High Street Firm of the Year

This category is open to firms across Scotland involved in traditional high street practice.
Entry requirements:

1. Must be able to demonstrate a strategic vision for developing the firm
2. Evidence of strong financial management
3. Examples of success in chosen field of expertise
4. Details of commitment given to staff development

Law Firm of the Year – sponsored by Insight Legal

This category is open to firms that are headquartered outside Scotland but which either have a strong presence inside Scotland OR can demonstrate significant success working on Scottish matters.
Entry requirements:

1. Must be able to demonstrate the contribution the firm makes to the Scottish legal profession
2. Evidence of work on Scottish matters. A Scottish matter is one that involves at least one significant Scottish party
3. Details of commitment given to staff development in Scotland
4. Details of the firm’s strategic vision for developing its Scottish practice

Solicitor of the Year

This category is open to solicitors with seven or more years of post-qualification experience.
Entry requirements (at least two):

1. Evidence of significant legal skills and the ability to deliver legal services within chosen field
2. Demonstrate innovative approaches to meeting client demands
3. Examples of professional achievements from the past 12 months
4. Provide examples of taking the lead on implementing at least one innovative project

Advocate of the Year

This category is open to all advocates below the level of QC.
Entry requirements:

1. Examples of success either in court, or with arbitrations or tribunals
2. A demonstration of individual strengths and recognised areas of development
3. Details of specific legal specialisms

Private Client Team of the Year

This category is open to firms or teams that focus specifically on private client work.
Entry requirements:

1. Examples of ground-breaking advice and client service solutions
2. A demonstration of dedication for your practice area
3. Evidence of success and development within the team

Debt Recovery Team of the Year – Sponsored by Stirling Park

This category is open to firms or teams that focus specifically on debt recovery work.
Entry requirements:

1. Details of significant cases and examples of excellence in legal practice
2. Examples of the impact the insolvency team’s performance has had on the firm’s financial growth
3. Overview of the team structure
4. Details of significant lateral recruitment cases and promotions

CSR Award

This category is open to firms, faculties, in-house teams or legal societies/organisations that can demonstrate a clear commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Entry requirements:

1. Clear and concise demonstration of your organisation’s CSR strategy, including how this involves staff and what activities are involved
2. Details of your organisation’s financial investment towards your CSR strategy
3. Examples of the tangible benefits to both the organisation and external parties involved in your CSR strategy
4. Evidence of proven results that show your organisation’s investment has had a beneficial effect and achieved targets
5. Examples of client and staff testimonials that value your activity

Innovation Award – Sponsored by Law Society of Scotland

This category is open to individuals, firms, faculties, in-house teams or legal societies/organisations that can demonstrate how they have improved the practice of law using new techniques.
Entry requirements (at least one):

1. Evidence of new working practices and the impact they have had
2. Evidence of how the use of technology has improved working practices
3. Evidence of new business streams and how they have enhanced the overall business offering
4. Evidence on technology developed in-house and the impact it has had

Employment Team of the Year

This category is open to firms or teams that focus specifically on employment work.
Entry requirements:

1. Details of significant matters and examples of excellence in legal practice
2. Examples of the impact the employment team’s performance has had on the firm’s financial growth
3. Overview of the team structure
4. Details of significant lateral recruitment cases and promotions

Outstanding Contribution Award – Sponsored by McKinstry Practice Management

This award will pay tribute to an individual in law who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of the Scottish legal profession. Judges will look for evidence of how this individual has advanced the field of law and whose efforts, dedication, and commitment has supported the legal industry in Scotland.