THIS YEAR'S SLS LEGAL AWARDS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THURSDAY 16 OCTOBER 2025

The SLS Legal Awards, established in 2018, continued to honour the exceptional legal talent within the Surrey Law Society membership at it’s seventh Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, held at G Live on Thursday 16th October. This prestigious event recognised the outstanding commitment and achievements of legal professionals across the county and we were thrilled to announce winners across 12 categories, highlighting the most exemplary work in the legal field.

AWARD CATEGORIES

The categories for the 2025 SLS Legal Awards are:

  • Law Firm of the Year (20 Fee Earners and Over)
  • Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners)
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Business Services Team of the Year
  • Client Experience Award
  • Employer of the Year
  • Employment Law Team of the Year
  • Family Law Team of the Year
  • Junior Lawyer of the Year
  • Leader of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Private Client Team of the Year
  • Property Law Team of the Year
  • Support Team Member of the Year

2025 AWARD WINNERS & COMMENDATIONS

  • 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 should demonstrate a clear vision for their business. Evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards, and shared results.

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

  • 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 should demonstrate a clear vision for their smaller business. Evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards, and shared results.

    This category is open to firms who are within the membership categories 1-4 only, and nominations can only be accepted from firms with no more than 20 fee earners across all offices nationwide.

  • 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.

  • Business Services Team of the Year

    This category recognises outstanding contributions from business services teams within law firms, including business development, marketing, HR/talent, finance, IT, and operational teams. Judges will be looking for:

    - Exceptional Business Support: Demonstration of a strategic and effective role in supporting legal teams and driving the firm’s success.

    - Successful Initiatives or Projects: Evidence of a project, campaign, or initiative that has significantly benefited the firm.

    - Innovation and Process Improvement: Implementation of new strategies, technologies, or practices that have enhanced efficiency or client service.

    - Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective collaboration within the team and across different areas of the firm.

    - Impact on Client and Firm Growth: Contribution to business growth, client engagement, talent retention, or firm reputation.

    - Commitment to Culture and Wellbeing: Promotion of a positive workplace culture, wellbeing, and inclusion.

    Submissions should highlight measurable outcomes, testimonials, or case studies showcasing the team’s success.

  • 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.

    Member firms who are participating in Options B, C or D of the Championing Client Experience Excellence initiative with insight6, will receive an automatic nomination in this category.

  • 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

  • Employment Law Team of the Year

    The Employment Law Team of the Year Award celebrates a team that has excelled in providing outstanding employment law services. The judging panel will evaluate:

    - Excellence in Employment Law Practice: Evidence of delivering high-quality legal advice and advocacy in employment law matters.

    - Success in Complex Cases: Demonstration of expertise in handling complex or high-profile cases, including tribunal successes and client impact.

    - Innovation in Service Delivery: Implementation of innovative strategies, technology, or approaches to employment law challenges.

    - Collaboration and Client Focus: Effective teamwork within the firm and strong engagement with clients or external partners.

    - Thought Leadership and Influence: Contributions to employment law through publications, speaking engagements, or policy work.

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

    Applications should include case studies, testimonials, or data showcasing the team’s achievements and influence.

  • 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.

  • 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:

    - Innovative Contributions: Introducing new ideas or efficiencies that improve legal services within their firm or organisation.

    - Leadership in Practice: Taking a significant role in a case, project, or area of legal practice that has made a tangible impact.

    - Advocacy and Change: Playing a role in a case, project, or initiative that has led to meaningful legal or policy developments.

    - Professional Recognition: Gaining recognition from colleagues, clients, or industry bodies for their expertise, professionalism, or client service.

    The judges will seek evidence of:

    - Exceptional Legal Work: A strong contribution to legal practice, demonstrating skill, dedication, and impact.

    - Positive Influence: A clear social or commercial benefit resulting from their actions.

    - Commitment and Initiative: A proactive approach to their role, going above and beyond expectations.

    Definition of Junior Lawyer: The Law Society defines a junior lawyer as solicitor apprentices, LPC/SQE 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.

  • Leader of the Year

    This award recognises an outstanding Managing Partner or Senior Partner who has demonstrated transformative leadership within their firm and the wider legal profession. Judges will be looking for evidence of visionary leadership, strategic impact, and a commitment to excellence, including:

    - Strategic Vision and Growth: Clear demonstration of a long-term vision that has driven significant growth, innovation, or structural transformation within the firm.

    - Inspiring Leadership: Evidence of exceptional leadership that has motivated and empowered teams, fostered collaboration, and influenced positive cultural change.

    - Innovation and Change Management: Introduction of forward-thinking strategies, processes, or technologies that have improved efficiency, client service, or legal practice.

    - Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Active promotion of inclusivity, wellbeing, and staff development within the firm.

    - Outstanding Client and Stakeholder Relations: Strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders, leading to enhanced reputation and trust in the firm.

    Applicants should provide examples of achievements, initiatives, and the measurable impact of their leadership.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • NOMINATIONS FORMS

    To download the relevant nominations forms for each category, please visit https://surreylawsociety.org.uk/training_events/3015/

VENUE & BOOKING INFORMATION

Date: Thursday 16th October 2025

Venue: G Live, London Rd, Guildford GU1 2AA.

 

How to Book:

Booking have not opened yet.

 

What’s Included:
  • Drinks reception upon arrival
  • Exquisite three-course dinner and wine
  • Access to the awards ceremony
  • Entertainment throughout the evening
  • Speech by special guest speaker
  • Attendance at the casino

2025 Event Programme:

 

6:30pm Welcome Reception Lower Foyer
7:15pm Welcome by the President Main Auditorium
7:30pm Gala Dinner Main Auditorium
9:00pm An After-Dinner Speech Main Auditorium
9:45pm SLS Legal Awards Ceremony Main Auditorium
10:30pm Casino & Jazz Lower Foyer
12:30am Carriages

________________________________________

 

Accommodation:

G Live does not have any accommodation onsite but there are a number of nearby options available for those wishing to stay overnight.

Both the Mandolay Hotel and Harbour Hotel are within a 2-minute walk of G Live, with the Travelodge Guildford a 6-minute drive away and Guildford Manor Hotel & Spa and the Holiday Inn 10 minutes’ drive away.

The Surrey Law Society has not reserved any rooms but at the time of writing, all venues listed above are showing availability for the night of the 12th October, with other options also available via the major hotel bookings websites.  Please visit sites such as booking.com or hotels.com or the hotel websites directly to ascertain availability and the most preferable rates.

 

GUEST SPEAKER DETAILS

Our guest speaker for 2024 was Alex Macqueen! Who will it be this year...?

Alex Macqueen is a BAFTA nominated actor and qualified Barrister.

He is best known for his roles as Julius Nicholson in the BBC’s ‘Thick Of It’ and Neil’s Dad in the Channel 4 comedy ‘The Inbetweeners’. Most recently, he starred opposite Hugh Bonneville in the ‘Downton Abbey Movie 2’, Will Ferrell in Jesse Armstrong’s ‘Downhill’, and Michael Caine in Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘Youth’, as well as with Idris Elba in the TV series, ‘Hijack’.

Alex is a very experienced and engaging speaker, sharing anecdotes from the world of film and TV, and also insights from his experience as a Barrister and Master of the Bench, at London’s Middle Temple.

He has a long association working with Sir Kenneth Branagh, which began when he was directed by him in Disney’s ‘Cinderella’, before going on to star opposite him in the West End version of ‘The Painkiller’, and the Sony Classic movie, ‘All Is True’.

Alex was nominated for a BAFTA for the HBO comedy, ‘Sally For Ever’ and an Evening Standard Award for the Film 4 thriller, ‘The Hide’. He’s also appeared in family favourites, The Durrells, Outnumbered, Miranda, Peaky Blinders, The IT Crowd, Black Mirror and This Is England . . . to name but a few.

As well as chairing the ‘Downing Street Debates’ at Number 10, Alex has hosted conferences and awards including the ULTRA Travel Awards, Simpsons Healthcare conference and the Middle Temple Annual Dinner.

2024 Sponsors

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HEADLINE SPONSOR OF THE SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2024

Evelyn Partners is the UK’s leading integrated wealth management and professional services group, created following the merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson. With £54.4 billion of assets under management (as at 31 March 2023), it ranks as the second largest UK wealth manager measured by EBITDA and the fifth largest professional services firm ranked by fee income (source: Accountancy Age 50+50 rankings, 2022).

It has a network of offices across 28 towns and cities in the UK, as well as the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands. Through its operating companies, the Group offers an extensive range of financial and professional services to individuals, family trusts, professional intermediaries, charities and businesses.

Evelyn Partners’ purpose is to ‘place the power of good advice into more hands’, and it is uniquely well-placed to support clients with both their personal financial affairs and their business interests. Evelyn Partner’s personal wealth management services include financial planning, investment management and advice, personal tax advice and, through Bestinvest, an award-winning online investment service for self-directed investors. For businesses, its wide range of services includes assurance and accounting, business tax advice, employee benefits, forensic advice, fund administration, fund governance, recovery and restructuring and transaction services.

Visit the Evelyn Partners Website

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Evelyn Partners, Headline Sponsor & Sponsor of Law Firm of the Year

Evelyn Partners is the UK’s leading integrated wealth management and professional services group, created following the merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson. With £55.8 billion of assets under management (as at 31 March 2022), it ranks as the second largest UK wealth manager measured by EBITDA and the sixth largest professional services firm ranked by fee income (source: Accountancy Age 50+50 rankings, 2021).  It has a network of offices across 27 towns and cities in the UK, as well as the Republic of Ireland and the Channel Islands. Through its operating companies, the Group offers an extensive range of financial and professional services to individuals, family trusts, professional intermediaries, charities and businesses.

Evelyn Partners’ purpose is to ‘place the power of good advice into more hands’, and it is uniquely well-placed to support clients with both their personal financial affairs and their business interests. Evelyn Partner’s personal wealth management services include financial planning, investment management and advice, personal tax advice and, through Bestinvest, an award-winning online investment service for self-directed investors. For businesses, its wide range of services includes assurance and accounting, business tax advice, employee benefits, forensic advice, fund administration, fund governance, recovery and restructuring and transaction services.

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Clio, Entertainment Sponsor & Sponsor of Support Team Member of the Year

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world’s leading cloud-based technologies for law firms—to keep lawyers and their clients better connected throughout the legal process. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products—Clio Manage, Clio Grow—to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. Flexible contracts and competitive pricing, try Clio for free for 7 days, with no commitment needed. Book a personalised walkthrough and learn more at clio.com/uk.

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Landmark Information, Sponsor of Property Lawyer of the Year

Landmark Information is at the forefront of legal products and data supply to support the UK’s Property Professionals. Our dedicated, personal approach supports legal professionals in their due diligence in line with the Law Society and SRA requirements. Landmarks longevity in the legal market brings valuable experience and dependability to risk solutions whilst continuing to innovate.

 

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Guildford Chambers, Sponsor of Family Law Team of the Year

Guildford Chambers is a progressive, multi-disciplinary set of barristers, uniquely positioned to provide competitive and effective advocacy for individuals and businesses in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, London and the Southeast.

Our growing portfolio of client’s value that we work with them as an extension of their team, and we endeavour to build strong and successful working relationships. We operate a system of specialist practice groups which ensure you receive the best advice and advocacy from your chosen barrister.

Our barristers and experienced, responsive clerking team share an uncompromising attitude to quality and client service with a sensible approach to cost.

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Pro Drive, Sponsor of Lifetime Achievement Award

Pro Drive work with law firms who prefer to outsource the planning and management of their IT systems. Our clients want to use technology to help put them ahead of their competition but they do not have the time or expertise to do this themselves. We can help with IT Support & Cyber Security, built around a strategic plan.

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Insight6, Sponsor of Client Experience Award

As Customer Experience (CX) specialists in the legal sector, insight6 partners with over 250 UK law firms to drive new business, retain satisfied clients, and foster a CX-focused culture. We help firms measure client journeys, gather real-time feedback, and deliver motivational team training, ensuring CX becomes a boardroom priority. For more information, contact Paul Matthews at paul.matthews@insight6.com.

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Ochresoft, Sponsor of Private Client Team of the Year

Ochresoft’s ‘Intelliworks’ is award-winning, market-leading case management software, built by lawyers for lawyers, covering all aspects of compliance and risk management. 

Ochresoft has the legal and regulatory expertise to ensure that our content-rich workflows always incorporate the latest legal content and best practice standards, delivered in real time. Intelliworks workflows are updated whenever there is a change in law or regulation. 

Intelliworks supports hundreds of law firms and thousands of users across England and Wales, who use our Conveyancing and Private Client workflows to increase their process and business efficiency. 

For more information, visit: www.ochresoft.com 

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On Point Data, Sponsor of Employer of the Year

On Point Data believes the legal sector deserves independent, impartial advice, and that customers deserve honest, transparent, and helpful communication with a team that understands their requirements. Based in Woking, On Point Data brings a refreshing partnership model prioritising personal service and delivering seamlessly integrated solutions. Driving the dynamic are seasoned company founders, Jeremy Dorkins and Kevin Johnson. With delivery, compliance and service at its core On Point Data reimagines the way solicitors do business. To learn more about our extensive property conveyancing solutions, partnership model and online platform visit www.onpointdata.co.uk or follow us on LinkedIn 

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Verify 365, Sponsor of Lawyer of the Year

Verify 365 is the ultimate AML, KYB & KYC client onboarding platform crafted by lawyers for lawyers. Our comprehensive platform incorporates a range of solutions designed to combat daily challenges within law firms and ensure they are practising compliantly within the regulatory guidelines.  

  

Verify 365’s innovative technology is helping law firms across the UK streamline their onboarding processes, enhance due diligence protocols, ensure regulatory compliance and achieve the HM Land Registry’s coveted ‘Safe Harbour’ status. Our proprietary technology ensures your firm can take a risk-based approach to verify client information, mitigate potential threats, prevent financial fraud and protect your firm. 

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ReviewSolicitors, Sponsor of Law Firm of the Year (Under 20 Fee Earners)

ReviewSolicitors is your trusted partner for managing and enhancing your online reputation. We specialise in collecting and showcasing authentic client reviews for over 4,000 law firms, reaching over 8 million users annually. With our user-friendly platform, you can effortlessly gather and display client feedback, boosting your firm’s visibility and attracting new clients. You can elevate your online presence with ReviewSolicitors and let your stellar reputation speak for itself.

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Actionstep, Sponsor of Junior Lawyer of the Year

Actionstep is a fast-growing, dynamic SaaS (Software as a Service) business with a global customer base, including 22,000+ users globally and 100+ UK law firms. Actionstep delivers a comprehensive legal practice management cloud platform to midsize law firms looking for a flexible all-in-one solution.

Combining all the work of law firms in one platform, including Matter Management, CRM, Document Assembly and Management, Time and Billing, Payments, Client and Business Accounting, Reporting, and more, Actionstep is where law works.

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NetDocuments, Sponsor of Junior Lawyer of the Year

NetDocuments is the world’s #1 trusted cloud-based content management and productivity platform that helps legal professionals do their best work. Backed by 25 years of experience in cloud innovation, NetDocuments offers a complete end-to-end platform for document and email organization and management, including award-winning automation and AI capabilities; robust security, collaboration, and search technologies; seamless integrations with other tools professionals use daily; and a suite of large language model AI-powered solutions with the security and guardrails to leverage AI responsibly. NetDocuments supports 7,000+ law firms, corporate legal departments, and public sector entities globally.

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We have a range of sponsorship options available for the 2024 SLS Legal Awards, details of which can be found here.

For further information on the opportunities available, email Helen Opie, CEO at helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk.

Meet the Judges

George Coates

George is Head of Guildford Chambers. He specialises in financial settlements in divorce proceedings and related family financial disputes. He takes a particular interest in disputes between unmarried parents, and has written and lectured on this topic.

George has wide-ranging experience of dealing with complex cases, often involving substantial sums made up of shareholdings in private companies (including family businesses), partnerships, family trusts, and pensions.

Other areas in which George has extensive experience include property disputes, and matters relating to children (having sat on the Social Security and Child Support Appeal Tribunal) and education, including challenging LEA policies on school admissions.

Over the years, he has undertaken a wide variety of general civil and commercial law cases, including professional or other negligence cases.

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Veronica Gilmour

Veronica is a partner in the family law team at Penningtons Manches Cooper. She has a broad range of experience which includes advising on private children disputes, pensions on divorce and pre and post marital agreements. She has particular expertise in high value, complex financial cases in both the UK and internationally.

Accredited by Resolution as a specialist family lawyer, she has been at the forefront of the development of non-adversarial alternatives in family law matters for a number of years. She is a qualified collaborative lawyer with a thriving mediation practice and is a long-standing member of the Surrey Resolution Committee.

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John Hyde

John Hyde is Deputy News Editor at The Law Society Gazette. He reports extensively on all matters impacting the legal profession and has his finger on the pulse of latest developments.

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Rita Leat

Rita Leat is the Chief Executive of the Institute of Paralegals and a founder and Managing Director of the overarching voluntary regulator for Paralegals, the PPR. With over 27 years experience in the Paralegal sector, representing the interests of Paralegals Nationally, Rita has become known as the Chief Executive of All Things Paralegal.

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John-Paul MacNamara

John-Paul was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 2008 and cross-qualified as a solicitor in 2011. He worked for many years for a Top 100 Law firm and was eventually promoted to partner and Head of Crown Court Advocacy before moving to GT Stewart Solicitors and Advocates in 2017. He has appeared in the Crown Court as Leading Junior, Led Junior and Junior alone and has advocated extensively in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). He has represented defendants for offences ranging from intercontinental drug importation to kidnap and murder. He completed his vulnerable witness training with the Law Society and is well known in London courts for his measured style of advocacy and tenacious closing speeches.

J-P was shortlisted in the 2015 and 2016 Law Society Excellence Awards in the category of “Solicitor Advocate of the Year”. In the 2016 shortlist the Judges’ panel, described him as “having developed a reputation as a leading advocate – particularly in cross-examination of expert witnesses”. At GT Stewart he was a prominent member of their Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners ranked crime teams, and won The “Lawyer of the Year Award” with the Surrey Law Society in 2019.

In January 2020 J-P joined the staff at the City Law School and is an advocacy tutor as well as a tutor on the Criminal Litigation, Evidence and Sentencing module of the Bar Vocational Studies course. J-P also lectures to Pupils at Middle Temple and having formally returned to the Bar, holds a door tenancy at 33 Bedford Row.

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Neil Rose

Neil is a qualified solicitor and has been a legal journalist since 1995. He is the founder and editor of Legal Futures, a news-driven website providing market intelligence for law firms of the future. He is a recognised market commentator on ABSs, legal regulation and the future of the market. He also runs Litigation Futures, the first independent website dedicated to costs, funding and the Jackson reforms.

In 2014, he won the Legal Journalism of the Year award at the Halsbury Legal Awards.

Neil has freelanced for a wide range of publications, including The Guardian and The Times. He is also a co-director of Black Letter Communications, a specialist public relations agency for the legal sector.

Formerly Deputy Editor of the Law Society Gazette, he was also the Editor of the award-winning CILEx Journal, for which he was shortlisted for Editor of the Year (business and professional magazines, non-weekly) by the British Society of Magazine Editors in 2009.

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Allie Parsons

Allie Parsons, Customer Success Consultant – Landmark Information Group

Engagement and education are key to Allie’s role as Customer Success Consultant. She has over 30 years’ experience in marketing, consulting & advising various businesses, the last 16 years working with Law firms. She also has a broad experience in professional training and delivers seminars and training sessions for legal professionals on a range of property related issues.

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Rod Milne

Rod is a partner at Evelyn Partners, based in Guildford. Rod set up HFS Milbourne Financial Services Ltd in 1986 specialising in Wealth Management, growing the business to over 30 employees and £500m assets under management. In March 2021, Evelyn Partners acquired HFS Milbourne.
HFS Milbourne and Evelyn Partners are pleased to have been long term sponsors of the Surrey Law Society, and one of Rod’s specialisms over the years has been to build strong ties with the legal community.

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Helen Forster

Helen Forster is the Managing Director of the firm HTF Legal and is a solicitor and Trusts and Estates Practitioner. Since qualifying in 2009, she has specialised in Wills, Probate, Trusts, Tax and Court of Protection matters. She is also a Dementia Champion with Age UK, a member for Solicitors for the Elderly and also a member of STEP (The Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners).

Her other work includes seminars, lecturing and training throughout the Country with institutions such as regional Law Societies and MBL Seminars Limited, as well as providing in house training to firms on a number of subjects.

Helen also teaches night classes at Rossett School Adult Learning in Harrogate, giving individuals an insight into how legal documents such as Lasting Powers of Attorney are drafted, as well as pitfalls and problems.

Over her career she has been highly commended twice in the Yorkshire Legal Awards, as well as receiving an award for second place in the Modern Law Awards 2016 in the category of “Rising Star” in England and Wales. Helen was also shortlisted for “Managing Partner of the Year” in the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2023. Her firm was Highley Commended in the British wills and probate awards for boutique law form of the year.

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Bruce Penson

Following a successful career at a leading multinational metals manufacturer, Bruce is now the Managing Director and driving force at Pro Drive.

Alongside developing technology strategies for Pro Drive’s clients, Bruce can be found presenting to, and educating businesses on the subjects he is passionate about – cyber security and business productivity.

As well as being an active and engaging figure in IT industry circles, Bruce loves the outdoors and is a keen mountain biking and sailing enthusiast.

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Anna Newport

Anna Newport is a well-respected solicitor with a comprehensive background in land and property law. Her diverse experience, ranging from large corporate to local firms, has equipped her with extensive knowledge covering most conveyancing topics. Renowned for her expertise in complex land law, Anna combines her legal acumen with a straightforward approach, serving clients across England and Wales.

As the Managing Director of Newport Land and Law since 2017, she has contributed significantly to the field, often consulted by statutory bodies and government departments for her clear insights. She is one of the course authors for the Law Society’s CQS accreditation and is an occasional contributor to a number of conveyancing publications.

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Paul Matthews

Paul Matthews, CCXP, is the Customer Experience Director for insight6, overseeing the regions of Surrey and Sussex. With a robust background in the Health and Fitness Sector spanning 20 years, Paul has cultivated extensive experience in customer-facing roles and has taken on significant commercial responsibilities within various businesses.

For the past nine and a half years, Paul has dedicated his career to Customer Experience (CX), focusing on helping businesses across all sectors from Attractions to Professional Services to become customer-centric. When Customer Centricity is achieved it results in improved new business acquisition, greater repeat purchases, and increased customer referrals. His philosophy is simple yet profound: by placing the customer at the heart of the business and making them the focal point, remarkable business performance is achievable.

Paul’s expertise in CX is well-recognized, as he is one of only 74 individuals in the UK to hold the prestigious ‘Certified Customer Experience Professional’ (CCXP) accreditation.

At insight6, although their services span across all industries, Paul and his colleagues work with over 150 law firms, assisting them in gaining deeper insights into their prospect and client experiences, and in turn, helping them to achieve their wider business goals.

We are delighted to welcome Paul to our judging panel for this year’s Surrey Business Awards.

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Neil

The Operations Director at PDA Legal, Neil supervises the PDA team’s work on key compliance and risk management concerns in legal practices all over the country.
PDA’s clients include high-volume, niche/specialist, multi-office, sole practitioners and multinational firms, with a remit of support that involves audits, in-person training, consultancy, file reviews and policy authoring on aspects including; AML, SRA inspections, the GDPR, CQS, Lexcel and cyber security.
Neil has personally conducted almost 800 auditing, training or consultancy visits. Topically, including extensive and timely support to firms undergoing SRA AML inspections.
A contributor to Thomson Reuters Practical Law, he has also authored and presented material and webinars for the Law Society, as well as speaking at numerous Law Society national conferences.
Neil is a co-founder of the Best Practice Group, enjoying regular contact with over 100 BPG member practices from across the UK, including several Surrey Law Society firms.
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FAQS

Is it free to nominate?
Yes
Our firm has many individuals doing excellent work. Is there a limit on how many entries can be submitted?
Yes, there are some limits to the number of nominations you can submit based on the number of members in your firm. Please contact admin@surreylawsociety.org.uk for more information.
What is the criteria and format of each award?
Please view the categories and criteria page for details of each Award.
Can non-solicitors enter?
Yes. We accept entries from Solicitors, Barristers, Legal Executives, Licensed Conveyancers and from paralegals and support staff where appropriate so long as the firm and/or individual is a member of the Surrey Law Society.
Can I nominate someone for an individual award if I don’t work in a Law Firm?
Yes.
What is the deadline for nominations?
The deadline for nominations is to be confirmed. Please note that all firms/individuals nominated must be members of the Surrey Law Society.
How do I nominate?
Nominating couldn't be easier, members can download the relevant Nomination Form for the category of their choice and return this to helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk. You may support your nomination by submitting independent objective evidence of the nominees achievements from 3rd parties, for example, in the form of testimonials received on letter headed paper, by email, via press cuttings etc. – these should be concise and no more than three sides of A4.
When do the judges consider the nominations?
Between May and August 2024.
When will the shortlist be announced?
This is to be confirmed.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner and Ceremony at G-Live, Guildford, on Thursday 3rd October 2024
Who can attend the Awards Dinner?
Tickets are available to all members - you don't need to have entered the awards.

Contact us

Please do not hesitate to get in touch should you have any queries regarding an award category, the shortlist, judging process or the Awards Dinner.
Email: helen.opie@surreylawsociety.org.uk or elouise.enright@surreylawsociety.org.uk or phone: 0333 577 3830 Mobile : 07597 582400