Leading independent law firm Travers Smith LLP is delighted to have been recognised with the "Innovation in Responsible Business" Award at the Financial Times Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards 2026.
The annual FT Innovative Lawyer Awards Europe celebrate law firms, clients, in-house legal teams and legal service providers who are passionate about driving innovation in the legal sector. This year's awards received 659 submissions and nominations were received from across 141 law firms and 81 in-house legal teams.
Spearheaded by Sam Cottman, Partner and Head of Pro Bono, the firm was recognised for its cross-practice programme supporting trafficking survivors accessing compensation through Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Building on the firm’s previous support of anti-slavery charity Justice & Care, Travers Smith expanded its human trafficking pro bono practice in 2025. The firm now co-ordinates a network of police officers, healthcare specialists, psychologists and interpreters to support victims as they pursue compensation from the CICA, the UK government body that pays compensation to victims of violent crime.
The firm has helped over a dozen survivors secure more than £100,000 in CICA compensation, which historically has been hard for trafficking victims to access. The firm gathers data to support campaigning on the issue and engaged with retailers potentially implicated in modern slavery to improve supply chains.
Sam Cottman commented:
“We see first-hand that the compensation we help secure is truly life-changing for the survivors of human trafficking. By mobilising a network of legal, medical, and law enforcement professionals, we ensure survivors get the support they need to claim the vital funds that can help them put their lives back together.
"We would not be able to provide this support to those in need without referrals from our partners Justice & Care, a charity tirelessly committed to supporting survivors and victims of human trafficking. We will continue to work together to drive real, lasting systemic change."
Edmund Reed, Managing Partner commented:
"We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition, which is a testament to the dedication of our lawyers to our pro bono work and the bravery of the victims. By tackling the complexities of the CICA scheme, our team has set a new standard for strategic pro bono work that maximises help to some of those most in need of free legal support. Congratulations to all involved."
Travers Smith previously won "Innovation in Responsible Business" in 2022 for its work establishing the Domestic Abuse Response Alliance (DARA).
