Scotland’s national competition which recognises and celebrates excellence in the Scottish legal sector has announced the finalists in the 18th annual awards competition.
The 2021 Scottish Legal Awards has revealed the individuals and organisations which have been shortlisted for the finals following the detailed assessment of entries in the competition’s 18 categories.
The judging panel met last month to review more than 60 entries received from 43 organisations from across Scotland.
Chair of the judging panel, Shonaig Macpherson, commented;
“This year, and more than ever, the entries for the Scottish Legal Awards have highlighted the strength and resilience of our legal sector. Despite challenges from the global pandemic, entrants have provided us with numerous examples of creativity, innovation and inspirational support to both clients and staff throughout the pandemic.
“It has been rewarding and inspirational to learn about the diversity of responses across the Scottish Legal Sector. On behalf of the judging panel, I offer our heartfelt congratulations to the finalists and look forward to recognising their many achievements in September.”
Included in the presentations is a new business resilience award which was introduced in this year’s refreshed line-up to recognise legal firms or legal service companies in their response to the pandemic.
Two special awards which are not open for entry but are chosen at the discretion of the panel, will also be presented and these are a Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by The Times and Managing Partner of the Year sponsored by Scott + Co.
The winners will be revealed at the awards dinner, hosted by Des Clarke, which will take place on Thursday 23 September 2021 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Glasgow. A live digital broadcast of the event will also be presented. Tickets can be booked here.
The awards continue to raise funds for two nominated charities; LawScot Foundation, which supports students in pursuing a career in law and It’s Good 2 Give, which supports young cancer patients and their families in Scotland. £3,000 has already been paid out to the charities as part of donations taken when registering for the competition.
The 2021 Finalists
Firm of the Year
Jones Whyte
MacRoberts
MBM Commercial
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by The Times
The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the annual awards celebration on Thursday 23 September 2021.
Outstanding Achievement Award
The recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award will be announced at the annual awards celebration on Thursday 23 September 2021.
Chairman or Managing Partner of the Year sponsored by Scott + Co
The recipient of the Chairman or Managing Partner of the Year will be announced at the annual awards celebration on Thursday 23 September 2021.
Business Resilience Award
Harper Macleod
MacRoberts
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland)
Lawyer of the Year
- Barbara Jamieson, Jamieson Law
- Caroline Loudon, TLT
- Donna Reynolds, Blackadders Solicitors
- Naomi Pryde, DWF
- Stuart Munro, Livingstone Brown
- Tracey Ginn, MBM Commercial
In-House Lawyer of the Year
Stephen Swan, Edinburgh Airport
Laura Edison, Skyrora
Susie Lind, EDF
Rising Star of the Year sponsored by Scottish Building Society
- Billie Smith, MacPhee and Partners
- John Dargie, Blackadders Solicitors
- Matthew McGovern, McGovern Reid Court Lawyers
- Rebecca Cox, MacRoberts
Litigation Team of the Year
- Allan McDougall Solicitors
- Clyde and Co
- Digby Brown
Real Estate Team of the Year
- Anderson Strathern
- Dentons
- Gillespie Macandrew
- Shoosmiths
- TLT
Residential Property Team of the Year sponsored by Millar & Bryce
- Anderson Strathern
Gillespie Macandrew - McDougall McQueen
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
In-House Legal Team of the Year
- Aberdeen City Council
- The City of Edinburgh Council
- Baillie Gifford
- SSE Plc
- The Scottish Parliament
Criminal Defence Team of the Year
- Livingstone Brown
- McGovern Reid Court Lawyers
- Moir and Sweeney Litigation
- Scullion Law
Support Team of the Year
- ESPC
- Hey Legal
- Moore Legal Technology
- The Cashroom
- Scottish Social Services Council
Excellence in Client Care
- Allan McDougall Solicitors
- Blackadders LLP Solicitors
- Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
- Spanish and Scottish Law Practice
- TLT
Community Contribution Award sponsored by Frasia Wright Associates
- Clan Childlaw
- Digby Brown
- Harper Macleod
- Mediation Clinic at University of Strathclyde
- Shepherd and Wedderburn
Legal Technology Award
- The Cashroom
- Registers of Scotland
The 2021 Judging Panel
· Shonaig Macpherson CBE, Chair of the Judging Panel
· Greig Cameron., Business Editor, The Times
· Dr Sarah Hendry, Senior Lecturer Head of Dundee Law School
· Janet Hood, Owner, Janet Hood Training and Consulting Limited
· David Lee, Director, David Lee Media & Events Ltd
· Christine McLintock , Past President 2016-2017, The Law Society of Scotland
· Graeme McWilliams, Convenor, In House Lawyers Committee
· Paul Mosson, Executive Director of Member Services and Engagement, The Law Society of Scotland
· Philip Rodney, Founder of Rimalower Consulting
· Frasia Wright, Managing Director, Frasia Wright Associates