Firm's people-centred philosophy earns multiple awards while deepening understanding of what drives meaningful legal innovation

The signal from the market is clear: innovation shaped through shared learning with people, clients and partners creates real progress. Over the past two years, the firm’s innovation efforts have not only created new revenue streams and repeat AI collaborations with major clients, they have also earned recognition across the industry. That combination of commercial impact and external validation shows how far the firm has come, and how much further it will go.

This year, Webber Wentzel received the Innovation Award at the African Legal Innovation Awards for the second consecutive time and was again shortlisted for Best Use of Technology alongside some of the most established players in the market. 

At the African Legal Innovation & Technology Awards, the firm was a finalist in seven categories. Webber Wentzel won the Leading Incubator Project Award and the Outstanding Training Innovation Award. Fusion, only two years into its journey, was also recognised as a finalist in the Innovative Trailblazers category. Other areas of recognition included Most Innovative Law Firm, Best Use of AI, Disruptive Technology of the Year, Innovation in ESG, and Knowledge Management Innovation.

Learning through real impact
What has become clear is that innovation works when it emerges from genuine need and value creation. What made the firm’s submissions stand out were the stories and the evidence. Strong client references and team accounts showed how innovations have moved from concepts into tools that reshape how legal solutions are delivered. The focus has always been on measurable outcomes: new insights, stronger relationships, and more time for what matters.

Innovation as a team sport
Innovation has become part of the firm's fabric, woven into how its people think, work, and serve clients every day. 

The firm’s approach goes beyond technology acquisition; it puts innovation directly into the engine room of the firm. Lawyers are empowered to build their own custom AI workflows and champion the transformations they wish to see. This hands-on approach extends to client relationships, where the Fusion team works closely with clients to navigate AI in practical, real-world settings. By pairing legal expertise with technology and commercial acumen, Webber Wentzel is helping its people and clients navigate change while strengthening connections.

“When you approach innovation with humility and curiosity about what clients and people truly need, technology becomes a bridge rather than a barrier,” says Aalia Manie, who leads Webber Wentzel Fusion. "That mindset has been embraced across the firm, and that’s what makes the difference."

A philosophy in practice
These awards are deeply encouraging because they reflect something the firm has learnt over time: innovation is about solving real problems for real people. The industry recognition is both validation and motivation, affirming the firm's long-held philosophy that lasting innovation grows from patience, collaboration, and a clear focus on practical impact.