CATEGORIES
LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR
- Must be able to demonstrate extensive development and progress as a business within the last year, including but not limited to; strategy, growth, financial performance, employee development, diversity and training.
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- Nominees must have evidence of active engagement with community and or corporate initiatives and pro-bono work.
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- Entrants to this award must be able to demonstrate they are the ‘whole package’, within the legal sector and be able to show
a rounded approach to the delivery of legal services and that they are operating in the interests of the client and the profession.
BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 1-10 EMPLOYEES
Number of employees excludes any consultancy staff
- A firm who practices in a niche/specific area of law
- A practice that has performed exceptionally in terms of establishing itself in its chosen market
- Within the last year, has demonstrated extensive development and progress as a business, including, but not limited to; strategy, growth, financial performance, employee development, diversity and training
- An innovative practice that can demonstrate its ability to creatively and effectively compete with multi-practice firms
- A practice that exceeds the expectations of basic client care and professionalism
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BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM OF THE YEAR 11+ EMPLOYEES
Number of employees excludes any consultancy staff
- A firm who practices in a niche/specific area of law
- A practice that has performed exceptionally in terms of establishing itself in its chosen market
- Within the last year, has demonstrated extensive development and progress as a business, including, but not limited
to; strategy, growth, financial performance, employee development, diversity and training
- An innovative practice that can demonstrate its ability to creatively and effectively compete with multi-practice firms
- A practice that exceeds the expectations of basic client care and professionalism
MANAGING PARTNER OF THE YEAR
The winner of this award can be a Managing Partner, Senior Partner, Head of Chambers, Chief Executive or Chief Operating Officer.
- An individual who clearly articulates and communicates the firm’s purpose and priorities in order to engage its people and clients in a way that exceeds expectations
- Helped the business to overcome challenges by driving a inclusive culture, leadership style and coherent strategy, allowing the business to achieve sustainable and superior outcomes, with an emphasis on contributions made in the past year
- Created value for the firm by introducing unique innovations and technology
- Has worked effectively with the firm’s management team to develop, shape and implement the firm’s strategy
- Led the firm in supporting the local community and pro-bono work
- Helped to support both staff and clients in order to drive forward the firm’s business
LAWYER OF THE YEAR
(includes Chartered Legal Executive Lawyers)
- A lawyer who has made a major contribution to the success of their practice or business in the last year as evidenced by strong management and leadership.
- Success supported by improved financial performance and market profile
PARALEGAL OF THE YEAR
(includes Caseworkers & Legal Assistants)
- An individual who has shown dedication and performed exceptionally in regards to efficiency and outcomes, with an emphasis on efforts made in the past year
- An individual who has had a positive impact on both fellow colleagues and the firm
- Has made a positive contribution to the reputation of Paralegals and the legal profession
- An individual who exceeds expectations of basic client care and professionalism
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RISING STAR OF THE YEAR
Must be under the age of 35 on the date of ceremony, please provide date of birth in nomination.
- Demonstrates a high level of involvement within the profession and area of practice and to what extent, considering their time in practice and any significant obstacles they have overcome
- Contribution to non fee-earning but industry related activities, for example new initiative creation
- Open to Non Lawyers and Lawyers
INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
- Can demonstrate a sustained success through product or service launches over the last year
- Looking for a unique approach that goes beyond a single product or service success within the industry
- Showing that a product or service once established is sustainable within the profession and maintain a high level of performance through continuing innovation. (If product or service is recently* within the last 3 months launched it will be at the judge’s discretion to determine its anticipated success and continued sustainability)
MARKETING & COMMUNICATION STRATEGY OF THE YEAR
- Has shown exceptional originality and innovative thinking within a marketing & communication strategy
- Campaign must be related and or associated to the legal sector
- Must be able to prove success through improved client awareness and knowledge, and company/ firm profitability
- A strategy which demonstrates creative out the box thinking and marketing excellence
- An integrated marketing strategy harnessing social media to promote a firm's success
CLIENT CARE AWARD 1-25 EMPLOYEES
- Has exceeded expectation of basic client care and professionalism
- Are able to demonstrate that the standard of their services has helped to increase profitability of their company and business levels through client word of mouth
- Are able to show an innovative approach in improving and maintaining all aspects of client care from initial client contact to completion of issues.
- Able to maintain a high level of client care even in periods of turbulence
CLIENT CARE AWARD 26+ EMPLOYEES
- Has exceeded expectation of basic client care and professionalism
- Are able to demonstrate that the standard of their services has helped to increase profitability of their company and business levels through client word of mouth
- Are able to show an innovative approach in improving and maintaining all aspects of client care from initial client contact to completion of issues.
- Able to maintain a high level of client care even in periods of turbulence
BEST USE OF TECHNOLOGY
- The nominee will have adopted a particular technology-based tool, technique, or system which has created a significant competitive advantage for the nominee or its clients in the previous 12 months
- Evidence of strong teamwork and co-operation in the introduction and use of the initiative will gain credit
- The judges are looking for originality and innovation in the conception and delivery of the technology
BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD
- The judges are looking for a legal services business that has achieved exceptional growth – in scale, expanding practice areas or geographical coverage – over the last year, at the same time delivering improvement in client service and profitability. We are looking to celebrate the successful, dynamic entrepreneurs within our industry
- The judges invite nominations from any organisation providing legal services to clients who has achieved substantial growth over the last year or so; large, established law firms, successful consolidations/mergers and high-growth start-ups or new entrants are all welcomed
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AWARD
- Has a strong commitment to the promotion of diversity and inclusion within the workplace
- Uses innovative approaches to diversity and inclusion, which has resulted in real benefits to both individuals and the firm
- Made outstanding efforts to promote an inclusive workplace and an environment that is free from bias and discrimination
- Implemented initiatives to create effective internal pathways and career opportunities for diverse talents
- Shown leadership, commitment and motivation to drive the firm’s diversity agenda throughout the organisation and the wider community
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OUTSTANDING CASE OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a case that:
- Demonstrates a high degree of complexity, paired with innovative legal strategies that contribute to its exceptional outcome.
- Made a remarkable positive impact on the lives of individuals, communities, or the broader society, either through legal precedents established or through the resolution of a significant issue.
- Demonstrated remarkable collaboration within the cases’ legal team, and with external industry experts, resulting in a tangible positive impact on the outcome of the case.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Successful nominees will have:
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- Gone beyond day-to-day expectations to voluntarily operate in a way that benefits society and the wider environment.
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- Held themselves accountable for their impact, unifying the actions of employees to work together towards the same collective goal.
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-Clearly defined what Corporate Social Responsibility means to their business, measuring or monitoring this success to ensure positive steps.
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FEMALE TRAILBLAZER OF THE YEAR
This award recognises someone who has excelled in any of the following;
- Demonstrating outstanding leadership skills in the legal field, inspiring and paving the way for others.
- Showcasing innovation in legal practice or advocacy, making a significant positive impact on the legal industry or community.
- Actively advocating for gender equality, diversity, and empowerment within the legal profession.
- Making notable contributions to mentoring and educating aspiring legal professionals, fostering growth and development in the legal community.
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Successful nominees will have:
-Harnessed their knowledge in multiple areas of legal practice, flexing their unique expertise in the field of legal costs.
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-Built lasting partnerships with firms, ensuring that the business relationship between a lawyer and their client is properly established.
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-Balanced responsibility to the regulator with the demands of your caseload, advising or mitigating in a way that offers the best possible chance of cost recovery.
COSTS LAWYER OF THE YEAR
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LEGAL AI SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
This award recognises a Legal AI Supplier who:
- Effectively utilises cutting-edge AI technology
- Consistently delivers forward-thinking, adaptive solutions that bring tangible benefits to law firms and legal businesses.
- Prioritises collaboration with clients to ensure the delivery of suitable/bespoke AI solutions that fits the needs of firms and businesses.
WORKPLACE WELLBEING AWARD
Recognising a firm which can demonstrate an innovative and proactive wellbeing strategy;
- Demonstrated a strong commitment to providing or promoting a positive working environment
- Shown active leadership support
- Provided a positive working culture
- A holistic approach which has been well received within the firm
SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY 1-25 EMPLOYEES
- Company made up of no more than 25 employees
- Demonstrate how you have supported any aspect of the legal sector
- Evidence that the support facilitated an increased level of expertise, professionalism and innovation
- Evidence that the client’s experience / performance has been improved and value has been added
- This award is open to providers of products / services to the legal industry
SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY 26+ EMPLOYEES
- Company made up of 26 employees or more
- Demonstrate how you have supported any aspect of the legal sector
- Evidence that the support facilitated an increased level of expertise, professionalism and innovation
- Evidence that the client’s experience / performance has been improved and value has been added
- This award is open to providers of products / services to the legal industry
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR
This prestigious award is not up for nomination, but will be selected by the panel of judges.
*The judge's decision is absolute and final
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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
​This prestigious award is not up for nomination, but will be selected by the panel of judges.
*The judge's decision is absolute and final
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