Finalists: Law For All Network; LEX Africa (highly commended); Linklaters/Webber Wentzel; Miranda & Associados; PLMJ Network; VdA Legal Partners.

ALN won the tightly contested African Network/Alliance of the Year award, for the ongoing development of its corporate law firm alliance across 16 African jurisdictions, which gives clients unrivalled access to the best local legal expertise across the continent.

It is not just that geographical reach that makes ALN stand out; a focus on integration and collaboration between member firms means work can be handled seamlessly across borders by lawyers that share the same values and commitment to excellence. ALN has achieved this through a centralised model for cross-border work, so that service delivery is the same no matter which firm leads a deal (or what ALN refers to as its one-stop-shop approach). Key examples include advising Ringier Africa on a $500m deal spanning nine of its jurisdictions, and a $50m deal involving a consortium of investors including AfricInvest Capital Partners across seven of its jurisdictions.

ALN has invested in a common electronic platform (including an ALN intranet) and promotes a collegial approach to business development initiatives, events and thought leadership. The network also provides secondment opportunities and external training sessions across member firms.

"A very involved and useful alliance for its members," a judge said.

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