2025 GIR Awards shortlists announced: Part One

GIR recently announced the lineup of finalists for the prestigious GIR Awards 2025, set to take place at the Four Seasons in Washington, DC on November 13. The event will support the Swawou Layout Community Primary School for Girls in Kenema, Sierra Leone, and will honor the individuals, organizations, and enforcement bodies involved in noteworthy investigations, legal cases, and other developments that have made an impact over the past year or have the potential to influence future enforcement proceedings.

After thorough consideration, GIR has revealed the initial batch of shortlisted candidates for the GIR Awards 2025. These summaries offer a brief insight into some of the reasons behind each selection, but it’s essential to note that they do not encompass all the criteria GIR takes into account when making its decisions. Here are the shortlists for the Most Impressive Global Investigations Practice of the Year, the Regional Investigations Practice of the Year, Investigations Consultancy of the Year, and the Enforcement Agency or Prosecutor of the Year.

The honorees for the Most Impressive Investigations Practice of the Year include Covington & Burling, who successfully obtained two declinations from the DOJ for clients like Stanley Black & Decker and Proterial Cable. Sullivan & Cromwell assisted TD Bank in resolving anti-money laundering compliance issues, while Milbank represented BAM Trading and CQC Impact Investors in notable cases. Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom secured favorable outcomes for KuCoin and OKX, and Latham & Watkins defended SolarWinds in a high-profile lawsuit. WilmerHale achieved positive results for Glencore, NatWest, and GE HealthCare, while Hogan Lovells handled significant matters for Privatbank, Seatrium, and the London Metal Exchange.

In the category of Boutique or Regional Investigations Practice of the Year, Allen & Gledhill, based in Singapore, represented clients in cases involving obstruction of justice and alleged fraud. Drew & Napier, also in Singapore, played a key role in resolving bribery allegations for Seatrium and businessman Ong Beng Seng. Navacelle, a French boutique, navigated compliance issues for Tractebel and Exclusive Networks in corruption-related matters.

The GIR Awards 2025 is expected to showcase the best and brightest in the field of global investigations, highlighting the talent, expertise, and commitment of individuals and organizations dedicated to upholding the integrity of the legal system. Stay tuned for updates on the remaining shortlists and get ready to celebrate excellence in the world of investigations at this prestigious event.