SCOTLAND’S top law firms and solicitors are to be recognised in a prestigious awards scheme.
Today marks the official opening of the 2017 Law Awards of Scotland, run by The Herald and recruitment firm HR Consultancy.
It is the 13th year the awards, which culminate with a presentation and dinner in Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on November 30, are being staged, and the second year in a row The Herald has run the programme in association with HR Consultancy.
All in all 23 awards will be presented on the night, including an award for outstanding contribution.
The judging panel this year includes Margaret Taylor, who edits The Herald’s Legal Focus pages, retired solicitor Colin W Anderson, Frances McMenamin, QC, industry professional and academic Mark Leiser and Hilary Roberts, managing
director of HR Consultancy.
Past winners include MBM Commercial, Shoosmiths, Beltrami & Co and Brodies.
Ms Roberts 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.”
The awards bring together the most influential figures in the Scottish legal sector, and highlight the extensive efforts made by legal firms to ensure clients accessing the Scottish judicial system receive the highest standards of advice and service. They also provide a platform for firms, sole practitioners, teams and junior solicitors to be recognised for their work in Scotland’s judicial system.
This year’s sponsors include Stirling Park, Law Society of Scotland and McKinstry Practice Management.
Ronnie J Murison, director of Sheriff Officer Services at Stirling Park, said: “Stirling Park has supported the Law Awards since its inception and I believe it is important to recognise high achievers and those spearheading good practice within a legal profession increasingly driven by audit and compliance.”
Graham Matthews, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “The Law Awards play an important role in showcasing some of the very best practice across our profession. Each of the awards highlights some of the outstanding work done by our members from high street firms to multinationals and in-house solicitors, both at home and beyond our borders. “We are delighted to support the awards again this year and to celebrate the very best of our truly world-class legal profession.”
Graeme McKinstry, Director, said: McKinstry Practice Management is delighted to sponsor the Outstanding Contribution Award. It recognises, endorses and supports the achievements for one of the leading figures of our profession who has made particular and lasting contributions to the law. This award is given to someone at the pinnacle of the profession and is the finale of the presentation.
The closing date for entries is September 28. Details are available at www.thelawawards.co.uk or by calling Lyndsay Wilson on 0141 302 7407.