Wim Dejonghe wins lifetime achievement award at British Legal Awards 2023

The prestigious award, presented by ALM and Law.com International, celebrates the achievements of individuals who have made a significant impact on the legal sector through their leadership and innovation.

Wim has been part of A&O's senior leadership team since 2008, first as managing partner and since 2016, as senior partner. He is the longest-serving leader in the firm's history, having been re-elected for four consecutive terms. Under his guidance, A&O has achieved remarkable financial performance, strengthened its global presence and reputation, launched innovative new services and initiatives, and fostered a culture of collaboration, diversity and inclusion.

This year, he led on discussions with Shearman & Sterling on the biggest legal merger of the past 20 years.

Wim Dejonghe, senior partner, said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award, but this is testament to the amazing work of my colleagues, partners, and clients at Allen & Overy and beyond. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to lead A&O through some of the most challenging and exciting times in the history of the legal profession. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together, and I am confident that A&O will continue to thrive and innovate in the future as we merge with Shearman & Sterling to become the world’s first fully integrated global elite law firm."

The 2023 British Legal Awards took place on 29 November 2023 in London.