Edinburgh, Scotland – In a resplendent showcase of legal excellence, the prestigious Scottish Legal Awards marks its 20th anniversary this year, honouring the remarkable achievements of the Scottish legal profession. As the finalists for the much-anticipated event were announced today, the nation eagerly awaits the grand celebration.
The Scottish Legal Awards have established themselves as the epitome of recognition for Scotland’s legal teams and individuals who continuously strive for excellence in their diverse fields. With an exhaustive nominations process that reviewed entries from over 60 esteemed organizations across Scotland, the judging panel, led by the Chair, Lorna Jack, former CEO of the Law Society of Scotland, was faced with the arduous task of selecting the most deserving finalists.
This year, judges have shortlisted 12 exceptional individuals and 33 outstanding teams from 36 esteemed Scottish firms and companies. The finalists’ accomplishments demonstrate their unwavering commitment to their profession, innovative approaches, and unparalleled expertise. The submissions impressed the judges with their depth, insights, and the remarkable contributions made during a year filled with historic cases and continued client-focused innovation.
“The Scottish Legal Awards exist to honour Scotland’s leading legal teams and individuals, whose exceptional work truly deserves recognition,” remarked Lorna Jack, Chair of the Scottish Legal Awards judging panel. “The strength and depth of the profession were evident in the quality of the entries we received. Each finalist has not only excelled in their respective fields but also impressed the judges with their remarkable applications. They should be immensely proud of their achievements.”
Adding to the excitement, two unique awards, the Managing Partner of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by The Times, will be presented at the panel’s discretion during the awards dinner. The winners of these prestigious accolades will be revealed on the evening of the event, amplifying the anticipation surrounding the celebration.
While the Scottish Legal Awards serve as a momentous occasion to recognize outstanding legal accomplishments, they also contribute to noble causes. The event raises funds for two nominated charities: the LawScot Foundation, supporting aspiring law students in their career journeys, and It’s Good 2 Give, providing vital assistance to young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. By celebrating excellence, the awards foster a spirit of giving back and community support.
The Scottish Legal Awards would not be possible without the valuable commercial sponsorship from esteemed entities such as The Law Society of Scotland, Property Searches Scotland, Frasia Wright Associates, Frenkel Topping, Registers of Scotland, Miller and Bryce, The Times, and The Cashroom. Their support reinforces the significance of these awards and enables the legal profession to continue thriving.
The culmination of this momentous celebration will take place on Friday, 29 September 2023, at the EICC in Edinburgh, where legal luminaries, distinguished guests, and industry leaders will gather to honour the finalists and announce the winners. The 20th annual Scottish Legal Awards celebration dinner promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the pinnacle of legal excellence in Scotland.
Here are your finalists for the 20th Annual Scottish Legal Awards:
Community Contribution Award,
Sponsored by Frasia Wright Associates
- Allan McDougall Solicitors
- Berlow Rahman Hassan
- Casus Omissus; The Aberdeen Law Project
- Clan Childlaw (Community Law Advice Network)
- Clarity Simplicity
- CMS
- Digby Brown Solicitors
- DWF
- Jackson Boyd Lawyers
- Mediation Clinic at University of Strathclyde
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Support Team of the Year
- Hey Legal
- Moore Legal Technology
- Clarity Simplicity
- Cashroom
Legal Technology Award
- Scottish Water
- rradar
- Amiqus
- Cashroom
Rising Star of the Year, Sponsored by Registers of Scotland
- Dr Sarah Cunningham Munro, Livingstone Brown
- Jelina Berlow-Rahman, Berlow Rahman Hassan
- Laura MacSporran, Miller Samuel Hill Brown
- Siobhan Brown, Clarity Simplicity
- Susan Currie, Blackadders
Employment Law Team of the Year
- Miller Samuel Hill Brown
- Shoosmiths
Excellence in Client Care
- Cashroom
- Clarity Simplicity
- Jamieson Law
- L&M MediLaw
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
In-House Lawyer of the Year
- Rosalind McInnes, BBC Scotland
- Sarah Drummond, BayWa r.e. UK
In-House Legal Team of the Year
- NatWest
- Scottish Water
- Trustpilot
Family Law or Private Client Team of the Year
- Blackadders
- Livingstone Brown
- Macnabs – Family Team
- Macnabs – Private Client Team
Litigation Team of the Year, Sponsored by Frenkel Topping
- Aberdein Considine
- Allan McDougall Solicitors
- Digby Brown Solicitors
- Gilson Gray
Residential Property Team of the Year, Sponsored by Property Searches Scotland
- Macleod & MacCallum
- Macnabs
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Criminal Defence Team of the Year
- Duncan and McConnell Solicitors
- Livingstone Brown
Lawyer of the Year, Sponsored by The Law Society of Scotland
- Andy Sirel, JustRight Scotland
- Elizabeth Rose, L&M MediLaw
- Patrick McGuire, Thompsons Solicitors Scotland
- Stuart Munro, Livingstone Brown
Firm of the Year, Sponsored by Millar & Bryce
- Digby Brown Solicitors
- MBM Commercial
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
- Thompsons Solicitors Scotland
As the excitement builds, Edinburgh Magazine encourages everyone to mark this date in their calendars and witness the remarkable achievements and contributions of Scotland’s legal profession. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage and interviews leading up to the event, where we will delve deeper into the extraordinary stories behind the finalists’ success.
For more information and to secure your place at the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Scottish Legal Awards, please visit the 20th Annual Scottish Legal Awards website and reserve your table today. Let us come together and applaud the exceptional accomplishments that define the Scottish legal profession.
The 20th annual Scottish Legal Awards celebration dinner takes place on Friday 29 September 2023 at the EICC, Edinburgh. To book a table visit our website HERE.
