Law firms are progressively automating their everyday activities, encapsulating their knowledge and expertise in computer systems as work volumes rise and partners find it increasingly difficult to devote time to passing on their experience to junior colleagues. That is a significant conclusion to be drawn from the FT Innovative Lawyers technology and know-how category, in which many firms submitted innovations designed to capture intellectual property.

At the top of the results table, international group Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton and Garrigues of Spain both scored highly on originality and rationale, while Reynolds Porter Chamberlain made up in impact what its submission lacked in originality.