After months of in-depth research, IEL Elite 2024 is here.

IEL Elite recognises the international, national, and boutique practices providing cutting-edge advice, acting on the most complex mandates, coordinating large multijurisdictional teams, and continuing to grow and innovate.

During the research, we spoke to more than 100 leading individuals at over 70 firms across 30 jurisdictions. We also spoke with our in-house counsel subscribers who provided valuable feedback on the teams they turn to for day-to-day queries and in crisis moments – giving us a view from both sides of the market.

These practices are truly leading the way and holding their own amid a changing working world, navigating myriad challenges – from questions around AI to delicate internal investigations, the cost-of-living crisis, complex business-critical corporate operations, and everything in between.

This year, we have separated firms into three categories:

Global Elite: Firms in this category have an extensive, leading global presence through office locations and/or top-tier internationally focused employment teams that demonstrate impressive skill in coordinating large multi-country mandates from key hubs. These teams regularly advise on projects covering tens of jurisdictions, and receive substantial recognition for their standing on the global stage.

Multijurisdictional Elite: Firms in this category operate out of more than one jurisdiction, and are adroit at taking on some of the most complicated and delicate labour and employment work, including at domestic, regional, or international level. These teams are market leaders in their region, or impressive transatlantic groups that truly understand the nuances of cross-border employment law advice.

National Elite: Firms in this category are domestic market leaders – either as part of full-service offerings or as dedicated labour and employment boutiques. These are firms that international or foreign firms without a local presence go to, that grasp the subtleties of translating domestic legislation to non-local audiences and aligning the same with the requirements of multinationals.

IEL Elite is updated annually. For more information on our methodology, and how to participate in next year’s research, click here.