Manchester Legal Awards open for nominations

The eighth annual Manchester Legal Awards are once open for nominations.

A number of changes have been introduced to this year’s event, which recognises and rewards the best individuals and teams from the region’s legal community.

As well as greater clarity about the judging criteria, key changes include the introduction of Trainee/Paralegal of the Year; Solicitor of the Year (as opposed to Associate); and Family Team of the Year.

Organisers are also urging the legal community to ‘think outside the box’ when proposing nominees for the Lifetime Achievement award.

Manchester Law Society chief executive Fran Eccles-Bech said: “In previous years, members of the Council of the Manchester Law Society have nominated potential recipients.

“This year we are keen to ensure a broader spectrum of nominees so are asking the region’s legal community to think about their peers and who deserves to be recognised – maybe for their pioneering business flair, the values and ethical standards they uphold or a unique change they have brought about in the provision of legal services.

“Ultimately, we’re looking for someone who is an inspiration and whose contribution will have made a long lasting impact on the legal world.”

All entries, with the exception of Lifetime Achievement, will be assessed against five criteria by a panel of judges made up of professionals and business leaders.

The categories, criteria and nomination forms can be found on the awards website – deadline for entries is Thursday 1 December with the winners will be announced at a gala dinner at The Midland Hotel on Thursday 2 March, 2017.

The 20 categories are:

• Trainee/Paralegal of the Year
• Solicitor of the Year
• Pro Bono/Community Initiative
• Law Firm Innovation
• Corporate/Commercial Team of the Year
• Crime Team of the Year
• Employment Team of the Year
• Litigation Team of the Year
• Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence Team of the Year
• Family Team of the Year
• Private Client Team of the Year
• Property Team of the Year
• Regulatory Team of the Year
• Barrister of the Year
• Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
• Partner of the Year
• Law Firm of the Year – Small (1-5 partners nationally)
• Law Firm of the Year – Medium (6-20 partners nationally)
• Law Firm of the Year – Large (20+ partners nationally)
• Lifetime Achievement

Fran adds: “The Manchester Legal Awards continue to grow.  They recognise those firms and individuals who demonstrate genuine excellence in the work they do, both in a legal and commercial sense.

“The judging process is rigorous. It favours nobody, which is why we welcome submissions from small and large firms alike.

“All previous winners have reported that the awards have had a positive impact on their reputation.  Entering is easy and we urge everyone in the legal sector to stand up and be counted.”