The best performing individuals, teams and firms in the Scottish legal profession were revealed at the national awards celebration for Scottish law held in Glasgow last night.
Over 500 guests celebrated at the 19th annual Scottish Legal Awards as 16 awards were presented by the independent judging panel at a celebration dinner hosted by comedian and broadcaster, Des Clarke.
The ultimate award of the night, Firm of the Year was presented to Digby Brown after delivering another spectacular year of business which was marked by their post covid operations and dedication to wellness at work. The judging panel praised the firm’s strategic plan, continued success, and impressive results.
They were joined in celebration by Burness Paull who collected two awards including Managing Partner of the Year, presented to Tamar Tammes in recognition of her leadership of the firm which employs over 600 staff in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The firm also collected the award for Employment Team of the Year.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by The Times was presented to Professor Alan Miller. Professor Miller has been a long serving champion of human rights law. His dedication to the topic has seen him advise governments at home and abroad and he is a trusted expert in building human rights capacities around the world.
The independent programme is presided over by a large expert judging panel, chaired by Lorna Jack, former CEO of the Law Society of Scotland. She commented:
“The Scottish Legal Awards is a reassuring reminder that even in the backdrop of major challenges, the Scottish legal industry performs at the top of its game. Whether it is in innovation, collaboration, creativity or the commitment to the wellbeing of staff, colleagues and clients, Scottish law and all its practitioners continue to shine brightly. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners and enjoy all the celebrations.”
The awards continue to raise funds for two nominated charities, the 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.
The Scottish Legal Awards is the national celebration for achievements in Scottish law and the legal industry. Now entering its 20th year, the programme is regarded as as a much trusted and independent platform to recognise and reward achievements.
The 2022 Winners
Firm of the Year sponsored by iManage
WINNER: Digby Brown Solicitors
Finalists:
Aamer Anwar & Co
Digby Brown Solicitors
DLA Piper LLP
Livingstone Brown
Innes & MacKay
MacRoberts LLP
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
TLT LLP
Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by The Times
Professor Alan Miller
Managing Partner of the Year sponsored by sco++co
Tamar Tammes, Burness Paull
Lawyer of the Year sponsored by The Law Society of Scotland
WINNER: Laura Connor, Thompsons Solicitors
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Kim Leslie, Digby Brown Solicitors
Finalists:
Aamer Anwar, Aamer Anwar & Co
Barbara Jamieson, Jamieson Law
Gillian Jamieson, Anderson Strathern
Kim Leslie, Digby Brown Solicitors
Laura Connor, Thompsons Solicitors
Paralegal of the Year sponsored by Millar & Bryce
WINNER: Lorna McDowall, Balfour + Manson
Finalists:
Lorna McDowall, Balfour+Manson
Rhiannon Spear, Aamer Anwar & Co
Rising Star of the Year sponsored by Registers of Scotland
WINNER: Aidan Tuohy, Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Finalists:
Aidan Tuohy, Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Ciara Young, Clarity Simplicity Ltd
Laura McCarthy, Munro & Noble Solicitors
Legal Technology Award sponsored by Workflow Solutions
WINNER: Cashroom
Finalists:
Denovo Business Intelligence
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
Skyscanner
SnapDragon Monitoring
The Cashroom
Family Law or Private Client Team of the Year sponsored by Cancer Research UK
WINNER: Scullion Law
Finalists:
Livingstone Brown
Macnabs Family Law Team
Macnabs Private Client Team
Scullion LAW
Support Team of the Year:
WINNER: Shepherd + Wedderburn
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Hey Legal
Finalists:
ESPC
Hey Legal
Moore Legal Technology
Property Searches Scotland
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
The Cashroom
Criminal Defence Firm of the Year sponsored by Denovo
WINNER: Keegan Smith
Finalists:
Aamer Anwar & Co
Keegan Smith Defence Lawyers
Livingstone Brown
Scullion LAW
Community Contribution Award sponsored by Frasia Wright Associates
WINNER: DLA PIPER
HIGHLY COMMENDED: University of Strathclyde Mediation Clinic
Finalists:
DLA Piper LLP
JustRight Scotland
Mediation Clinic at University of Strathclyde
Munro & Noble Solicitors
Residential Property Team of the Year sponsored by Property Searches Scotland
WINNER: Neilsons Solicitors & Estate Agents
Finalists:
McDougall McQueen
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Employment Law Team of the Year
WINNER: Burness Paull
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Blackadders
Finalists:
Blackadders LLP
Burness Paull
Thompsons Solicitors
Excellence in Client Care sponsored by Property Searches Scotland
WINNER: Neilsons Solicitors & Estate Agents
HIGHLY COMMENDED: RTA Law
Finalists:
DWF LLP
Jamieson Law
Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents
Road Traffic Accident Law (Scotland) LLP
In-House Legal Team of the Year
WINNER: Aberdeen City Council
Finalists:
Aberdeen City Council
Skyscanner
Litigation Team of the Year
WINNER: Thompsons Solicitors
Finalists:
Balfour + Manson
DAC Beachcroft
Digby Brown Solicitors (Non-Accidental Department)
Digby Brown Solicitors (Serious Injury Department);
Thompsons Solicitors
Lefevres (Scotland) Ltd