THE shortlist is today unveiled for The Herald Law Awards of Scotland for 2019, with the finalists illustrating the breadth of talent and expertise across the country’s legal sector.
The awards, now in their 15th year, are designed to highlight the quality of work being undertaken by Scottish law firm and lawyers.
With 18 contested categories, as well as an award for Outstanding Contribution, the awards ceremony in Glasgow on November 27 will see a range of firms and solicitors recognised for the impact of their work over the last 12 months.
This year’s awards are being held in association with Insight Legal, Law Society of Scotland, McKinstry Practice Management and Stirling Park, with support from HRC Recruitment and Millar & Bryce.
Margaret Taylor, chairman of the judging panel and editor The Herald’s weekly Legal Focus section, said: “The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, and the judges really had their work cut out for them. Each and every finalist should be extremely proud of what they have achieved in the last year and we are very much looking forward to unveiling the winners on the night.”
John Mulholland, president of the Law Society of Scotland President, said: “It was an honour to be part of The Herald Law Awards of Scotland judging panel this year. The range and quality of entries was impressive and deciding who to shortlist was really difficult.
“Congratulations to all of the finalists. To make it this far is something you should be really proud of. The Law Society of Scotland sponsors the Innovation and Pro Bono categories. The commitment of those finalists to developing legal practice in the 21st century, and to using their skills to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society, demonstrates the impressive contribution the Scottish legal profession makes to our communities.”
Brian Welsh, chief executive of Insight Legal, which sponsors the Law Firm of the Year Award, said: “Insight Legal sends a huge congratulations to each of the finalists named in the Law Firm of the Year category for next month’s The Herald Law Awards of Scotland.
“We can’t wait to come together with our peers from across the legal industry for a night of celebration, as we recognise the outstanding contributions made to Scottish legal practices in all corners of the sector.”
Ronnie Murison, director of Sheriff Officer Services at Stirling Park, said: “Congratulations to every firm that has been shortlisted across all categories, in particular, for those nominated under litigation and debt recovery, which Stirling Park is sponsoring again this year. The quality of entry has been extremely high, and we are looking forward to the evening of the awards to see those that have been recognised for their outstanding achievements in 2019.”
Hilary Roberts, chief executive of HRC Recruitment said: “The Law Awards of Scotland is a highlight in the legal calendar, and we are delighted to be a part of the event again this year. We love the opportunity to meet the finalists on the night and – of course – the unveiling of the results. It’s a cliché, but it’s such an achievement even to be nominated.”
High Street Firm of the Year
Latta & Co Solicitors
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
McClure Solicitors
Watermans Legal
In-House Team of the Year
Aberdeen City Council
Virgin Money UK PLC
Glasgow City Council – Legal and Administrative Services (Licensing)
Employment Team of the Year
Anderson Strathern
Blackadders LLP
Transactions Team of the Year
CMS
Dentons
MacDonald Henderson Solicitors
Shepherd and Wedderburn
CSR Award
Innes & Mackay
Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland
Pro-Bono Award - Sponsored by Law Society of Scotland
Clan Childlaw
CMS
Scottish Child Law Centre
University of Edinburgh Free Legal Advice Centre
University of Strathclyde Law Clinic
Innovation Award – Sponsored by Law Society of Scotland
Blackadders Employment Team
Kennedys
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Shepherd and Wedderburn
Advocate of the Year
Wendy L. Hay - Optimum Advocates
David Welsh - Axiom Advocates
Solicitor of the Year
Mike Dailly – Govan Law Centre
Darren Deery – Drummond Miller
Alexander Lamley – MBM Commercial
Lisa Law – Innes & Mackay
Iain Smith – Keegan Smith
Manager of the Year
Mike Dailly – Govan Law Centre
Martin Darroch – Harper Macleod
Amanda Jones – Dentons
Scott Whyte – Watermans Legal
Silk of the Year
Roddy Dunlop QC - Axiom Advocates
Maria Maguire QC – Ampersand Advocates
Aidan O’Neill QC – Ampersand Advocates
John Scott QC
Andrew Smith QC – Compass Chambers
Law Firm of the Year – Sponsored by Insight Legal
CMS
Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Kennedys
Shoosmiths
Spanish + Scottish Law Practice
Law Firm of the Year – Scottish Independents
Anderson Strathern
Harper Macleod
MacRoberts LLP
Outstanding Contribution Award – Sponsored by McKinstry Practice Management
To be announced on the evening.
The awards take place at the Doubletree by Hilton hotel. For information, visit: http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/lawawards/ or call Kirsty Loughlin on 0141 302 6016.
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