Entries were sought from innovative teams across the legal services sector who could demonstrate cutting-edge business practice and client service. These included innovative approaches to standardisation or commoditisation, or the creation of new suites of high value-added services or means of delivery to meet client needs.
Winner
Last Cawthra Feather LLP
Last Cawthra Feather's online legal service, Legal365.com, is ready to compete in the new emerging legal services market. It demonstrates innovation by enabling access to regulated professional advice and delivering services when they are needed, at a fixed price. The service aims to be jargon free and provides an environment and format that is easy to use.
Highly Commended
Abney Garsden McDonald
Abney Garsden McDonald have developed a unique and innovative case management system to enable the running of group actions in child abuse compensation cases, and search for vital data from existing and historic cases.
Ward Hadaway - Creative Industries Team
Government recognises the creative industries' crucial importance to the economy. Ward Hadaway anticipated the need for high quality legal support for businesses within the sector and established a dedicated practice within a creative hub, making it the first Top 100 law firm to provide dedicated, high quality and accessible support to creative businesses.
Shortlisted
Allen & Overy LLP - Global Law Intelligence Unit
Globalisation, the speed of legal change and fragmentation of the law nationally and internationally are key factors impacting on the way clients do business. Allen & Overy are addressing this issue through their new Global Business Intelligence Unit. The Unit, established January 2010, has assisted the firm to win important client mandates as well as generating its own specific work.
Cobbetts LLP
Cobbetts are pioneering a multi-disciplinary joint venture which offers a one-stop solution for organisations developing new ways to deliver public services. Public Service Mutuals makes innovative use of the experience of Cobbetts and its partners to change and improve the delivery of public services in the most challenging of times.
Douglas Wemyss Solicitors LLP
Douglas Wemyss have demonstrated cutting edge innovative approaches to combat standardisation and commoditisation by providing alternative means of access to their clients, including online content and a legal shop. Their creative approach has been recognised locally in their award of Leicestershire Law Firm of the Year 2011.