How much does it cost to enter?
Our practice has many individuals and teams doing exceptional work. Is there a limit on how many entries we can submit?
What are the criteria and format for the individual awards, such as Junior Lawyer of the Year?
What are the criteria for the practice/team awards, such as the award for Excellence in Conveyancing Practice?
What can my practice submit as 'independent evidence' to support our nomination?
Can non-solicitors enter?
Can I nominate someone for an individual award if I am not from a law firm?
What is the deadline for entries?
When does the judging take place?
How will the awards be judged?
Will I get any feedback on my entry?
When will the short list be announced?
When will the winners be announced?
Can I come to the awards dinner?
How much does it cost to enter?
Nothing. Entering the 2013 Excellence Awards is completely free.
Our practice has many individuals and teams doing exceptional work. Is there a limit on how many entries we can submit?
No. Practices and teams are encouraged to submit as many entries as they like, in as many categories that apply to their business or project. Please note you will need to complete separate entries for each firm/team or individual.
What are the criteria for the individual awards, such as Junior Lawyer of the Year?
Entrants for the individual awards should refer to the categories and criteria page for more information. Please make sure that you use this criteria to explain in no more than 500 words why you or your nominee should receive this award.
What are the criteria for the practice/team awards, such as the CQS Award for Excellence in Conveyancing Practice?
Entrants for the practice/team awards should refer to the categories and criteria page for specific information on the criteria for each category.
All nominations for practice/team awards must provide details under each of the following subheadings. You must not exceed 150 words under each heading.
- an outline of the initiatives/action taken
- reason for taking these initiatives/actions
- any significant issues addressed
- the benefits to the practice or organisation
- evidence of impact on clients or others
What can we submit as 'independent objective evidence'?
You are encouraged to submit independent objective evidence of your achievements from third parties. This will carry particular weight with the judges. Examples might include testimonials on letter headed paper, emails from third parties, positive press cuttings etc. Any supporting evidence that you submit must not exceed 3 sides of A4 paper. Submissions which exceed this limit will not be considered.
Can non-solicitors enter?
Yes. The Law Society is committed to celebrating excellence across all disciplines in the legal professions. Practices and teams from across the legal sector are encouraged to enter any category that applies to their project or business.
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.
What is the deadline for entries?
The deadline for entries is Friday 9 August 2013.
When does the judging take place?
The judging will take place in the three weeks following the deadline for entries.
How will the awards be judged?
The entries will be judged by specialist judges and/or the Law Society president, vice president and deputy vice president. Details of the specialist judges for each award will be announced shortly.
Will I get any feedback on my entry?
No, regrettably we cannot give individual feedback on entries.
When will the shortlist be announced?
The shortlist will be announced on 16 September 2013.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced at a gala awards dinner on 22 October 2013 at our new venue of the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, London.
Can I come to the awards dinner?
Yes. Tickets for this prestigious awards ceremony are available to everyone - you do not need to have entered the awards to attend.
Book your place