The Herald

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

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

This category is open to solicitors with up to seven years of post-qualification experience.

Entry requirements (at least two):

1. Must provide examples of how they have added value to their firm over and above normal working requirements
2. Demonstrate professional development
3. Provide examples of commercial awareness
4. Provide examples of a significant contribution made to at least one innovative project

This category is open to managing partners, chief executives or chairmen of law firms of any size that are either headquartered in Scotland or, if not headquartered in Scotland, have a significant presence in the Scottish market.

Entry requirements (at least three):

1. Demonstrate successful experience in leadership,
2. Evidence of strong financial management, including turning performance around
3. Examples of delivering a consistent strategy
4. Demonstrate leadership in staff development
5. Examples of innovative solutions for develop the firm
6. Demonstrate a commitment to diversity

This category is open to all in-house lawyers that work in the legal department of either a Scottish business or organisation OR a non-Scottish business or organisation that has a demonstrably strong presence in Scotland.

Entry requirements (at least two):

1. A demonstration of individual strengths and recognised areas for development
2. Examples of professional achievements from the past 12 months and areas recognised for career growth
3. A demonstration of dedication and excellent work ethic while building client relations
4. Details of how the individual has helped achieve results as part of a team initiative

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

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

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

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

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

Entry requirements:

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