SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2024

SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASING SURREY'S LEGAL TALENT

Thursday 3rd October 2024 –

Nominations are Now Open

The Surrey Law Society is delighted to announce the opening of nominations for the highly anticipated SLS Legal Awards 2024. This annual event serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the exceptional achievements within Surrey’s legal community, highlighting the talent, dedication, and innovation that define the legal profession across the county.

With an increased lineup of 14 categories, this year’s awards offer a comprehensive reflection of the diverse contributions across the Surrey Law Society membership. Noteworthy among these categories is the revamped Law Firm of the Year Award, now divided into two distinct sections to ensure equitable representation for firms of all sizes. Whether a small to midsize practice with under 20 fee earners or a larger entity, we eagerly anticipate submissions from firms across the board, keen to spotlight the excellence driving our profession forward.

Adding to the excitement are two new categories: the Client Care Award and the Access to the Profession Award. These additions underscore the Society’s commitment to recognising not only legal excellence

but also the vital aspects of client service and inclusivity within the profession. We are also pleased to be running all our usual favourite categories, including the Employer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Team of the Year, and Junior Lawyer of the Year; details of all the Awards and their criteria can be found below.

As the deadline for submissions approaches on 26 April 2024, members are encouraged to participate, nominating deserving candidates and showcasing the outstanding work shaping our profession. Nomination forms are available on the Surrey Law Society’s website, and further details on the awards can be found at https://awards.surreylawsociety.org.uk.

Save the date for the pinnacle event of Surrey’s legal calendar: the SLS Legal Awards ceremony, set to take place on Thursday,3 October 2024, at G Live in Guildford. Join us as we honour the remarkable achievements of the Surrey Law Society membership.

1. Law Firm of the Year 

(20 Fee Earners and Over) 

Why does your firm stand out? This award should demonstrate your winning formula and highlight significant progress in the last 12 months. Judges seek evidence of excellence, including:

• Reputation and Public Profile: Showcase notable achievements, cases, and industry impact.

• Holistic Legal Services Approach: Outline a comprehensive strategy covering client relations, innovation, and community engagement.

• Exemplary Client Care: Provide testimonials and strategies for client satisfaction.

• Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: Showcase initiatives and achievements promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Effective Management and Staff Performance: Demonstrate management's role in achieving outstanding results and provide evidence of staff achievements.

• Strong Staff Engagement and Training: Outline staff engagement and innovative training programmes.

• Exemplary Teamwork: Provide examples of successful collaboration.

• Engaging CSR Programmes: Showcase projects with a positive impact on the community and environment.

• Culture of Innovation:  Highlight how your firm embraces technology and innovation.

• Deep Expertise in Practice Areas: Showcase specialised knowledge and achievements.

Nominee firms will be able to demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how that is being achieved. Evidence of excellence might include testimonials, accreditations, awards and the sharing of results. 

This category is open to firms who are within the membership categories 5 and 6 only. 

2. Law Firm of the Year 

(Under 20 Fee Earners) 

Why does your smaller firm stand out? This award showcases your winning formula and highlights significant progress in the last 12 months. Judges seek evidence of excellence, including:

• Distinctive Reputation and Profile: Showcase achievements, cases, and impact on a smaller scale.

• Comprehensive Legal Services Approach: Outline a strategy covering client relations, innovation, and community engagement.

• Exceptional Client Care: Provide testimonials and strategies demonstrating personalised client satisfaction.

• Diversity and Inclusion Commitment: Showcase initiatives and achievements promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Effective Management and Staff Performance:  Demonstrate management's role in achieving outstanding results for your team; provide evidence of staff achievements and impact.

• Engaged Staff and Training:  Outline staff engagement and any unique training programmes.

• Collaborative Teamwork:  Provide examples of successful collaboration

• Impactful CSR Programmes: Showcase community and environmental initiatives with a meaningful impact considering your firm's size.

• Innovation:  Highlight how your firm innovates within the market.

• Expertise in Niche Practice Areas:  Showcase specialised knowledge and achievements, emphasising the uniqueness of your firm.

Nominee firms will be able to demonstrate a clear vision for their business and how that is being achieved. Evidence of excellence might include testimonials, accreditations, awards and the sharing of results. 

This category is open to firms who are within the membership categories 5 and 6 only.  

3. Lawyer of the Year

This prestigious award recognises a lawyer who excels in professional practice and community impact. Judges seek candidates who demonstrate qualities such as:

• Client-Centric Excellence: Genuine client interest and evidence of going the extra mile.

• Colleague Inspiration:  Positive impact on colleagues with support and mentorship.

• Community Commitment: Active engagement in CSR and community improvement.

• Exceptional Performance:  Goes "above and beyond" in client care and satisfaction.

• Continuous Growth: Demonstrates commitment to personal and professional development.

• Team Leadership: Strong leadership and teamwork skills for exceptional results.

• Empathy and Respect:  Displays empathy and professional respect in all interactions.

• Effective Management: Evidence of strategic decision-making and organisational impact.

Entrants are assessed holistically for excellence in client care, CSR, development, teamwork, leadership, empathy, and respect.

 

4. Client Experience Award

Client Experience holds significant importance in the legal profession, serving as a crucial differentiator in winning and retaining both private and commercial clients. This award recognises outstanding achievements in delivering a client-centric approach, creating positive and memorable experiences, and ensuring client satisfaction that goes beyond.

Nominees should exemplify excellence in criteria such as the following:

• Client-Centric Approach: Tailored strategies to address individual client needs.

• Communication and Transparency: Clear and open communication channels and transparent fee structures.

• Accessibility and Responsiveness: Timely and accessible legal professionals.

• Innovative Technology and Processes: Use of technology for enhanced client experience.

• Continuous Improvement and Feedback: Responsive to client feedback for continuous improvement.

• Ethical and Professional Conduct: Adherence to high ethical standards and professionalism.

• Client Retention and Referrals: High client retention and positive referrals.

• Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:  Involvement in community initiatives and/or pro bono work.

• Innovative Client Events and Services: Creative events or services enhancing client experience.

Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence showcasing their commitment to these criteria, and the judging panel will assess nominations based on their exceptional contributions to delivering a superior client experience.

5. Employer of the Year

This important award offers an exceptional opportunity for public recognition within the region as a distinguished employer of choice, acknowledged for fostering an environment where individuals aspire to work.  The judging panel will be evaluating evidence demonstrating your commitment to cultivating an outstanding workplace and ensuring high levels of employee engagement, they expect to see clear policies, commitments and best practice in:

• Positive Culture: Showcase initiatives that contribute to a supportive and positive workplace culture.

• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrate strong leadership marked by trust, empowerment, and engagement at all levels.

• Employee Growth and Recognition:  Highlight practices that challenge employees, fostering growth, and emphasise recognition and rewards.

• Fair Treatment: Illustrate employee sentiments regarding fairness and equitable treatment.

• Comprehensive Benefits: Showcase a package of employee benefits promoting overall wellbeing.

• Training and Development: Outline strategies for employee training and development.

• Wellbeing Focus: Highlight policies emphasising the organisation's commitment to employee wellbeing.

Applicants are encouraged to provide concrete examples, measurable outcomes, and testimonials that illustrate the impact of their initiatives on the workplace and employees' experiences

6. Equality and Diversity Champion  

This distinguished award acknowledges an individual, team, or firm that has made a substantial and lasting contribution to advancing diversity within the legal profession over the past three years. The focus is on highlighting exemplary leadership and best practices demonstrated through the tangible impact of their efforts. Open to individuals, teams, or firms, this category seeks nominees who have excelled in fostering diversity and inclusion.

Key Evaluation Points include:

• Leadership in Diversity: Demonstrate leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion.

• Impactful Practices: Provide evidence of innovative and impactful diversity initiatives.

• Measurable Impact: Showcase measurable outcomes and meaningful impact.

• Future Vision: Outline a clear vision for future diversity and inclusion efforts.

• Collaborative Efforts: Showcase any collaboration with stakeholders for diversity promotion.

Applicants should present a concise narrative supported by data and testimonials, emphasising sustained commitment, innovation, and results.

7. Family Law Team of the Year 

The Family Law Team of the Year Award recognises a team that has significantly contributed to the field of family law through their exceptional practice. The winning team must showcase excellence in family law services, and the judging panel will evaluate key areas including the following:

• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going above and beyond.

• Teamwork Excellence: Highlight excellent teamwork within the family law team and across the firm. Identify the most crucial factor contributing to the team's success.

• Collaborative Approach: Showcase a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the field.

• Innovation Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of family law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.

• Success in Complex Cases:  Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.

Nominations will be accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals acting within the practice of family law.   

Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of family law.

 

8. Junior Lawyer of the Year 

This award celebrates an exceptional standard of work and great dedication to the role of a junior lawyer. The judges are looking for a lawyer who is excelling in their role or making a significant contribution to voluntary or pro-bono schemes.

The winner will be going beyond what is expected of a junior lawyer and bringing insight, flair, imagination and hard work to everything they do. Initiatives may include: 

• Establishing Profitable Streams: Setting up new and profitable income streams for the firm or organisation.

• Groundbreaking Practice Leadership: Leading in a groundbreaking area of legal practice.

• Impactful Legal Advocacy: Leading on a case that has resulted in a change in the law.

• Recognised Expertise: Being considered an expert in their practice area by fellow professionals.

The judges will seek evidence of:

• Legal Service Contribution: A significant contribution to legal services demonstrated through their work as a junior lawyer.

• Social or Commercial Impact: Positive impact, either socially or commercially, resulting from their actions.

• Creativity and Hard Work: Consistent demonstration of creativity and hard work in their role.

Definition of Junior Lawyer: The Law Society defines a junior lawyer as solicitor apprentices, LPC students, LPC graduates (including those working as paralegals), trainee solicitors, and solicitors with up to five years of post-qualification experience.

Applicants are encouraged to provide compelling examples and testimonials showcasing their contributions and impact.

9. Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours an individual who, in the Judges' perspective, has made an extraordinary contribution to enhancing the reputation of solicitors throughout their distinguished career in Surrey. While entries may encompass a range of criteria, candidates for this award embody the highest standards of integrity within the legal profession.

Key Criteria include:

• Collegial Respect: The nominee should command the ultimate respect of their colleagues within the legal community.

• Client Dedication: Demonstrated absolute dedication to clients throughout their career, reflecting a commitment to the highest level of service.

• Leadership Excellence: The nominee should be a recognised leader in their area of legal practice, setting a standard for professional excellence.

• Mentorship Legacy: A demonstrable record of being a mentor to colleagues, sharing knowledge and guidance with those they have worked alongside.

• Commitment to the Rule of Law: An unwavering commitment to upholding and promoting the Rule of Law throughout their career.

• Consummate Professionalism: Exemplify the qualities of a consummate professional, maintaining the highest ethical standards and conduct.

• Standing Out: The nominee should stand out from the crowd, demonstrating uniqueness and distinction in their contributions to the legal profession.

Nominees for this prestigious award are expected to have left an indelible mark on the legal landscape, serving as a beacon of excellence, integrity, and leadership throughout their illustrious career.

10. Private Client Team of the Year 

The Private Client Team of the Year award acknowledges the top private client teams in the county, recognising excellence in private client practice. The judging panel will evaluate teams based on the following key criteria:

• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going above and beyond expectations.

• Teamwork Excellence: Showcase excellent teamwork within the private client team and across the firm. Identify the most crucial factor contributing to the team's success.

• Collaborative Approach: Highlight a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the private client sector.

• Innovation Commitment:  Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of private client law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.

• Success in Complex Cases:  Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.

Nominations are accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals actively practising within the private client law domain.

Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of private client law.

11. Property Law Team of the Year

The Property Law Team of the Year award recognises the top property law/conveyancing teams in the county, showcasing excellence in property law practice. The judging panel will evaluate teams based on the following key criteria:

• Outstanding Legal Services: Demonstrate an exceptional quality of legal services for clients, supported by testimonials and evidence of going the extra mile in service delivery.

• Teamwork Excellence: Showcase excellent teamwork within the property law/conveyancing team and across the firm. Isolate the most crucial factor that has contributed to the team's success over the qualifying period.

• Collaborative Approach: Highlight a collaborative approach with external lawyers and/or other professionals in the property law sector.

• Innovation Commitment: Demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the practice of property law, either within the firm or contributing to sector-wide advancements.

• Success in Complex Cases: Provide evidence of success in handling a particularly complex case with significant outcomes. Explain the major impact on both the team and the client.

Nominations are accepted from a team of solicitors or a group of legal professionals actively practising within the property law/conveyancing domain. Entries are welcome from both commercial and residential property lawyers and specialists in landlord and tenant matters.  

Applicants are encouraged to present a compelling narrative, including specific case examples, testimonials, and collaborative efforts that highlight their team's outstanding contributions to the field of property law and conveyancing.

 

12. Support Team Member of the Year

The Support Team Member of the Year Award invites nominations from colleagues or clients for outstanding paralegals, secretaries, cashiers, apprentices, and other dedicated professionals supporting Surrey Law Society members.

Key Evaluation Points include:

• Special Contributions:  Nominations should highlight how the support team member has made a distinctive and valuable contribution to their organisation or specific clients.

• Dedication and Motivation: Emphasise the nominee’s dedication and motivation that goes above and beyond the call of duty, showcasing a commitment to excellence.

• Efficiency Improvements: The Judges will particularly note activities that have significantly improved the organisation's efficiency, enhancing its reputation, and/or contributing to the positive perception of the legal profession.

• Reputation Enhancement: Showcase specific examples of how the support team member has contributed to enhancing the organisation's reputation and, by extension, the reputation of the legal profession.

This award recognises and celebrates the unsung heroes who play a pivotal role in the success of legal practices, acknowledging their dedication, motivation, and the tangible impact they make on organisational efficiency and professional reputation.

13. Team of the Year

The Team of the Year Award welcomes entries from private practice law firms and in-house legal departments in commerce or public service. Recognising the essential role of great teamwork in modern legal practice, this award seeks to honour teams that demonstrate a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Key Entry Components include:

• Team Purpose and Formation: Clearly articulate the purpose behind the team's formation and its overarching objectives.

• Objective Achievement Strategies: Outline the strategies employed by the team to set and achieve objectives effectively.

• Team Motivation: Detail how the team is motivated, emphasising key factors that contribute to a positive and high-performance team culture.

• Highlights from the Last Year: Showcase notable achievements, milestones, or projects from the past year that exemplify the team's excellence.

Additional Emphasis:

• Excellence in Service Delivery: Demonstrate how the team, through effective collaboration, has achieved excellence in the delivery of legal services.

• Community Contribution: Illustrate any significant contributions the team has made to the community, showcasing a commitment to social responsibility.

• Client Perception of Teamwork: Provide evidence of client perception regarding the team's effectiveness and collaborative efforts.

• Activities 'Beyond the Call of Duty': Highlight instances where the team has gone above and beyond expectations in fulfilling its responsibilities.

This award celebrates not only the achievements but also the collaborative spirit and impact that exceptional teamwork has on service delivery, community engagement, and client satisfaction.

14. Access to the Profession Award

The Access to the Profession Award, introduced by the Surrey Law Society in 2024, aims to acknowledge the member who demonstrates outstanding commitment to facilitating work experience placements through the Pay it Back Scheme in 2024. This award recognises individuals who go above and beyond in creating opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. The criteria for this award include:

• Placements Quantity and Quality: Facilitation of enriching work experience opportunities.

• Diversity and Inclusivity: Commitment to diverse and inclusive work experience opportunities.

• Mentorship and Guidance: Providing mentorship and guidance to enhance professional development.

• Advocacy for Accessibility: Advocacy for increased access to work experience in the legal field.

• Positive Impact on Participants: Demonstrated positive impact on participants' skills and career aspirations.

• Promotion of the Pay it Back Scheme: Active promotion and advocacy within the legal community.

Applicants are encouraged to provide specific examples and evidence of their exceptional contributions, and the judging panel will evaluate based on the nominee's significant impact in increasing accessibility to the legal profession through work experience opportunities.