Finalists: AB & David; Aluko & Oyebode; Anjarwalla & Khanna (highly commended); Iseme Kamau & Maema Advocates; ENSafrica; Webber Wentzel (highly commended).

Johannesburg-based Bowmans collected the prestigious African Law Firm of the Year – Large Practice prize, in recognition of its efforts to establish a reputation as one of the continent's leading legal advisories.

With six offices spread across four countries (South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), Bowmans has counselled on some of the continent's biggest and most complex transactions during the past year, topping Mergermarket's Middle East and Africa league tables by deal count in 2017. It also advised on the biggest ever debt restructuring in Kenya (a $2.2bn overhaul of Kenya Airways) and east Africa's largest property development (the construction of Tatu City in Kenya).

The firm has made several tech investments, including an artificial intelligence contract review tool called Kira, as well as launching its own cryptocurrency – BowMoney – as part of its employee recognition and rewards system. And it has delivered 10,000 hours of pro bono legal services to non-profits and social enterprises across all four countries it operates in.

"A true large African firm that is focused on using its resources to expand its areas of operations, improve interactions with its clients, and to give back to the communities it serves – a worthy winner," commented a judge.

To return to the full list of winners, click here.