2020 winners

Winslows Tax Law were highly commended for their innovative approach and solutions-led advice provided to clients around tax planning. The detailed level of content, training and virtual support brought a refreshing change.

Lovetts Solicitors’ bespoke dept recovery system has been instrumental in providing services during COVID-19. The firm has been able to maintain client service levels throughout the pandemic, garnering some excellence client feedback.

CFG Law won this award last year and have continued to serve vulnerable and seriously injured clients. The judges were particularly impressed with their innovative partnership with the Spinal Injuries Association.

Bolt Burdon were highly commended for their work to promote a ‘people-oriented’ practice and for striving for excellence with the embodiment of their ‘Client Commandments’.

Poole Alcock LLP have transformed their practice through their use of technology for client-facing tasks. Their involvement of both lawyers and IT experts in the product design process is also notable.

The judges considered the Societe Generale’s legal department as a great example of a legal team using well-thought-through technological solutions, resulting in more efficient business outcomes.

The judges felt that Slater and Gordon Lawyers showed true commitment to investment in the use of data to inform their marketing and communications work.

Paris Smith LLP impressed with their website analytics and the agility displayed in delivering their marketing campaigns.

Wilson Browne Solicitors

The judges particularly enjoyed the strong visuals of Wilson Browne Solicitors’ marketing campaigns.

The judges were impressed by Thrings LLP’s robust learning and development programme, which creates a clear and supported career progression pathway for their employees.

Dentons LLP were highly commended for their research and evidence-based approach to learning and development, transforming the way in which they lead and engage their diverse and multigenerational workforce.

The Black Solicitors Network were highly commended for their outstanding work in raising awareness, influencing the legal sector and demonstrating effective action for early engagement with future solicitors.

The judges felt that Travers Smith’s work on its BAME Allyship booklet was a refreshing approach to diversity and inclusion.

Helen Lamprell OBE is highly commended for using her role as Vodafone UK’s general counsel and external affairs director to drive positive change, both within the business and in society more widely.

The judges would like to recognise Charles Brasted for his exceptional work in a leading role on Hogan Lovells’ Brexit taskforce, where he worked to a high standard not just for his clients, but also in his public-facing work.

Rights of Women is highly commended for the launch of its service offering advice to victims of sexual harassment at work. The service helps those who cannot afford lawyers to raise grievances with employers and to bring tribunal claims.

Turpin & Miller LLP were highly commended for their work in facilitating a partnership between two academic institutions at Oxford University and a nearby prison to provide a fortnightly legal advice clinic for foreign nationals facing deportation.

The judges felt this was a great example of how the charity Pro Bono Connect can match barristers and solicitors together in a case, demonstrating how members across the profession are willing to donate their time to help those who cannot afford legal advice or representation.

Milla Walker shows tremendous dedication whilst working on the frontline of a cutting-edge area of law with unique challenges. The judges were particularly impressed with how Milla uses the law to deliver outstanding results in complex cases.

Dentons stood out for their investment in technology, which the judges saw as a reflection of their ability to look to the future when considering how the firm can support their clients.

Zaiwalla & Co were highly commended for taking cases that raise interesting international legal questions. They remind us that the ability to challenge the status quo is an important part of the English and Welsh legal system.

The in-house team at the Zoological Society of London are highly commended for the incredible support they’ve given to their colleagues, particularly over the last couple of years.

The judges noted Jelena Madir’s ability to excel in a senior leadership role during a time when her institution is effecting major change on the international stage is extremely impressive.

The judges were extremely impressed by his outstanding dedication to diversity and inclusion, and his significant and positive societal impact whilst working to a high standard.

Kem Masinbo-Amobi is an accomplished solicitor who has shown creative approaches to running a successful business with an exceptional level of client care.

Arun Birla impressed with his significant contribution to the promotion of equality and diversity in the firm and within the profession more widely. Particularly notable is his strong business acumen and impactful leadership.

McClure Solicitors is a firm whose innovative free will scheme is at the centre of its operations. They continually challenge the status quo with their unique business model, which creates value for their clients and charitable causes.

Barrett and Co Solicitors are highly commended for their support to their local community, clearly demonstrated by the intitiative to do weekly shops for vulnerable clients during the COVID-19 lockdown and their low fixed-fee advice offer.

Simpson Solicitors showed great commitment to customer service, particularly during the pandemic. Their decision to create a free wills service for NHS staff is especially commendable.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys

The judges were impressed by the firm’s Welsh language service, their wills at work initiative and their service to provide wills for Welsh air ambulance staff.

Des Collins is highly commended for his work leading a team working on behalf of over 1,400 clients to secure a public inquiry into what may be one of the worst treatment scandals in NHS history.

Christopher Linton is highly commended for the active role he plays in his community and his key part in work on behalf of several health charities.

Hall Brown Family Law has shown a serious commitment to the wellbeing of their staff, most clearly demonstrated by their extremely low turnover.