Legal Awards 2025 Featuring:
About the APAC Legal Awards 2025 APAC Insider is proud to announce the APAC Legal Awards 2025, a prestigious programme dedicated to celebrating the legal industry’s finest across the Asia-Pacific region. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, this award honours the firms, professionals, and institutions that are shaping the future of law with excellence, innovation, and resilience. The legal sector in APAC is undergoing rapid transformation. From the rise of legal tech and AI-driven solutions to the increasing emphasis on sustainability, compliance, and cross-border regulations, firms across the region are adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Digitalisation is revolutionising the way legal services are delivered, with automation and AI streamlining case management, contract analysis, and regulatory compliance. At the same time, evolving data protection laws, ESG compliance, and global trade regulations are pushing firms to expand their expertise and stay ahead of the curve. As businesses and economies rebound from global disruptions, the demand for robust legal frameworks and expert counsel is stronger than ever. Law firms in APAC are not only helping businesses navigate complex legal landscapes but also driving major policy changes, corporate governance improvements, and international dispute resolution. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Website: www.apac-insider.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
4. One Planet Migration Law: Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2025 & Social Justice & Pro Bono Excellence Award 2025 5. Winter Legal: Wills & Estates Lawyer of the Year 2025 (NSW): Emma Rowles 6. Agape Henry Crux: Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 – Sydney 7. Clendon Webb: Best Emerging Civil Litigation Firm 2025 - New Zealand 8. Jeffries Arbitration: Best Independent Arbitration Specialist 2025 (NSW): Andrew Jeffries 9. Key2Law: Best Global Crypto Legal Solutions Provider 2025 10. Julius & Creasy: Best Full-Service Law Firm 2025 – Sri Lanka & APAC Insider Client Service Excellence Award 2025 11. VJM Global: Best Business Financial Advisory & Accounting Outsourcing Partner 2025 12. Holistic Law: Best Holistic Family Law Firm 2025 – Queensland & APAC Insider Client Service Excellence Award 2025 13. Law Partners: Best Specialist Personal Injury Law Firm 2025 - Sydney Contents
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 4 A specialist Australian immigration law firm offering a comprehensive suite of services to individuals, families, and businesses alike, One Planet Migration Law is a purpose-driven practice guided by the shared belief that migration is continuing to enrich the social and economic fabric of modern society. This is reflected in the firm’s mission: to connect humanity, one visa at a time. As the woman behind both this mission and the firm itself, we caught up with Tina Masrour to find out more. Migration has been a key part of humanity’s story for millions of years, and yet, it is today more politicised and controversial than at any point in recent history. Bucking the trend of this false, negative narrative, Tina Masrour has been motivated to change the way people think about immigration and demonstrate just how powerful and unifying a force it can be since beginning her career in this space more than 15 years ago. On the back of both this commitment and her wealth of personal practice experience, Tina established One Planet Migration law in 2023, as a way of continuing to uphold her vision of a brighter future for people around the world. Joining Tina on this mission is the team of equally dedicated professionals behind the firm, who share 70 years of collective experience. Together, these changemakers offer their expertise, ethical advocacy, and strategic immigration advice to clients in more than 50 countries globally. In the corporate environment, these clients range from SMEs and healthcare providers through to multinationals and Fortune 500 companies, all of which are supported with everything from business sponsorship immigration to Australia through to negotiating tailored visa programmes, otherwise known as ‘Labour Agreements’, aligning immigration planning with the needs of the workforce, and even supporting post-visa settlement through partner referrals. Outside of corporate clients, One Planet Migration Law also prides itself on helping thousands of individuals aiming to make their move to Australia a reality. Whether this involves delivering visa services for skilled workers, securing humanitarian visas for those facing serious harm, or promoting successful outcomes in complex and time-sensitive cases involving individuals, Tina and the team here will do whatever it takes to ensure their clients are afforded the highest possible standard of service. Exploring this in more detail, Tina told us: “Delivering an exceptional level of service is at the core of our practice. We are known for being approachable, transparent, and genuinely invested in each client’s success. This deep sense of responsibility drives us to think creatively and strategically, resulting in us going beyond offering just legal advice to instead deliver tailored and practical solutions to meet clients’ unique needs.” As touched on in the beginning, migration is a hot topic, and that means One Planet Migration Law must navigate the array of challenges and opportunities that comes from working in this environment. Shedding some more light on these, Tina explained how migration can help address Australia’s national workforce shortages across key areas such as healthcare education, construction, hospitality, and technology. However, the challenge lies in the impact of significant processing delays, stemming from the Department of Home Affairs. Tina commented: “These delays have created uncertainty for businesses and hardship for individuals, requiring us to remain agile and proactive in managing client expectations and advocating for timely outcomes.” This is simply the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the balance of challenge and opportunity brought about by one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving areas of legal practice, a landscape One Planet Migration Law takes great pride in its ability to navigate. For Tina and co., the firm’s ability to do this so well, and have a tangible impact on people’s lives in the process, is the most rewarding aspect of their work. Another example of this is the pro bono work the firm carries out, for which it has received our Pro Bono Excellence Award 2025. Diving deeper into this, Tina said: “We actively take on pro bono matters for individuals facing significant vulnerability – including refugees, survivors of family and domestic violence, and stateless persons – ensuring that access to justice is never dependent on financial means.” This is something One Planet Migration Law is keen on working towards for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Balancing commercial value with societal impact, this Australian law firm is distinguished as a result of its experience, compassion, and impact-driven approach to legal practice. To find out more about the purpose- driven mission that has netted One Planet Migration Law a duo of well-deserved awards, simply visit the web address below. Contact: Tina Masrour Company: One Planet Migration Law Website: oneplanetmigrationlaw.com.au Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2025 & Social Justice & Pro Bono Excellence Award 2025 Jul25019
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 5 Working exclusively within the field of Wills and Estate Law, Emma Rowles, from Winter Legal, focuses primarily on the areas of Estate Administration and Will Disputes. Emma’s dedication to client satisfaction and to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients has resulted in her being recognised as the Wills & Estates Lawyer of the Year 2025 (NSW).We spoke with Emma to find out more. Beginning her professional career in 2007, Emma Rowles worked at a law firm practising predominantly in Wills and Estates law as she completed her Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting). In the years that followed, she held positions at the NSW Supreme Court – working under five different Judges, two of which were responsible for cases relating to Wills and Estates Law – as well as working as a solicitor for KPMG, Speed & Stracey Lawyers, and Teece Hodgson & Ward (the latter being regarded as the leading Wills and Estates Law firm in Australia). With these roles having allowed Emma to sharpen her skills across areas such as Tax Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Letters of Administration, and Will Disputes, she was more than well enough equipped to join Winter Legal in 2018. Becoming the firm’s director the following year, a testament to her skillset, Emma found the perfect combination: blending her love of law with her love of running a business – an entrepreneurial spirit that can be traced back to her always having her own businesses running alongside full-time employment. Having found what works for her, Emma told us how she wakes up genuinely excited for the start of every day. “My biggest motivator is client feedback”, she explained. “I receive numerous reviews and have a five-star rating on both Google and Facebook.” These distinguishing factors stem from her client-focused nature, which sees Emma offer free consultations, no upfront fees, and a No Win No Fee guarantee in Will Disputes. This relentless client focus is something Emma has built her reputation atop of and is reinforced on a daily basis through initiatives including making herself personally contactable by mobile phone, holding meetings between 6am and 9pm (including on weekends and public holidays) at a location that works for the client, and also doing pro bono work. All of these areas are frequently covered in the outstanding feedback she receives. Emma is so passionate about the client experience in fact that when she was a finalist in the Law Society Golden Gavel Speaking Competition in 2020, she spoke about the public perception of lawyers and the widely upheld ‘negative lawyer’ trope. The accolade of reaching the final in the aforementioned contest is one of many Emma enjoys, as her clients will often nominate her for awards, resulting in numerous wins – such as this one in our APAC Legal Awards 2025 – and finalist places across her career. Awards are far from the most rewarding thing about this work for Emma, who instead cherishes being able to help her clients, who are often grieving and daunted by the process before they meet her. However, Emma told us: “By the end of the matter, my clients always tell me how happy and relieved they are. I enjoy being able to do this for my clients. I work diligently to help my clients achieve the best possible outcomes.” One example of this includes Emma’s 100% Will Dispute success rate, with most of these matters being settled before reaching court. Emma told us: “I always prioritise the just, quick and cheap resolution.” Even those that do go further are handled expertly, including in one case where Emma acted for the estate against a person who applied for a Family Provision Claim in the NSW Supreme Court. Not only was Emma’s client successful in the Supreme Court proceedings, they also triumphed in the subsequent Appeal in the NSW Court of Appeal. Finally, it is also worth mentioning the fantastic work Emma does for both the community and the environment, with the latter even seeing her utilise her legal skills to make some positive changes, particularly regarding plastics. Emma also delivers free seminars about Wills and Estates Law at local community events and for business groups. From her position at the helm of an Award-Winning Wills and Estates Law firm, Emma Rowles of Winter Legal, has solidified her position as a leading figure in this field, with her five-star ratings and 100% success rate in Will Disputes more than setting her apart from the competition. Contact: Emma Rowles Company: Winter Legal Web Address: https://www. winterlegal.com.au/ Wills & Estates Lawyer of the Year 2025 (NSW): Emma Rowles AIS-Jun25218
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 6 Australia’s most populous city is home to Agape Henry Crux, a legal firm with a strong national presence that specialises in immigration law. The team here have a track record of advising their clients on complex migration and citizenship matters, working with individuals and business alike as they traverse everything from visa refusal appeals to strategic implementation planning. Jason Ling, the firm’s founder and principal, was on hand to tell us more about Sydney’s leading specialist immigration lawyers. Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 – Sydney Beginning his legal career in 2007, Jason Ling entered this profession on the back of an innate drive to help people navigate the complex, ever-evolving landscape of Australia’s legal environment. Since establishing Agape Henry Crux in 2016, Jason’s dedication to this has only increased, and he today oversees a firm that is home to a team of results-driven professionals and a reputation for delivering precision, integrity, and advice that is grounded in securing the best possible outcomes for its clients. “Our clients range from individuals and families to SMEs and large corporates – many of whom rely on us as trusted advisors for highstakes migration solutions.” Working in immigration law, which is one of the most dynamic areas of practice a legal professional can pursue in Australia, means Jason and his team must deal with the fallout of frequent changes in legislation and policy. As Jason explained: “The greatest challenge is ensuring our clients remain properly informed and prepared in a rapidly changing regulatory environment – one where even where the most discretionary decision making can carry profound consequences for those whom we serve.” Agape Henry Crux is well aware of the stakes, and that is why its approach is as meticulous, transparent, and personal as it gets. There is a focus throughout the firm on providing clear and candid advice at every stage, ensuring clients not only understand their legal position, but also the best pathways to help navigate it effectively. Equally as strong as the technical proficiency employed by the team is their overriding sense of compassion, stemming from a recognition that migration outcomes deeply impact lives. The result of such an approach, as Jason told us, is that lives are transformed. He explained: “From families reunited to businesses strengthened through skilled employee and global talent. We are most proud of the trust our clients place in us to deliver under pressure, often against tight deadlines and in challenging circumstances.” However, the firm’s impact does not end there and can be seen further through the contributions it makes to wider discourses surrounding topics such as migration reform. Diving deeper into this, as well as how it sets the firm apart, Jason commented: “We have two accredited specialists in immigration law, one of whom actively serves on the Specialist Accreditation Committee, helping the set standards for the entire industry.” On the back of this, he added – with some confidence – “our distinguishing feature is our depth of specialist expertise and leadership within the profession.” Thus, the dedication the firm has to achieving the most favourable outcomes has seen Agape Henry Crux leverage the increasing overlap between technology and legal practice to streamline how it operates, freeing up time from routine tasks and putting it back into delivering legal support. From AI systems that streamline workflows to enhancing client communication using cuttingedge tools, the team strike a balance between automation and humanity to ensure their resources are used effectively. As we move through the second half of 2025 and beyond, Agape Henry Crux is doubling down on its efforts concerning these technologies, developing proprietary tools of its own to support research and automation in such a way that will enhance efficiency without compromising on the nuanced, distinctly human judgement that matters of immigration demand. Outside of this, the firm is equally passionate about contributing to legal education by mentoring the next generation of immigration lawyers. Maintaining its position as a thought leader and trusted educator in a profession defined by constant change, the way the Australian citizenship law experts behind the firm manage complex migration solutions – from visa cancellations to character issues – through the combination of their experience across merits and judicial review and their forensic approach, is as impressive as it is inspiring. As a result, it is our pleasure to recognise Agape Henry Crux as the Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 – Sydney. Contact: Jason Ling Company: Agape Henry Crux Web Address: https://www.ahclawyers.com/ AIM-Jun25199
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 7 AIM-Jun25155 Clendon Webb is a specialised litigation boutique that was established to fill a clear gap within the New Zealand legal market, bringing the expertise of larger firms combined with the personal service that only a focused practice can provide. The firm deliberately concentrates on only a few key areas, which allows it to deliver exceptional results. These are in complex commercial litigation, trust disputes, relationship property matters, and employment litigation, with the team demonstrating the deep technical expertise and strategic thinking required to excel in each. We sit down to speak to the firm’s Founder and Director, Dylan Pine, following its success within the APAC Legal Awards 2025. Those who choose to work with Clendon Webb quickly discover how it is all about quality over quantity – with this having been the key to its rapid growth since being established only 12 months ago. The firm isn’t trying to be everything for everyone; it has positioned itself as the go-to for complex, high-stakes litigation that requires expert knowledge and a strategic approach. It works with an array of different clients, from high-net-worth individuals and family offices to SMEs, larger corporates, and professional service firms throughout New Zealand and the Pacific region. It goes above and beyond to help them with their sophisticated legal challenges, providing them with more than just standard legal advice – They need advocates who understand both the technical complexities and the commercial realities of their unique situations. “The Pacific focus has been particularly rewarding, as we’re seeing increasing demand from clients who need New Zealand legal expertise underpinned by knowledge of the broader regional context of their business operations,” Dylan tells us. Clendon Webb’s service offering comes with a strong focus on innovation including leveraging AI tools. Dylan states, “We have had to carefully balance embracing these tools while maintaining strategic judgement, which ultimately defines our value proposition. We do use AI-assisted tools, but at the end of the day complex litigation requires experienced legal judgement.” Clendon Webb focuses on the human element above all else. “We never lose sight of the fact that behind every case is someone counting on us to protect what matters most to them,” Dylan says. The firm’s success is built on the fundamental foundation of litigation being intensely personal for each client, no matter whether it is a commercial dispute or a family matter. “Every case represents something crucial to our client and we never lose sight of that.” “Our success represents more than our growth story; we are proving that in today’s legal market, clients increasingly value specialisation and personal attention over brand recognition and overhead. The boutique model is often superior for complex, highstakes litigation.” As such, the firm weaves the following throughout its service offering: Partner-level attention, a collaborative approach between its team and clients, with senior lawyers always involved to ensure partner-level strategic thinking and advocacy; Proactive communication, with its team answering every call and ensuring that clients are kept in-the-know throughout the process, removing any unnecessary uncertainty and anxiety; Commercial awareness, regularly assessing with clients to explore resolution strategies, and structuring its fee arrangements to align with their business objectives; Regional expertise, where for its Pacific clients, it has developed strong networks with local counsel, and it understands the cultural sensitivities that can make or break a case in different jurisdictions; and lastly, Resultsdriven approach, dedicating its resources to each case it takes on and paying close attention to what truly matters to each client. “The [APAC Insider] award recognition has validated that this approach works,” Dylan comments. “But, more importantly, our client feedback and retention rate and our referral patterns show that clients value our attention and strategic thinking.” As we come to conclude our conversation with Dylan, he tells us that ultimately the most rewarding aspect of the job is the relationships that he and the Clendon Webb team get to build with their clients. “We are proud of building something meaningful. In just 12 months, we started a vision of creating a different kind of law firm and to feel recognised by the APAC Insider Awards feels quite surreal. “Each of our team members brings their own unique perspective, but we all share a commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients facing complex challenges, and we have together proven that a boutique model can compete with and often out-perform larger firms on complex matters.” Looking ahead, Dylan shares that for the firm, 2025 is all about growth, not just expansion, saying, “We want to consolidate our success and build sustainable foundations for the next phase of Clendon Webb. We do not want to grow for growth’s sake; we want to grow strategically while maintaining the quality and client attention that got us here.” He adds, “We are also looking for another great member to join our team and we are investing in professional development, which includes conferences, and Clendon Webb has a mentoring programme to ensure our staff develop strategic thinking skills that define our practice.” Company name: Clendon Webb Contact name: Dylan Pine Website: www.clendonwebb.co.nz Best Emerging Civil Litigation Firm 2025 - New Zealand
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 8 When business relationships hit a bump in the road, arbitration offers a convenient and effective alternative to costly courtroom proceedings. With over 35 years of experience, Andrew Jeffries of Jeffries Arbitration combines the knowledge of a global law firm with the flexibility of a sole practitioner to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently. Andrew talks with us about his journey so far. Arbitration is only as effective as the individual tasked with steering the process. Skilled arbitrators bring impartiality, patience and cultural sensitivity to the table. By combining these qualities with legal precision, wisdom and practical authority, they resolve issues in a way that commands respect. Based in New South Wales, Australia, Andrew Jeffries displays all the attributes of a great arbitrator and has been operating independently since 2011. Starting his career in 1988, Andrew trained with Allen & Overy (A&O), one of London’s ‘big 5’ law firms, where he soon found a passion for international commercial arbitration. After being accepted as a partner with the firm, Andrew moved to A&O’s Hong Kong office in 1999, later becoming head of Asia-Pacific dispute resolution. He tells us: “It was in Hong Kong that my arbitration work really took off. It’s been the dominant part of my work ever since. Whilst there, I also sat on the reform of the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance and was a member of the Hong Kong Law Society Council and the Law Reform Commission of Hong Kong. I also sat briefly as a deputy registrar in the High Court of Hong Kong, which gave me a different perspective on the dispute resolution world.” Returning to the UK some 9 years later, Andrew decided to leave the firm and set up as an independent arbitrator in 2011. Leaving behind the resources and support of a major international law firm to set up as an independent arbitrator presented significant challenges. However, for Andrew, the benefits were too good to resist. He explains: “I often found myself stifled working in a large practice. I was limited in the work I could take on due to being part of a firm with dominant practice areas outside dispute resolution. Not one conflict-of-interest issue has got in the way of taking on work since I set up on my own. Likewise, I was constrained by the rates I had to charge and the required volume of work, and this is no longer the case.” These days, Andrew’s rates are dictated by the specific requirements of each case. And, with ultimate flexibility, he plans his schedule around spending time with his family, and pursuing his favourite hobby – sailing. Patience, flexibility and diversification have been key in making Andrew’s transition to sole practitioner a resounding success. Andrew’s specialisms include the construction and energy industries, and mergers and acquisitions. He is particularly effective in handling complex disputes which run into millions or even billions of dollars. With significant developments in the legal profession being driven by technology, we ask Andrew about its effect on arbitration. He says: “Before COVID-19, many were reluctant to use the available technology to its full potential, myself included. However, being initially forced to accept electronic meetings, hearings, and communications has made practising law from my home office in a remote location possible. On the other hand, I think we’re still a long way from fully trusting a computer system to consider and reason in place of a human arbitrator. So I’m not feeling vulnerable to AI redundancy just yet!” Despite his initial reservations about technology and his doubts about AI’s current decisionmaking capability, Andrew is intrigued by what the future holds for his industry. He tells us: “Research has shown that most business owners just want to get the issue off their desks. That means finding a satisfactory resolution that’s both fast and cheap, even if it entails a level of sacrifice. “Emerging online dispute resolution platforms are designed to automate and streamline the dispute resolution process. They may offer a quick and costeffective solution for small to medium-sized disputes. This development seems wellsuited to a sole practitioner business model, and I look forward to getting involved.” Since going it alone, Andrew has felt drawn to giving back to the industry and has developed a teaching practice that sits alongside his arbitration business. Andrew finds it rewarding to pass on his knowledge to law students and aspiring arbitration practitioners. He has already taught in a wide variety of locations, including Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Mongolia. Andrew also makes a point of being involved in Vis East Moot, an educational event designed to provide law students, academics and professionals with exposure to international arbitration and trade law, which he says is always ‘great fun’. The next Vis East Moot takes place in March 2026. Contact: Andrew Jeffries Company: Jeffries Arbitration Web Address: https://jeffriesarbitration.com/ Best Independent Arbitration Specialist 2025 (NSW): Andrew Jeffries AIM-Jul25212
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 9 AIM-Jul25211 Specialising in areas inclusive of crypto and iGaming licensing services, high-risk business banking, and cross-border business setup, Key2Law is a premier provider of international legal and compliance support for companies working in highly regulated or high-risk sectors. These include the crypto assets market, fintech, iGaming, payment service providers, and international businesses. On the back of the firm’s recognition in this programme, CEO M.Kim spoke with us for more on these services. Key2Law may have started out in crossborder structuring solutions, but it has quickly evolved into the full-service legal partner of choice for high-growth companies in the APAC region and beyond. Company setup services today support founders and compliance teams alike in more than 30 countries, led by an experienced team whose insights result in the provision of actionable strategies and the ability for clients to scale their international or high-risk operations with confidence. Working across Europe, Africa and Latin America, Key2Law prides itself on being able to adapt its services to the specific conditions of the market it is serving. This proves especially useful in areas such as high-risk business activity, where timing and legal precision are integral in nurturing success. Most of the businesses Key2Law works with are in search of fast execution and strict compliance alignment, given they are usually investing significantly in new businesses, platforms, or global expansion. M. Kim, Key2Law’s CEO, talked us through the firm’s process in detail: “Key2Law grows in sectors where regulation changes faster than market demand. Our approach is grounded in responsiveness and a deep understanding of each client’s business model, regulatory context, and operational goals.” An ethos such as this results in strong, trust-based relationships being developed with its clients, all of whom are supported through the delivery of targeted, tailored, and execution-focused guidance at every turn. The services the firm provides are also grounded in both the current and future needs of the market, ensuring they add value. For example, for clients based in or looking to operate in Europe, MiCA regulation is currently dominating discourses. The EU developed this framework to regulate rules around crypto-assets, resulting in unprecedented demand for practical legal support for businesses in this space. Commenting on what exactly this means for the state of the sector, M. Kim said: “MiCA regulations have reshaped the crypto assets market. Businesses need clear guidance on how to meet new licensing and substance standards.” In order to support clients as holistically as possible, Key2Law developed jurisdictional frameworks and has launched training for MiCA compliance crypto support across internal business teams. “We see MiCA not as an obstacle, but as a foundation for professionalisation. Clarity in regulation creates clarity in strategy. We help clients build on that.” It is the unique ability Key2Law has to deliver clarity in areas of law where others only see uncertainty, such as MiCA regulation, that is the most rewarding aspect of this work for M. Kim and the team here. Being capable of establishing international, licensingcompliant business models from scratch is an example of the difficult challenges these experts love to solve. This CEO added: “Each resolved case confirms we’re building something useful – not just compliant, but scalable and transformative.” Regardless of whether a client needs support with crypto licensing, developing their iGaming business, or crossborder structuring, Key2Law prides itself on operating with equal attention and speed, leveraging its tailored, versatile offerings to see that clients can move forward without delay. The firm’s strength in this comes from a blend of international business law expertise and practical execution, guided by the belief that legal partners should be evolving alongside the industries they serve, not lagging. With this ethos to boot, Key2Law’s focus for the rest of the year is to expand its presence in this environment, doubling down on its frameworks and supporting clients in a sea of ever-changing regulations. An expansion of its partner network will see clients able to access related services and infrastructure to operate with enhanced efficiency across jurisdictions, allowing the firm to work towards its overarching goal of delivering practical, scalable solutions to support international business growth. Excelling in execution, not just consulting, Key2Law’s encompassing support in everything from launching real operations to licensing, structuring, and cross-border business support makes it more than worthy of a place in this programme. More information about Key2Law’s solutions for businesses can be found at the website below. Contact: M. Kim Company: Key2Law Web Address: https://key2law.com/ Best Global Crypto Legal Solutions Provider 2025
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 10 The extensive range of legal services Julius & Creasy delivers in Sri Lanka’s legal sphere stems from its illustrious heritage, which dates back to 1879. Upholding the rich heritage and professional standards it was founded on almost 150 years ago, the firm offers a wealth of expertise and firsthand legal experience across a number of fields, with its unrivalled knowledge blending with an innovative streak to cater to the needs of high-profile clients. Anomi Wanigasekera, the firm’s senior partner, caught up with us on the back of it being recognised within this programme. One of the oldest and largest law firms in Sri Lanka, at the heart of Julius & Creasy is a legacy of excellence stemming from the high calibre of legal professionals who have walked through its corridors in the decades since it opened its doors – which happens to be the very same year Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. Although a lot has changed in the century and a half since, One thing has remained the same is Julius & Creasy’s status as a beacon of legal mastery in Sri Lanka, something dating back to its founders. The firm’s name comes from the partnership of Villiers Alexander Julius and Harry Creasy, who were joined for a short while by E.D. Thomas in the early days of trading (the firm was then Thomas, Julius & Creasy). Adopting the shorter designation a few years later in 1883, Julius & Creasy has not looked back since, and the firm has blazed a trail ever since. For example, it was responsible for the first female senior partner in Sri Lanka’s legal history in Mrs. L.C. Fernando, a legacy that Anomi herself is keen to uphold. “From its inception as the untidy office of two highly respected Englishmen, Julius & Creasy has – despite the rigours of time – evolved and expanded into the largest, and one of the most highly respected and sought after, legal firms in Sri Lanka.” Deploying its full-service approach to fields such as commercial, corporate, tax, property, construction, IT, litigation, arbitration, and employment law, Julius & Creasy has demonstrated its ability to deliver sustainable legal solutions across countless cases over the years. Just scratching the surface of its work, the firm has handled everything from restructuring and capital markets through to mergers and acquisitions, loan transactions, and intellectual property cases – both nationally and internationally. Highlights of its esteemed case portfolio include acting as local counsel in the largest IPO case in Sri Lankan history to date, leveraging its banking and finance practice to facilitate a number of the most prominent foreign loans and international syndicated loan transactions ever carried out by the country, entering the criminal courts on occasion over the decades to support certain clients in key cases, and even appearing in the first ever suit to be filed under Sri Lanka’s Intellectual Property Act, all to outline but a few. These accomplishments represent the multifaceted success of Julius & Creasy, which comprises specialist departments made up of peerless legal experts in their respective areas. The blend of a shared technical prowess inherent in the firm’s culture with the dynamic legal skills of these professionals results in the provision of innovative solutions across many of the more niche areas of law. Clients benefit from having just one point of contact, but the entire firm’s expertise behind their case to boost the chances of success. “We aim to provide creative yet practical advice with a businessoriented, problemsolving approach tailored to the specific needs and business of each client.” Outside of the legal environment, the deep ties Julius & Creasy has to its country can be seen through its relentless community focus, something which again harkens back to the values adhered to by its founders all those years ago. A fitting example of this was seen in the wake of the devastating tsunami that rocked the country in 2004, which the firm creating trusts and other such charitable entities, as well as working with numerous corporate bodies and banks, to support relief efforts in the aftermath of this major disaster. Even to this day, many of the partners, associates, and staff members behind the firm’s success often serve on boards and committees overseeing charitable initiatives, demonstrating just one of the reasons behind our decision to recognise Julius & Creasy in this programme for the second consecutive year, this time with two fitting awards. Contact: Anomi Wanigasekera Company: Julius & Creasy Web Address: www.juliusandcreasy.com Best Full-Service Law Firm 2025 – Sri Lanka & APAC Insider Client Service Excellence Award 2025
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 11 VJM Global is a boutique law firm specialising in the areas of business setup in India, accounting outsourcing, international taxation, indirect taxation (GST), corporate advisory, FEMA and RBI regulations, and regulatory compliances. It has become a trusted partner for both Indian and global businesses, offering comprehensive support in tax planning, compliance, and cross-border structuring. With the vision of simplifying complex regulatory landscapes for businesses aiming for sustainable growth, VJM Global has been able to foster long-standing partnerships and expand primarily through referrals and client success stories. We speak to Partner, Kapil Mittal to gain a deeper insight into the firm’s award-winning offering. VJM Global offers more than just service; its team act as strategic advisors who bring clarity, foresight, and regulatory alignment to its clients’ growth journeys. It works with a diverse range of clients, including multinational enterprises operating in or entering India from more than 25 countries, such as US, UK, Europe, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, and China; Indian corporates with overseas expansion goals; startups and SMEs looking for structured financial and compliance support; HNIs and family offices needing crossborder investment planning; and exporters, ecommerce businesses, and entities in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and manufacturing. Kapil tells us that the firm’s service philosophy revolves around three core values of: Responsiveness, maintaining speedy turnaround times and providing clear communication channels, with clients always knowing the status of their query or deliverable; Customisation, recognising that no two clients are the same and tailoring its solutions to meet the client’s unique industry, risk appetite, and growth stage; and Integrity and Confidentiality, upholding the highest standards in ethics, ensuring that all client data and strategic decisions are treated with the utmost care. “Our approach to client service is anchored in proactive advisory, deep technical knowledge, and long-term partnership. We don’t just offer compliance support – we become an extension of our client’s team, offering strategic insights that are timely, relevant, and practical.” The team’s dedication to excellent service is shown in a number of ways. The firm assigns each client a lead advisor as their single point of contact, while they are also supported by a team of specialists, to ensure continuity, accountability, and relationship depth; its deliverables undergo peer reviews and partner-level oversight, which allows for multi-layered quality assurance and ensures that nothing goes unchecked; it utilises innovative technology, involving cloudbased tools for document sharing, real-time updates, and project checking, so that clients can easily stay informed and engaged, no matter where they are in the world; clients are sent curated updates on legal and tax changes that impact their business, alongside periodic review calls to align on upcoming milestones; and it actively seeks client feedback through structured reviews to allow for a refined engagement approach and continuously raise the bar. “We view client success as our success. Whether it’s navigating a crossborder transaction, setting up a new business, or defending a complex tax matter, our goal is to deliver clarity, confidence, and compliance every single time.” Ultimately, VJM Global has positioned itself as the ultimate long-term strategic partner for its clients, not just a compliance vendor, which leads to strong retention and referrals. This comes hand in hand with the team’s next-level expertise and agility, which allows them to win mandates over larger firms where clients look for responsiveness, innovation, and personal service. This is while the team’s thought leadership comes in the form of webinars, articles, and client updates, enhancing the firm’s visibility and showing its people as subject matter experts, particularly in international and indirect tax. We ask Kapil what the future looks like for the firm, and he shares, “As we look ahead, our focus at VJM Global remains firmly on deepening our specialisations, scaling responsibly, and delivering even greater strategic value to our clients. The remainder of this year – and the coming ones – hold several exciting developments for us.” These include strengthening its cross-border advisory capabilities; building international collaborations with legal and tax advisors in the UAE, Singapore, and US to provide end-to-end cross-border solutions with local grounding; launching its Regulatory Insights and Learning Hub, featuring updates on FEMA, GST, and international tax, sectoral compliance trackers, and client-centric explainer videos and guides; expansion of its accounting outsourcing and virtual CFO services; and internal growth and talent development. We are pleased to be celebrating VJM Global’ welldeserved win within the APAC Legal Awards 2025 ,and we look forward to witnessing its future success. If you think VJM Global could help you, please visit the company website or reach out over email. Company name: VJM Global Contact name: Kapil Mittal Mobile: +91 9213397070 Email: [email protected] Website: www.vjmglobal.com Best Business Financial Advisory & Accounting Outsourcing Partner 2025 AIM-Jul25015
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 12 Holistic Law is a multi-award-winning family law practice founded by Shallice Cockram, lawyer, mediator, and chartered accountant. The firm was built on a simple principle, only work with people you can genuinely help, and who are sincere in their efforts to do the right thing. Holistic Law offers highly personalised, values-driven support seven days a week, with a particular focus on parenting and property matters where the wellbeing of children is central. The practice helps everyday people navigate life’s hardest transitions with clarity, care, and dignity. As the firm gains national recognition, it continues to explore future growth and collaborative opportunities that align with its mission. Following two major wins at the APAC Legal Awards 2025, we spoke with Shallice to learn more about their work, values, and what’s ahead. Best Holistic Family Law Firm 2025 – Queensland & APAC Insider Client Service Excellence Award 2025 Holistic Law began at the mediation table, sitting with people who were heartbroken, angry, and confused, trying to divide not just a household, but a life. We’ve seen parents arrive clutching documents in one hand and tissues in the other, their voices shaking as they ask, “Where do I even start?” What began as helping families navigate conflict soon revealed a deeper need: broader legal guidance, court representation, parenting plans, property settlement advice, and practical support through life’s hardest transitions. In response, Holistic Law evolved into a full-service family law practice, grounded in the same calm, human-centred approach that defined its beginnings. Today, the firm provides a full range of family law services, parenting matters, property settlements, divorce, consent orders, mediation, and family dispute resolution. It also assists with urgent and complex parenting applications, including interstate and international relocation matters, supporting clients across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. No matter the jurisdiction, the approach is the same: tailored legal advice, delivered with empathy, clarity, and respect. The clients who come to Holistic Law aren’t celebrities or high-networth individuals; they’re parents, grandparents, small business owners, shift workers, and carers. Most never expected to be here. They’ve tried to hold their families together, often sacrificing sleep, health, and stability. When they finally seek legal advice, it’s not because they’ve given up, it’s because they want to protect what matters most. Some are desperate to reconnect with their children after long periods of separation. Others simply want to feel heard, respected, and supported during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Holistic Law provides more than legal services; it offers clarity and direction during uncertainty. We take the time to explain the legal process, what clients can expect, and what their rights and responsibilities are, and are upfront about what the law can and can’t do. That’s why Holistic Law works alongside a trusted network of psychologists, family therapists, financial advisors, and other professionals, ensuring clients receive the full range of support they need. With the right guidance and a practical, forward-focused plan, the practice helps bring structure, stability, and peace of mind to families navigating change. Believing that everyone deserves access to clear, practical legal guidance, Holistic Law contributes time each week to a free Wednesday night online session alongside a panel of experienced family mediators. These sessions offer practical support to individuals navigating separation and divorce, covering topics such as the legal process, parenting arrangements, property settlements, and the emotional impact on children. Participation is voluntary and value-driven, reflecting the firm’s founding belief that the best interests of children should always be front and centre. “We don’t do this work for recognition,” says Shallice. “We do it because we know what it’s like to stand with people at their lowest and help them build something stronger out of what’s been lost. Family law is emotional, complex, and sometimes thankless, but it’s also where lives can be rebuilt, and where hope can be restored, one family at a time.” “Being acknowledged through the APAC Legal Awards is an honour, but more than that, it’s a quiet reminder that leading with ethics, sincerity, and genuine care shapes futures and transforms lives.” Contact Details Company name: Holistic Law Contact name: Shallice Cockram Website: www.holisticlaw.com.au AIM-Jun25177
APAC Insider- Legal Awards 2025 | 13 AIM-Jun25198 Since its establishment in 2004, Law Partners has become Australia’s largest specialist personal injury law firm, as a result of its incredible commitment to fairness, transparency, and client-centric legal care. Its mission has always been clear: to raise the bar in personal injury law by ensuring every Australian who suffers injury or illness receives the full support and compensation they are entitled to. Its expertise spans a range of personal injury areas, including workers compensation, motor vehicle accidents, total and permanent disability (TPD), medical negligence, public liability, and institutional abuse. We speak to one of the firm’s Partners, Shane Butcher to learn more. Law Partners’ tag line is “More Personal, More Compensation”, which points to its way of working and reflects its dedication towards understanding the impact of its clients’ injuries or illnesses. Its team spends more time building personal relationships with their clients and their families and asking more questions to uncover all aspects of their situation, learning exactly how and why their lives have changed following injury or illness. This deeper understanding allows the team to identify additional compensation opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. The team’s approach is grounded in empathy, a tireless pursuit of positive outcomes, detailed client-care processes and training, transparent fees, and clear communication, giving them not only a unique edge, but also ensuring clients receive the maximum amount of compensation they deserve. “We believe that legal support should be as compassionate as it is competent, and this philosophy continues to guide every interaction we have with our clients,” comments Shane. The firm’s legal help is accessible through free advice via phone call or live chat, while its website serves as the ultimate destination for resources, including videos, articles, step-by-step guides, and real client stories, designed to empower and inform its clients and the community. Shane states, “This holistic approach has earned us the trust of thousands of Australians navigating the complexities of personal injury claims, and it continues to drive our growth and impact. Our clients can consist of anyone in our community that becomes injured or falls ill and has entitlements to make a claim while seeking expert legal advice and representation from a leading team of personal injury specialists.” Law Partners goes beyond merely processing claims. With offices in New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria, its client services team pairs clients with lawyers who specialise in their specific claim type and can therefore foster personal relationships with them and their families. By thoroughly assessing all elements of a client’s situation, the team ensures clients receive the full compensation they’re entitled to, including any lump sums they may not have been aware of. When asked to tell us about the most rewarding aspect of working within the legal sector, Shane reveals, “Our entire team – across legal and support services staff – is driven by the genuine sense of purpose in helping our clients achieve legal and financial support during what are often some of the most difficult times in their lives, following injury, illness, or trauma. “As for myself, with more than 15 years’ experience in personal injury law on my side, I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of injured people and their families claim all the compensation they’re entitled to.” He continues, “What many people don’t realise is that finalising a claim is not always just about monetary compensation. Quite often, it represents closure and a chance for the injured person to turn the page on arguably the toughest period of their life. This experience is invaluable. “As a Partner of the firm, it’s my duty to ensure Law Partners continues to uphold our cornerstone value of empathy and deliver the best level of client care possible in order to achieve our primary objective – to positively impact the lives of injured Australians.” So, what about the future of Law Partners? Shane tells us that the firm’s growth plans “will forever be embedded in the process of listening”; listening to clients, and providing the service and guidance they need. “We know the service we provide resonates really well with people, so our plans are to keep doing what we’re doing, find ways to do it even better or more efficiently, and do all of this without losing the principles of trust, fairness, and human connection, which have got us to where we are today.” Company name: Law Partners Contact name: Shane Butcher Website: www.lawpartners.com.au Best Specialist Personal Injury Law Firm 2025 - Sydney
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