Best Lawyers Announces the 2027 Editions of Awards in Austria, Germany and Switzerland

AUGUSTA, Ga. (June 18, 2026) — Best Lawyers® today releases the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in Austria™, The Best Lawyers in Germany™ and The Best Lawyers in Switzerland™, recognizing more than 8,300 lawyers whose professional excellence has earned the respect of their peers across one of Europe's most sophisticated legal markets.

This year's research reflects exceptional participation across the DACH region, reinforcing the credibility and influence of peer-reviewed recognition within the legal profession.

"The legal markets in Austria, Germany and Switzerland continue to demonstrate remarkable strength, adaptability and expertise," said Phillip Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers. "The lawyers recognized in these editions have earned the confidence of their peers through outstanding professional achievement and a commitment to excellence that continues to shape the future of the legal profession."

Recognizing Excellence Across the DACH Region

The 2027 editions honor:

• 500 lawyers from 175 firms across Austria
• 7,086 lawyers from 1,348 firms across Germany
• 727 lawyers from 181 firms across Switzerland

The research also identified a cumulative 317 "Lawyer of the Year" recipients, a distinction awarded to lawyers receiving the highest overall peer feedback in their practice area and geographic location: Germany (226), Austria (31) and Switzerland (60)

In addition, the sixth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Germany™ recognizes 2,497 emerging lawyers across 498 firms, highlighting the next generation of legal talent and leadership.

Research Participation Reaches New Heights

The 2027 research cycle reflects significant engagement from the legal community.

In Germany, Best Lawyers recorded 383,742 evaluations for its 18th Edition and 282,938 evaluations for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Germany™ during this cycle alone. These results contribute to cumulative historical databases exceeding 2.95 million evaluations.

Switzerland achieved its highest voter turnout to date, generating 15,747 evaluations during the 2027 research cycle and drawing upon 128,009 cumulative historical evaluations.

Austria's 17th edition incorporated more than 11,000 evaluations this cycle and 70,000 cumulative historical evaluations, recognizing approximately the top 8% of lawyers in the country.

Corporate, Transactional and Disputes Practices Continue to Lead

Across all three countries, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) Law and Litigation remain among the most recognized practice areas, underscoring the continued demand for legal counsel amid evolving economic conditions, regulatory reform and commercial complexity.

In Austria, Corporate Law, M&A, Banking and Finance Law, Litigation, Real Estate Law, and Labor and Employment Law remain the country's most prominent practice areas year-over-year.

Germany's legal market continues to be defined by Corporate Law, M&A, Intellectual Property Law, Labor and Employment Law, and Litigation, reflecting the country's leadership in corporate governance, innovation, employment regulation and commercial dispute resolution.

In Switzerland, Corporate Law, Litigation, M&A, Banking and Finance Law and Tax Law lead the rankings, highlighting the country's role as a global center for finance, international business and cross-border transactions.

Emerging Talent Continues to Shape the Profession

The 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Germany™ demonstrates the growing depth of emerging legal talent, with 125 firms represented exclusively by Ones to Watch honorees. Corporate Law remains the leading practice area among these lawyers, with Energy Law, Media Law, and Trusts and Succession Planning showing strong growth from the 2026 rankings.

The awards also point to gradual shifts in gender representation across the profession. In Germany, women outnumber men among Ones to Watch honorees in Labor and Employment Law, Energy Law, Environmental Law, Health Care Law, and Project Finance and Development Practice, while Insurance Law has achieved gender parity.

Explore The Best Lawyers in Germany™, The Best Lawyers in Switzerland ™ and The Best Lawyers in Austria™ results by region and/or practice area.