Mayer Brown Hong Kong Managing Partner Tom Kollar named “Innovative Practitioner of the Year” at Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific 2026

Hong Kong – Mayer Brown is delighted to announce that Tom Kollar, Managing Partner of the Hong Kong office, has been named “Innovative Practitioner of the Year” at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Awards Asia-Pacific 2026. The firm was also commended in the ‘Innovation in Strategic Direction’ category for the operational transformation of its Hong Kong platform.

The award recognizes Tom Kollar’s track record of pioneering legal innovation across Asia-Pacific—from landmark, first-in-market capital markets transactions to novel deal execution methods that have materially accelerated timelines for clients. The award also acknowledges his leadership in driving the Hong Kong office’s operational transformation as Managing Partner.

The firm’s commendation in the ‘Innovation in Strategic Direction’ category recognizes the comprehensive operational transformation of Mayer Brown Hong Kong LLP following the re-establishment of the office in late 2024. Under the firm’s global “Embrace Innovation” program, the office redesigned its operating model to create an agile, technology-enabled platform that preserves the execution strength of a global firm while delivering faster, more responsive service to clients.

"Receiving the Innovative Practitioner award is a tremendous honor," said Tom Kollar. "This recognition reflects a career focused on developing original deal structures that open new pathways for clients across Asia-Pacific. I am also incredibly proud of the transformation of our Hong Kong practice and the momentum we are building as we continue to innovate and deliver market-leading solutions."

The FT Innovative Lawyers Asia-Pacific 2026 report spotlights outstanding firms and individuals bringing innovation to the practice of law and delivering exceptional value to business and society.