Published September 25 2026, this Financial Times feature highlights nine case studies of innovative legal work across Europe, compiled by RSGI. The winners of the FT Innovative Lawyers Europe awards for 2026 are showcased, along with individuals commended for outstanding contributions. The cases span AI, digital regulation, technology, sustainability, infrastructure, restructuring, disputes, dealmaking, and private capital.

Addleshaw Goddard won for acting for Open Banking to ease approval for commercial Variable Recurring Payments (c VRPs), brokering agreement among 31 banks and fintechs. Bird & Bird supported the European Commission in a blockchain regulatory sandbox involving 30 countries, identifying 60 uses. Asters helped Ukraine design a cyber security framework supporting 20 legislative pieces. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer used generative AI to review 97,000 court documents for Equiti Capital, saving nearly 300 lawyer days. A&O Shearman advised Amundi on France’s first bitcoin exchange traded product. Greenberg Traurig assisted Immunefi in enhancing security for its bug-bounty platform.