In a compelling display of resilience and adaptability, legal professionals convened virtually on 24 November 2023, for the second consecutive online IHC Counsel of the Year Awards ceremony. This event not only celebrated the outstanding achievements of legal professionals in South Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, but also cast a spotlight on the dynamic evolution of legal practice across the globe. Jump to the full list of award winners Rahul Prakash from In-House Community Rahul Prakash, publisher of In-House Community, set the stage with insightful remarks on the shifting landscape of the legal profession. He noted that, with the return of travel and the introduction of a new hybrid office model, the term “legal eagle” has taken on a new meaning. Prakash also reflected on a perceptible shift in the legal landscape over the past 18 months. Over this time, lawyers have been at the forefront of monumental tasks, ranging from overseeing large multi-jurisdictional deals to orchestrating comprehensive restructurings. Their role has extended beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing innovative process changes that have reshaped the way legal services are delivered. A common trend emerging is the significant digital transformation initiatives being undertaken across industries. Against this background, the 2023 In-House Community Counsel of the Year Awards are a true reflection of excellence and innovation, covering a spectrum of categories and illustrating the diverse nature of the profession. The awards included the prestigious In-House Industry Teams of the Year, Commended External Counsel of the Year, In-House Best Practice Management Awards, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation, In-House Teams of the Year, and In-House Counsel of the Year. The...