THE Herald’s annual search for the cream of Scotland’s legal talent officially gets under
way today. Now in their 14th year, the coveted Law Awards of Scotland will recognise the firms and individuals judged to be reaching new standards of professional excellence within the Scottish legal system.

This year’s awards are being held in association with HRC Recruitment, Stirling Park, the Law Society of Scotland and McKinstry Practice Management, and there are no fewer than 20 categories to enter, meaning excellence will be applauded at all levels of the Scottish sector. The awards offer a platform to celebrate the achievements of law firms, sole
practitioners, legal teams and junior solicitors, with categories spanning the full gamut of legal practice in Scotland.

They cover the work of high street solicitors, in-house lawyers, general counsel and specialists in banking and finance.
In addition to the contested categories, the awards will also honour an individual with the presentation of the Outstanding
Contribution Award.

Hilary Roberts, chief executive of HRC Recruitment, said: “Scotland’s legal industry continues to blossom and it’s so exciting to see the high calibre of talent currently working in the sector. “Scotland has a proud history of producing sharp legal minds and the awards celebrate and recognise this. “We are delighted to recognise so many law firms who are absolutely knocking it out of the park in terms of standard of service and vision.

“The awards give those of us who liaise regularly with the market the chance to applaud all of the hard work accomplished day in, day out.” Ronnie Murison, director of Sheriff Officer Services, said: “Stirling Park is delighted to be supporting the Law Awards again this year, having done so since its inception and I believe it is important to recognise high achievers within a dynamic legal profession.”

The entry process for the awards is open now, and the competition will culminate with the awards presentation at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Thursday November 29. The black-tie occasion will climax with the presentation of the Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by McKinstry Practice Management, which will mark the impact a special individual has made over a long and distinguished career in the sector. Last year this award was given to Professor
Hector MacQueen for his “special contribution to the shaping and development of the practice of law in Scotland.”

The 2017 awards saw Thorntons named Law Firm of the Year in the Over 40 Fee Earners category. Aidan O’Neill of Ampersand Advocates and Matrix Chambers was named Silk of the Year, CMS won Estate Team of the Year and Ashurst was named International Firm of the Year. There was success, too, for Thompsons Solicitors. The firm saw Lindsay Bruce lift the Solicitor of the Year title and also win the prize for Litigation Team of the Year thanks to the efforts of its lung diseases
team.

Past winners have also include solicitors from Ormiston’s Law Practice, Morton Fraser, Glass Network and Dentons. Graeme McKinstry, director of McKinstry Practice Management (MPM), said: “MPM is again delighted to sponsor the Outstanding Contribution Award because this accolade of all the achievers at this year’s Awards recognises the unique place the winner has in shaping and developing our legal system over an extensive career and shows we identify with success.”

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, September 26, 2018. Full details of the awards are available by visiting https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/lawawards/ or by calling event executive Kirsty Loughlin on 0141 302 6016.