Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is recognised again as a 'Global Elite' firm by IEL

For the second year running, International Employment Lawyer (IEL) has recognised Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer as Global Elite in its 2026 IEL Elite ranking. 

The ranking recognises the employment and labour law teams that provide innovative and high-value advice to employers around the globe. IEL ranks firms that have demonstrated a depth of expertise across a broad spectrum of advisory, disputes, and transactional work – and also those that been recognised by leading in-house experts and peers as leaders in their field.

During IEL's research, the firm's employment, pensions and incentives team was lauded for exceptional market feedback, demonstrated mastery of cross-border mandates, and sheer market presence.

Samantha Brown, UK and EMEA managing partner of the firm's employment, pensions and incentives practice, said: "We are proud to be recognised as a Global Elite firm in the employment and labour space. These rankings are testament to the calibre of work and depth of expertise, supporting clients worldwide on all their employment-related issues."

This ranking is the latest in a series of successes for the group. The firm was recently named winner of the Diversity & Inclusion Programme of the Year (private practice) category for advancing a culture of inclusion and belonging within the legal profession at the 2025 IEL Awards. The employment team was also Highly Commended in the International Employment Team of the Year category at the Awards.