The Australian Arbitration Survey highlights a sustained increase in filings, as businesses prioritize speed and confidentiality in dispute resolution. This trend is reflected in a shift toward higher-value matters, with the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration reporting a record AUD $3.3 billion in active matters.
Arbitration and mediation are increasingly favored in cross-border and technology-driven matters, where flexibility and enforceability are critical. This evolution is also reshaping how disputes are approached, with greater emphasis on the role of skilled neutrals in guiding outcomes.
As Khory McCormick, who received the Best Lawyers 2027 Alternative Dispute Resolution Law “Lawyer of the Year” award in Brisbane, notes, “As societal and global complexity increases, a full range of diversity among third-party neutrals is essential. The positive impact of a trained mediator’s perspective on negotiation strategies, not limited to facilitated outcomes, is also being consistently reaffirmed.”
At the same time, broader global dynamics are influencing the trajectory of ADR. Geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns and the transition to renewable energy are contributing to more frequent and complex disputes, particularly across borders.
As Elizabeth Macknay, who received the Best Lawyers 2027 Alternative Dispute Resolution Law “Lawyer of the Year” award in Perth, observes, “Geopolitical tensions, energy security, the energy transition and technological change are increasing the volume and complexity of disputes across sectors. Sanctions regimes, foreign investment controls and diverging legal frameworks are adding further layers of complexity and driving cross-border disputes. In response, clients are structuring dispute resolution mechanisms that prioritise enforceability and confidentiality.”
Commercial Law
Businesses are navigating an increasingly challenging regulatory environment that requires proactive advisory support. Central to this are ongoing updates to consumer protection laws, including new prohibitions on unfair trading practices such as "subscription traps" and hidden fees.
Furthermore, the expansion of the Consumer Data Right and stricter enforcement of unfair contract terms in supply agreements are driving a high volume of work in contract restructuring and general compliance.
Corporate Law
Corporate law in Australia is increasingly shaped by the new mandatory merger control regime, which calls for businesses to notify and secure approval from the ACCC before proceeding with certain acquisitions. This framework strengthens competition oversight while allowing transactions unlikely to raise concerns to move forward quickly.
At the same time, broader economic pressures have kept company insolvency rates elevated in some industries as cost and input oversight persist, creating requirements for specialist advice on restructuring, turnaround strategies and policy adherence.
Justin Harris, who was recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2027 Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year” award winner in Perth, adds, “Australian corporates are likely to face headwinds, as volatile equity and commodities markets and technology-driven disruption push companies to seek efficiencies and cost savings. Compliance and disclosure obligations are also increasing. These include the new merger control regime, beneficial ownership rules, enhanced ESG reporting and evolving AI governance. Together, these pressures are expected to extend transaction timelines, increase costs and heighten individual liability. Balancing performance and compliance will place greater strain on internal oversight, with AI frameworks emerging as a key compliance challenge.”
Gender Representation in Australia’s Legal Specialties
Certain areas of law show stronger female representation, including Family Law, Medical Negligence, Family Law Mediation and Franchise Law, where women make up the majority, ranging from 53% to 66% of recognized lawyers.
Litigation and Corporate Law remain predominantly male, with women representing less than 30%.
Fastest-Growing Areas in Australia
Non-Profit/Charities Law, Motor Vehicle Law and Wealth Management/Succession Planning have seen the strongest year-over-year growth in featured lawyers. Non-Profit/Charities Law grew by 56%, Motor Vehicle Law by 53% and Wealth Management/Succession Planning Practice by 30%, reflecting rising opportunities and evolving client needs among these sectors.
To explore who was awarded this year’s honors, visit our Find a Lawyer in Australia page.
Findings From the 2027 The Best Lawyers in Japan™
Edition 17 of The Best Lawyers in Japan features 1,807 lawyers, representing 4% of the legal profession. The awards span 48 areas of law and include 44 recipients who also earned the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction. The recognition is based on 52,288 evaluations submitted in this cycle.
Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law leads in representation, followed by Intellectual Property Law, Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice, Litigation and Banking and Finance Law.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Japan™, Edition 5, includes 466 lawyers, representing 4.5% of the market, across 28 practice areas. A total of 10,511 evaluations shaped this year's results. Corporate and M&A leads among emerging lawyers, followed by Intellectual Property Law, Labor and Employment Law, Capital Markets Law and Litigation.
Acknowledgment remains concentrated in two primary centers, with Tokyo accounting for the majority of awardees, followed by Osaka. Comparable representation appears among the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch cohort, underscoring the continued importance of these cities in Japan’s legal sector.
In total, the awards cover two metropolitan areas for both categories and draw from 297 firms for The Best Lawyers in Japan and 88 firms for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Japan.
Notable "Lawyer of the Year" Honorees
Best Lawyers celebrates this year’s inaugural and returning honorees on receiving the esteemed "Lawyer of the Year" honor across the five leading practice areas for The Best Lawyers in Japan:
- Gaku Ishiwata, Mori Hamada – Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Jiro Mikami, Nagashima Ohno & Tsunematsu – Banking and Finance Law
- Junichi Tobimatsu, Gaien Partners – Litigation
- Kensaku Fukui, Kotto Dori Law Office – Intellectual Property Law
- Ryota Miura, Miura & Partners – Corporate Governance and Compliance Practice
- Yasuyuki Nakai, Dojima Law Office – Corporate and Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Yoichiro Komatsu, Komatsu Law & Patent Office – Litigation
- Yoshito Fujikawa, Yodoyabashi & Yamagami – Intellectual Property Law
Market Drivers Behind Top Areas of Specialization in Japan
Here, we explore the market trends that may have influenced the landscape of this year’s top five practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Japan:
Corporate & Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Corporate and M&A work remains a dominant area of practice, fueled by a record wave of shareholder activism following high-profile board seat wins by investors. This pressure, combined with a historically weak yen, has made Japanese assets highly attractive to foreign buyers.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) continues to promote a fair M&A environment through updated takeover guidelines, encouraging more efficient and transparent deal-making.
Corporate Governance & Compliance
Governance standards are shifting from "box-ticking" to substance as the Financial Services Agency (FSA) prepares further revisions to the Corporate Governance Code. There is increased scrutiny on board independence and capital efficiency, driving the need for legal counsel to manage investor dialogues and internal restructuring. Companies are increasingly seeking advice on navigating the "new normal" of proactive shareholder engagement.
Banking & Finance Law
The Bank of Japan’s 2024 pivot away from negative interest rates, followed by further hikes through early 2026, has reshaped the lending environment, with companies seeking strategies to manage rising funding costs. Legal expertise is critical in structuring these transactions, particularly as businesses turn to capital markets and overseas funding to support acquisitions and growth.
Intellectual Property Law
Japan’s commitment to high-tech innovation supports a strong desire for IP protection, particularly in AI and advanced manufacturing. The Japan Patent Office (JPO) is modernizing digital economy frameworks, while the Tokyo District Court has introduced new protocols for patent infringement. These developments reinforce the importance of protecting proprietary technology as companies expand globally.
Litigation
While historically less litigious, Japan is seeing a surge in disputes linked to shareholder actions and contested buyouts. As governance oversight mounts, litigation is increasingly used as a strategic tool by investors, elevating the role of dispute resolution experts in managing transactional disagreements. This shift is supported by Ministry of Justice initiatives to modernize judicial procedures, ensuring the court system can effectively handle the complexities of a more active and transparent corporate market.
Professional Representation & Gender Trends in Japan
Male lawyers represent the majority throughout Japan's top practice areas, reflecting the profession's broader composition. According to a study on the gender gap in Japan's legal profession, women account for just 19.3% of lawyers nationwide, a pattern mirrored in Best Lawyers data, where women make up 12.9% of recognized lawyers. Among the largest fields of law, Corporate & M&A is the most male-dominant at 86.8%, followed by Litigation and Intellectual Property.
Practice Areas on the Rise for Japan
Privacy/Data Security Law recorded the sharpest year-over-year growth at 75%, signaling rising appetite for legal counsel as data regulation tightens across Japan. International Arbitration followed at 30%, reflecting the growing dynamics of cross-border disputes, while Tax Law grew by 26%, consistent with heightened scrutiny around corporate structure and compliance.
Discover all the honored lawyers by visiting our Find a Lawyer in Japan page.
Insights From the 2027 The Best Lawyers in Singapore™
Edition 18 of The Best Lawyers in Singapore highlights 700 selected lawyers, representing 11.7% of the profession. Spanning 49 areas of law, the awards also include 25 lawyers who received the “Lawyer of the Year” honor. A total of 11,765 evaluations informed this year’s results.
All recognitions are drawn from a single metropolitan area, reflecting Singapore’s position as a centralized legal hub. The list represents 174 firms, illustrating the depth and concentration of legal expertise within the jurisdiction.
Litigation stands out as the most prominent area of practice, followed by Arbitration and Mediation, Corporate Law, Shipping and Maritime Law and Construction Law.
Distinguished "Lawyer of the Year" Honorees
Best Lawyers celebrates this year’s inaugural and returning honorees on receiving the esteemed “Lawyer of the Year” honor across the five leading practice areas for The Best Lawyers in Singapore:
- Amanda Lees, King & Wood Mallesons – Arbitration and Mediation
- Ian Teo, Helmsman – Shipping and Maritime Law
- Lim Mei, Allen & Gledhill – Corporate Law
- Peng Cheng Tay, Wong Partnership – Construction Law
- Shen Yi Thio SC, TSMP SC – Litigation
The Practice Areas Defining Singapore's Legal Landscape
Here is an overview of the forces that likely shaped the top practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Singapore:
Litigation & Arbitration
Singapore’s legal sector continues to see strong dispute resolution activity, with the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) reporting significant sums in dispute and sustained caseload growth. While arbitration remains central, international litigation is expanding in parallel. The Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC) has introduced updated procedural rules to streamline complex international cases, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading forum for international disputes.
Shipping & Maritime Law
Since its 2023 onset, the Red Sea crisis has continued to disrupt global trade, forcing massive vessel rerouting and causing nearly half of Asia-Europe sailings to miss departure windows.
As a primary global transshipment hub, Singapore is seeing a spike in "Force Majeure" claims, insurance litigation and disputes over liquidated damages due to these extended transit times and soaring freight costs.
Construction Law
Singapore’s construction growth is projected to reach a record $47 billion to $53 billion according to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This "supercycle" is anchored by massive institutional projects, including the Changi Airport Terminal 5 development and the Marina Bay Sands expansion. Beyond domestic growth, Southeast Asia’s shift toward a regional clean energy grid is driving a peak in international agreements.
Corporate Law
Singapore remains the primary regional headquarters for multinational corporations expanding in the Asia-Pacific. In 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry reported a record high in new foreign direct investment commitments, sustaining momentum for corporate legal services. This growth is centered on varied cross-border transactions, regional business restructuring and navigating evolving regulatory compliance standards, particularly regarding digital economy agreements.
Representation and Growth Within Key Practice Areas
Gender distribution varies across key areas of practice in The Best Lawyers in Singapore 2027 awards. Real Estate Law stands out with strong female representation, where women account for roughly 69% of selected lawyers. In contrast, Litigation and Arbitration and Mediation remain predominantly male, with women representing about 20% and 14%, respectively.
Alongside these patterns, several areas are experiencing notable growth. Private Equity Law has expanded by 54%, followed by Tax Law at 44% and Private Funds at 29%, pointing to sustained activity and increasing opportunities in these fields.
View the featured professionals on our Find a Lawyer in Singapore page.
A New Chapter of Legal Achievement
The 2027 editions of the Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore offer a compelling portrait of legal excellence across the Asia-Pacific region. From navigating intricate commercial disputes to advising shifting regulatory environments, the recognized lawyers reflect the breadth and caliber of the profession at its finest.
Best Lawyers congratulates all honorees on this achievement and remains committed to highlighting distinguished legal talent.
Explore leading legal professionals in each country through our Find a Lawyer page.
