Launch of Scottish Legal Awards 2014

Last year's Scottish Legal Awards at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC). Picture: Jane Barlow

Specialist teams, talented individuals and business success will be rewarded at the 11th annual Scottish Legal Awards which launches today.

Sponsored by Scott + Co, the 2014 Scottish Legal Awards have announced a new line-up of categories this year covering the breadth of the profession, including private practice, in-house teams and specialist individuals.

In keeping with the awards’ commitment to create new awards every year, three new categories have also been announced.

The Pro Bono Award has been created with the support of the Law Society president, Bruce Beveridge, and LawWorks Scotland. This award will be presented to an individual or organisation which has improved access to justice through the substantial provision of pro bono services.

Working with the Society of Solicitor Advocates, the organisers have also created an award for Solicitor Advocate of the Year. This will be presented to an outstanding court performer who can show the unique blend of skills required including excellent communication, presentation of evidence and witness management.

Finally, a new Community Contribution Award will be made in recognition of the work of a firm to raise funds for charity or equally contribute time or skills to the community by way of a socially driven corporate social responsibility programme.

As the bulk of the legal profession continues to show encouraging signs of growth in Scotland, these awards have become the annual celebration for the industry.

And as the first legal awards programme in Scotland to be created, its longevity testifies to its importance.

Joy McLaughlin, partner of Scott & Co, the headline sponsor for the programme, commented: “One of the most exciting things about being a judge on these awards is the growing evidence that the Scottish legal profession has fully risen to the challenges of the times we live in.

“Whether it’s finding innovative efficiencies to meet economic constraints or putting technology to spectacular use, Scottish law firms and Scottish professionals have found solutions.

“The shape of the legal system may change, with consolidation at one end and at the other extreme small specialist firms finding effective niches, but innovation and flexibility are the strengths that shine through in the entries for these awards.”

Firms now have until Thursday, 28 November, to compile and complete their entries, which should be submitted on either a CD or USB memory stick together with an entry form.

A full entry guide including details of all the categories, sponsors, judges and the entry process can be downloaded from www.thelegalawards.com.

The entry guide can also be collected from the Scottish Legal Awards stand at the Law Society annual conference which takes place today and tomorrow at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow.

CATEGORIES

• Employment Team of the Year

• Energy Team of the Year sponsored by Wolffe

• Community Contribution Award (NEW)

• Family Law Team of the Year

• Innovation Award sponsored by Millar & Bryce

• Litigation Team of the Year

• Paralegal of the Year

• Private Client Team of the Year sponsored by Hotel Missoni

• Pro Bono Award (NEW)

• Residential Property Team of the Year

• Rising Star of the Year sponsored by The Law Society of Scotland

• Solicitor Advocate of the Year (NEW)

• Specialist Lawyer of the Year

• Support Team of the Year

• Trainee Employer of the Year sponsored by Barr Printers

• In House Legal Team of the year

• Lifetime Achievement sponsored by The Scotsman

• Chairman/Managing Partner of the Year sponsored by Bank of Scotland

• Firm of the Year sponsored by DX

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