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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.

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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

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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