The wait is no more as The Law Awards of Scotland 2018 in association with HRC Recruitment finalists have been announced. 

Since 2004, these awards have been rewarding Scotland’s leading legal figures and firms.  The event highlights the often-heroic efforts made by legal firms to ensure clients accessing the Scottish judicial system receive the highest standards of advice and service. 

The Herald is delighted to be working with HRC Recruitment, Stirling Park, The Law Society of Scotland and McKinstry Practice Management to continue to celebrate the tremendous talent in Scotland by hosting these annual awards on Thursday, November 29, 2018.

Hilary Roberts, CEO of HRC Recruitment, said: “Congratulations to all shortlisted firms in the Law Awards of Scotland. As a professional services recruitment firm, we are so impressed with the level of commitment the firms have shown to personnel development, cementing their place in the awards final.”

This year we saw a record number of entries and the judges were overwhelmed with the global reach and calibre of the entrants. The Herald is committed to supporting these important industry awards and we invite you to attend to celebrate and network with Scotland’s leading law firms.

These coveted awards will take place at The Hilton Hotel in Glasgow, bringing together Scotland’s robust law sector.

Ronnie Murison, Director of Sheriff Officer Services, 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 2018.

John Mulholland, President of The Law Society of Scotland added: “These awards recognise excellence across the whole legal profession so congratulations to all the finalists. Scottish solicitors are recognised the world over for the high quality of their training and expertise, so we’re delighted to support the best international firm award. We also know there is a huge amount of time and energy devoted to pro bono work by so many of our members and look forward to recognising some of the best projects in this year’s pro bono award.”

The event will be hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay and guests will also hear from guest speaker, Sherriff Lindsay Woods. Guests will also be entertained by Scottish Harpist, Sarah McNeil as well as Glasgow duo Ginny and the Tonic.

The Law Awards of Scotland 2018 shortlist

Law Firm of the Year – sponsored by HRC Recruitment

  • Clyde & Co
  • MBM Commercial LLP
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn

Solicitor of the Year

  • Aamer Anwar - Aamer Anwar & Co., Solicitors & Notaries
  • Margo McGill - Lockharts Solicitors
  • Ian Moir - Ian Moir & Company

High Street Firm of the Year

  • Allan McDougall McQueen LLP
  • Innes & Mackay
  • Fords Daly Legal Limited
  • McClure Solicitors
  • Paris Steele W.S.

Junior Solicitor of the Year

  • Yousif Ahmed, Esq.
  • Rebecca Barrass - MacRoberts LLP
  • Leigh Beirne - Harper Macleod LLP
  • Tom Gray - Harper Macleod LLP
  • Musab Hemsi - Ellis Whittam

Banking and Finance Team of the Year

  • CMS
  • Dentons
  • Pinsent Masons
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn

International Firm of the Year – sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland

  • Ashurst
  • Clyde & Co

Private Client Team of the Year

  • Burness Paull LLP
  • Innes & Mackay

Criminal Law Firm of the Year

  • Aamer Anwar & Co., Solicitors & Notaries
  • Adams Whyte, Solicitors
  • Beltrami & Co
  • Ian Moir and Company
  • Livingstone Brown Ltd

Silk of the Year

  • Ashley Edwards QC
  • David Johnston QC
  • Aidan O'Neill QC
  • John Scott QC

Litigation Team of the Year – sponsored by Stirling Park

  • Allan McDougall Solicitors
  • Clyde & Co
  • Dallas McMillan
  • Halliday Campbell
  • Shoosmiths LLP

In-House Lawyer of the Year

  • Christopher Morgan – Weir Group
  • Duncan Holland – Cairn Energy
  • Kenny Robertson – RBS
  • Michael Mustard – Tesco Bank

Debt Recovery Team of the Year – sponsored by Stirling Park

  • Aberdein Considine
  • MacRoberts LLP
  • Shoosmiths LLP

General Counsel of the Year

  • Carolyn Jameson - Skyscanner Limited
  • James MacKenzie - AEGON UK
  • Martin Cooke - Edrington
  • Rushad Abadan - Standard Life Aberdeen

Family Law Firm of the Year

  • Innes & Mackay
  • Livingstone Brown Ltd
  • Macleod & MacCallum
  • Patience and Buchan

Innovation Award

  • Alegrant Ltd
  • Brodies LLP
  • Shoosmiths LLP

CSR Award

  • CMS
  • Innes & MacKay
  • Macnabs
  • Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association (SEMLA)

Pro-Bono Award – Sponsored by Law Society of Scotland

  • Edinburgh University Free Legal Advice Centre
  • Glasgow Caledonian University Law Clinic
  • University of Strathclyde Law Clinic

Corporate Team of the Year – sponsored by HRC Recruitment

  • Macdonald Henderson Limited
  • Pinsent Masons
  • Shepherd and Wedderburn

Outstanding Contribution Award - sponsored by McKinstry Practice Management

  • To be announced on the night