SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2022

AWARDS

SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2022

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The SLS Legal Awards have been introduced to recognise the exceptional legal talent within the Shropshire Law Society membership and celebrate the outstanding commitment to the profession across the county. In 2022 we want to come together to recognise the achievement of peers and colleagues, and to enjoy a fantastic evening of celebration.

We are inviting nominations in the following 10 categories, and would encourage any member to nominate themselves or a colleague before the closing date of 14th August 2022.

We would love to see entries from across the membership, from sole practitioners to large firms, and members are entitled to nominate for more than one category if they feel they meet the criteria for each. The only thing to remember is that nominees must be from Firm who are members of the Society to be eligible. Please don’t hesitate to contact the SLS office for clarification or to sign up if you are not currently a member.

1. Law Firm of the Year

The firm must be able to show significant progress and development as a business within the last 12 months. Evidence of this can include details of growth, strategy, financial performance, employee development, training and diversity. The firm must also be able to demonstrate that it has a rounded approach to the delivery of legal services, and that it is working in the best interest of not only its clients but the profession overall.

2. Lawyer of the Year

The nominee must be a Lawyer who goes “above and beyond” in both his/ her colleagues’ eyes as well as those of the clients. This might be demonstrable in a specific case or work done in relation to a particular area of Law. The nominee may also have proposed and put in place a solution that proved beneficial to the firm overall or to his/ her client, or both. The Judges are looking for someone who evidence of a commitment to excellence, and who has made a consistent and significant contribution both within their firm and within the Shropshire area.

3. Paralegal of the Year

This award recognises the key role paralegals play in our justice system. The nominee will be an exceptional individual who consistently makes contributions to the legal profession whether in client care, business development, training or otherwise and who acts as an inspiration to other paralegals through their knowledge of the law, perseverance in cases, professional and personal development and superior skill set.

4. In House Lawyer of the Year

The judges will accept nominations who has shown highest excellence beyond the expectations of their role and demonstrated added value to their organisation.

5. Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year

The judges will accept nominations based on one outstanding matter worked on during the last year or on the overall performance of the individual during that year. The nominee must be able to demonstrate that he/ she has delivered exceptional outcomes or improved access to justice for vulnerable parts of the community or responded with efficiency and agility to deliver services in urgent or unforeseen circumstances. Please explain the single greatest achievement of the past 12 months in one or more of the following: response to a genuine need or exceptional client outcome/s.

6. Rising Star of the Year

The nominee needs to show a sizeable level of involvement within the profession and/or the area in which they practice and provide evidence of any significant obstacle/s they have overcome. Evidence in relation to how and why the nominee has “risen” over the past 12 months is advised.

7. Trainee/Junior Lawyer of the Year

The Judges are looking for a Trainee who has gone above and beyond the day-to day expectations of a trainee bringing insight, flair, imagination and hard work to everything they do. This could be in terms of their legal work, their involvement pro bono schemes or particular projects in their organization.

8. Support Team Member of the Year

We are welcoming nominations from colleagues or clients for secretaries, cashiers and other support team members who support Shropshire Law Society members. Nominees must demonstrate a special contribution to their organization or to specific clients, showing dedication and commitment that goes ‘the extra mile’.

9. Barrister of the Year

This category acknowledges truly exceptional individual contributions to the profession during the past 12 months. Judges will be looking for evidence of exceptional performance in any area that makes the chosen Barrister stand out from their peers.

10. Lifetime achievement

We are welcoming nominations for a lawyer or legal professional who you think has made an outstanding impact and lasting contribution to the legal services market in the region during their lifetime. This award is intended to recognize senior lawyers who have been practicing law for a minimum of 12 years PQE. It takes into account individuals’ achievements and wider contributions to the practice of law within Shropshire.

Could it be you?

Do you have what it takes to be our Lawyer or Law Firm of the Year? Will your firm, one of your colleagues or even you be one of our winners?

For further details and an application form please email:

info@shropshirelawsociety.com