The Law Society Excellence Awards 2008

Principal sponsor

Mercedes-Benz

Frequently asked questions

 

How much does it cost to enter?

There is no fee for entering the Law Society Excellence Awards.

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Our firm has many individuals and teams doing exceptional work. Is there a limit on how many entries we may submit?

No. Firms and teams are encouraged to submit as many entries as they like, in as many categories that apply to their business or project.

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How should I structure my supporting statement for firm and team awards?

The instructions on page 5 of the entry form ask you to write up to 150 words for each of the five headings listed. The descriptions of the award categories on page 3 provide guidance on what the judges will be looking for in each category. You should ensure that your five written statements fulfil these criteria.

If you would prefer to answer the criteria in a single statement (rather than separating it under each heading) then please do so, as long as the headings are fully addressed within your statement.

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How strict is the word limit for the supporting statement?

The entry form specifies up to 150 words for each of the five headings on page 5, which gives a total of 750 words. The judges will be looking for entries which fulfil the stated criteria within this framework, so you should try to avoid submitting an entry which exceeds the word limit.

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What are the criteria for the individual awards, such as Solicitor of the Year?

Entrants for the individual awards, including 'Solicitor of the Year', should also use the judging criteria explained on page 3 of the entry form. Use these criteria to explain in up to 500 words why the person nominated should receive this award. The judging criteria states:

'The following awards will be presented to exceptional individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the legal professions during the year. They might have had a particularly positive impact on the reputation of the profession, or have made an unusually significant impact in their practice area or in the service of clients.'

The judges are therefore looking for entries to explain why the nominated individual is exceptional and the details of the outstanding contribution he or she has made, or the impact they have had. The judges will have wide discretion, so it is up to you how you decide to structure your response.

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Which category should I use for our environmental initiative/s?

The 'Excellence in Social Responsibility' award is designed to celebrate the contribution firms and teams make to the community, which could take many forms including environmental projects.

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What is the deadline for entries?

The deadline for entries is 12 September 2008. The judging will take place the following fortnight, and the shortlists will be announced on Monday, 29 September 2008.

The gala awards dinner will be held at Old Billingsgate in London on 23 October 2008.

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How will the awards be judged?

The judging panel will be made up of Law Society president Paul Marsh, vice-president Robert Heslett and deputy vice-president Linda Lee. They will be joined by a specialist judge in each category. Details of the specialist judges for each award will be announced shortly.

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Can non-solicitors enter?

Yes. The Law Society is committed to celebrating excellence across all disciplines in the legal professions. Firms and teams from across the legal sector are encouraged to enter any category that applies to their project or business. Teams may comprise solicitors, barristers, legal executives, paralegals and so on.

We have also introduced new individual awards for 'Barrister of the Year' and 'Legal Executive of the Year' to recognise the fundamental role played by barristers and legal executives in the legal process and their contribution to the provision of excellent client service.

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Can I nominate someone for an individual award if I am not from a law firm?

Absolutely. The individual awards are designed to reward outstanding contributions to the legal profession, which may take many forms. If you know of an exceptional legal professional, please feel free to nominate them for an individual award.

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Can I come to the awards dinner?

Yes. Details about how to book tickets or a table for the awards dinner can be found here.

 

Please feel free to contact Julie Lovell on 020 7316 5527 or e-mail awards@lawsociety.org.uk if you have any further questions.

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