Nominations are now open!
The SLS Legal Awards, sponsored by Evelyn Partners, were established in 2018 to celebrate the outstanding legal talent within the Surrey Law Society community. Now firmly established as one of the county’s leading legal celebrations, the awards recognise the exceptional achievements of firms, teams and individuals across Surrey’s legal profession.
Following the success of last year’s ceremony at G Live, Guildford, which welcomed more than 300 guests and a record number of nominations, the SLS Legal Awards return on Thursday 15 October 2026.
Nominations are now open across 15 award categories recognising excellence across firms, teams and individual professionals. The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of colleagues, showcase the quality of work taking place across the county and highlight the strength of Surrey’s legal community.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 1 May 2026.
The categories for the 2026 SLS Legal Awards are:
Judges will be looking for a firm that has demonstrated outstanding performance and leadership over the past 12 months.
Entries should highlight:
• Strong reputation and professional profile within the legal sector and wider community.
• Evidence of strong performance and progress over the past 12 months, which may include growth, strategic initiatives or other measurable achievements.
• Excellence in client service, supported by testimonials, feedback or measurable outcomes.
• Effective leadership and management, demonstrating how the firm supports and motivates its people to achieve excellent results.
• Commitment to a positive and inclusive workplace culture, including staff development, wellbeing, training and engagement.
• Innovation and forward thinking, including the use of technology or new approaches to delivering legal services.
• Positive contribution to the profession or wider community, including CSR or pro bono initiatives.
Firms should demonstrate a clear vision for their business and tangible achievements over the past year. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards or performance results.
This award recognises an outstanding smaller practice that has demonstrated excellence, strong client relationships and a clear vision for its future.
Judges will consider:
• Reputation and impact within the local legal market or community.
• Exceptional client care, including evidence of strong relationships and client feedback.
• Strong leadership and direction within a smaller firm environment.
• Commitment to creating a positive and inclusive working culture, including staff development and wellbeing.
• Innovation, adaptability or entrepreneurial approaches to developing and growing the practice.
• Contribution to the local community or legal profession.
• Evidence of progress or success over the past 12 months, which may include growth, new services or other achievements.
Entries should demonstrate how the firm has developed, evolved or achieved notable success during the past year. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, accreditations, awards or examples of results achieved.
This award recognises firms that place clients at the heart of everything they do, delivering outstanding service and creating positive, memorable client experiences.
Judges will be looking for clear evidence of a strong client-focused approach. Entries may highlight:
• A client-centred approach, demonstrating how services are tailored to meet individual client needs.
• Excellent communication and transparency, including clear advice, accessible information and transparent fee structures.
• Accessibility and responsiveness, ensuring clients can easily engage with the firm and receive timely support.
• Innovative approaches to client service, including the use of technology, new processes or creative initiatives that enhance the client experience.
• Use of client feedback to drive improvement, including reviews, testimonials or satisfaction data.
• Strong client relationships, demonstrated through repeat work, referrals or long-term client partnerships.
Entries should demonstrate how the firm has delivered an outstanding client experience over the past 12 months. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, client feedback, reviews or examples of initiatives introduced.
This award recognises a firm or individual within the legal profession who has made a meaningful and positive contribution to the local community or the wider legal profession. Nominations may be submitted for either a law firm, legal organisation, or an individual working within the legal sector.
Judges will be looking for a genuine commitment to social responsibility and initiatives that make a difference beyond core legal work. Entries may highlight:
• Community engagement initiatives, such as partnerships with local charities, schools or community organisations.
• Pro bono legal work or initiatives supporting access to justice.
• Volunteering, fundraising or charitable activities.
• Mentoring or outreach initiatives supporting education or the legal profession.
• Long-term commitment to a particular cause or community project.
• Evidence of positive impact, including testimonials, outcomes or measurable results.
Entries should demonstrate how the nominee’s activities have made a tangible difference over the past 12 months. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, case studies, fundraising outcomes or examples of community partnerships.
This award recognises a firm that has created an outstanding workplace culture and demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting, developing and engaging its people.
Judges will consider evidence of a positive and supportive working environment. Entries may highlight:
• A positive and inclusive workplace culture, where staff feel valued and supported.
• Strong leadership, fostering trust, collaboration and engagement across the organisation.
• Commitment to staff development, including training, mentoring or career progression opportunities.
• Initiatives that support staff wellbeing, including policies, programmes or benefits that promote a healthy work–life balance.
• Recognition and reward, celebrating staff achievements and contributions.
• Evidence of strong employee engagement, such as retention, feedback or testimonials from staff.
Entries should demonstrate how the firm has created an environment where people thrive and are motivated to perform at their best. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, staff feedback, engagement initiatives or examples of measurable impact.
This award recognises an outstanding family law team that has demonstrated excellence in legal practice and client service over the past 12 months.
Judges will be looking for teams that deliver high-quality legal services while supporting clients through complex and often sensitive matters. Entries may highlight:
• Excellence in family law practice, including the quality of legal advice and outcomes achieved for clients.
• Exceptional client care, particularly in supporting clients through complex or emotionally challenging situations.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration within the team and across the wider firm.
• Effective collaboration with other professionals or organisations where appropriate to support the best outcomes for clients.
• Innovation or best practice in family law, including new approaches, processes or initiatives that improve client service.
• Notable achievements during the past 12 months, such as significant matters handled, team developments or other successes.
Entries should demonstrate how the team has worked together to deliver excellent outcomes for clients and contribute positively to the practice of family law. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken, or other relevant achievements.
This award recognises an outstanding private client team that has demonstrated excellence in legal practice and client service over the past 12 months.
Judges will be looking for teams that deliver high-quality advice while supporting clients through complex personal and financial matters. Entries may highlight:
• Excellence in private client practice, including the quality of legal advice and outcomes achieved for clients.
• Exceptional client care, particularly in building trusted long-term relationships with individuals and families.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration within the team and across the wider firm.
• Effective collaboration with other professionals or organisations, where appropriate, to support the best outcomes for clients.
• Innovation or best practice in private client work, including new approaches, processes or initiatives that enhance client service.
• Notable achievements during the past 12 months, such as complex matters handled, team developments or other successes.
Entries should demonstrate how the team has worked together to deliver excellent outcomes for clients and contribute positively to private client practice. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken, or other relevant achievements.
This award recognises an outstanding property law team that has demonstrated excellence in legal practice and client service over the past 12 months. Entries are welcome from teams practising in residential or commercial property, including specialists in conveyancing, landlord and tenant matters and other property-related work.
Judges will be looking for teams that deliver high-quality legal services while effectively managing complex transactions and providing excellent support to clients.Entries may highlight:
• Excellence in property law practice, including the quality of legal advice and outcomes achieved for clients.
• Exceptional client care, particularly in managing transactions efficiently and keeping clients informed throughout the process.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration within the property team and across the wider firm.
• Effective collaboration with other professionals or organisations, where appropriate, to support the best outcomes for clients.
• Innovation or best practice in property law, including new approaches, processes or technology that enhance service delivery.
• Notable achievements during the past 12 months, such as significant transactions, team developments or other successes.
Entries should demonstrate how the team has worked together to deliver excellent outcomes for clients and contribute positively to the practice of property law. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken or other relevant achievements.
This award recognises an outstanding legal team that has demonstrated excellence in its area of practice over the past 12 months. This category is open to legal teams working in practice areas not otherwise recognised within the awards, such as litigation, corporate or commercial law, employment, regulatory or other specialist fields.
Judges will be looking for teams that deliver high-quality legal services, work collaboratively and achieve excellent outcomes for their clients. Entries may highlight:
• Excellence in legal practice, including the quality of advice and outcomes achieved for clients.
• Exceptional client service, supported by testimonials or evidence of strong client relationships.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration within the team and across the wider firm.
• Effective collaboration with other professionals or organisations, where appropriate, to support the best outcomes for clients.
• Innovation or best practice, including new approaches, processes or initiatives that enhance legal service delivery.
• Notable achievements during the past 12 months, such as significant matters handled, team developments or other successes.
Entries should demonstrate how the team has worked together to deliver excellent outcomes for clients and contribute positively to their area of legal practice. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken or other relevant achievements.
This award recognises a firm, team or individual that has introduced an innovative initiative which has significantly improved the delivery of legal services. Innovation may relate to the use of technology, new ways of working, service delivery improvements or creative approaches to solving challenges within the legal profession. Innovations may be developed internally or in collaboration with external partners or suppliers.
Judges will be looking for initiatives that demonstrate originality, impact and measurable benefits for clients, colleagues or the wider profession. Entries may highlight:
• Innovative ideas or initiatives that improve the delivery of legal services.
• Use of technology or new processes to enhance efficiency, accessibility or client experience.
• Creative solutions to challenges within legal practice or firm management.
• Collaboration with colleagues or external partners, where relevant, to develop or deliver the innovation.
• Measurable impact, such as improved client service, efficiency, accessibility or business performance.
• Evidence of success, including outcomes, adoption within the firm or wider sector.
Entries should demonstrate how the initiative has made a meaningful difference to legal practice or client service over the past 12 months. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, case studies, examples of the initiative in practice or measurable outcomes.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the legal profession in Surrey over the course of their career. This prestigious honour celebrates individuals whose dedication, professionalism and leadership have had a significant and enduring impact on their firm, colleagues, clients or the wider legal community.
The award may recognise lawyers or other professionals who have played a pivotal role in supporting and strengthening the legal profession throughout their career. Judges will consider nominees who demonstrate:
• A distinguished career marked by long-standing commitment to the legal profession.
• Significant contribution to the reputation and development of the profession in Surrey.
• Respect and recognition from colleagues, peers and the wider legal community.
• Leadership, mentorship or influence, helping to support and develop others within the profession.
• Commitment to professional values, including integrity, professionalism and dedication to clients or colleagues.
• A lasting legacy, demonstrated through their impact on their firm, the profession or the community.
This award recognises individuals whose careers have left a meaningful and enduring mark on the legal profession. Nominations may include testimonials or reflections from colleagues that illustrate the nominee’s contribution and influence over the course of their career.
This award recognises an exceptional lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and made a significant contribution to their firm, clients or the wider legal community in Surrey over the past 12 months.
The award is open to lawyers at any stage of their career, and the judges will be looking for individuals whose work, professionalism and commitment to excellence distinguish them within the Surrey legal community. Entries may highlight:
• Outstanding legal expertise, demonstrated through the quality and impact of work delivered for clients.
• Exceptional client service, including evidence of strong relationships, trust and positive outcomes.
• Significant professional achievements during the past 12 months, such as notable matters handled, cases won or projects delivered.
• Leadership, initiative or influence, whether through leading teams, mentoring colleagues or contributing to the development of others.
• Contribution to the wider profession or community, including pro bono work, professional involvement or community initiatives.
• Commitment to professional excellence, including integrity, judgement and dedication to the highest standards of legal practice.
Entries should demonstrate how the nominee has distinguished themselves through the quality of their work, their impact on others and their contribution to the profession. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken or other relevant achievements.
This award recognises the vital contribution made by professional support and practice management professionals to the success of their firm and the delivery of high-quality legal services. Nominations are welcome for individuals, teams or functions working in areas such as practice management, operations, compliance, finance, HR, marketing, IT, or other professional support roles within a law firm.
Judges will be looking for nominees who demonstrate excellence in supporting the effective management and operation of their organisation. Entries may highlight:
• Excellence in professional support or practice management, including the effective running of key functions within the firm.
• Positive impact on the firm’s performance, culture or client service.
• Innovation or improvements to systems, processes or ways of working.
• Strong collaboration with colleagues across the firm, supporting lawyers and other teams to achieve excellent results.
• Leadership, initiative or problem-solving, helping the firm adapt to challenges or opportunities.
• Notable achievements during the past 12 months, such as projects delivered, systems implemented or operational improvements.
Entries should demonstrate how the nominee has made a meaningful contribution to the success and effectiveness of their organisation. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of initiatives introduced, or measurable outcomes.
This award recognises an exceptional early-career lawyer who has demonstrated outstanding potential and made a significant contribution to their firm, clients or the wider legal community. The Rising Star Award celebrates individuals who are already making a strong impact in their professional role and showing the qualities that mark them as future leaders of the profession.
Judges will be looking for individuals who demonstrate initiative, talent and a commitment to excellence in legal practice. Entries may highlight:
• Outstanding legal work, demonstrating strong technical ability and a commitment to delivering excellent outcomes for clients.
• Exceptional client service, including evidence of building strong client relationships and trust.
• Initiative and innovation, such as introducing new ideas, efficiencies or approaches that improve legal services.
• Leadership potential, including taking responsibility on matters, mentoring others or contributing to team success.
• Contribution to the wider profession or community, including pro bono work, volunteering or involvement in professional initiatives.
• Commitment to professional development, demonstrating ambition, learning and growth in their career.
Entries should demonstrate how the nominee has gone beyond expectations and shown the qualities of a future leader within the legal profession. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of work undertaken or other relevant achievements.
Eligibility
For the purposes of this award, a Rising Star is defined as an individual in the early stages of their legal career, such as a trainee solicitor, solicitor apprentice, paralegal or qualified lawyer with up to five years’ post-qualification experience.
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in guiding the strategy, growth or transformation of a legal practice. The award is open to senior leaders within law firms, including managing partners, senior partners, CEOs, COOs or other professionals responsible for the strategic direction and success of their organisation.
Judges will be looking for individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping their firm’s performance, culture or long-term vision. Entries may highlight:
• Strategic leadership, including the development and successful implementation of the firm’s vision or business strategy.
• Positive impact on firm performance, such as growth, transformation, new services or improved operational effectiveness.
• Leadership of people and culture, fostering an environment where colleagues can develop and perform at their best.
• Innovation or forward thinking, including introducing new approaches, technology or service models.
• Contribution to the wider profession or community, including leadership beyond their own firm.
• Demonstrable achievements over the past 12 months, showing how their leadership has driven meaningful progress.
Entries should demonstrate how the nominee’s leadership has had a significant and measurable impact on their organisation and the wider legal community. Supporting evidence may include testimonials, examples of initiatives led, or measurable business outcomes.
Date: Thursday 16th October 2025
Venue: G Live, London Rd, Guildford GU1 2AA.
To secure your tickets, please visit our booking page or contact Elouise.Enright@surreylawsociety.org.uk.
| 6:00pm | Welcome Reception | Lower Foyer |
| 7:00pm | Welcome by the President | Main Auditorium |
| 7:15pm | Gala Dinner | Main Auditorium |
| 8:45pm | An After-Dinner Speech | Main Auditorium |
| 9:30pm | SLS Legal Awards Ceremony | Main Auditorium |
| 10:30pm | Post Awards Entertainment and Bar | Lower Foyer |
| 12:30am | Carriages |
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.
Shaun Wallace is a barrister, lecturer, and well-known television personality, best recognised as one of the iconic ‘Chasers’ on ITV’s The Chase. Known by fans as ‘The Dark Destroyer’ and ‘The Legal Eagle’, Shaun has featured on the show since its launch in 2009, impressing audiences with his broad knowledge and calm authority.
Admitted to the Bar in 1984, Shaun has enjoyed a long and distinguished legal career. He continues to practise as a member of Great James Street Chambers and regularly lectures in law, specialising in areas such as environmental law and health and safety. His dual role as a legal professional and educator has made him a compelling advocate for legal education and access to the profession.
In 2004, Shaun became the first Black winner of the BBC’s Mastermind, and has since competed on a number of other high-profile quiz shows including The Weakest Link, Celebrity Catchphrase, Countdown, and Are You an Egghead?. In 2012, he placed in the top 300 at the World Quizzing Championships, underlining his standing as one of the country’s brightest quiz minds.
Shaun is also a powerful and passionate voice for racial equality and social inclusion. He regularly speaks at events and in the media during Black History Month, sharing his lived experience to highlight the ongoing need for progress. His interviews on programmes such as Good Morning Britain and Channel 5’s Racism: My Story have resonated with millions, offering a candid perspective on racism in Britain today. He advocates for the inclusion of Black History to the curriculum on the basis of supporting greater respect of all people in the country.
From the courtroom to the classroom to the television screen, Shaun Wallace has carved out a unique and impactful career – one that continues to inform, challenge and inspire.
HEADLINE SPONSOR OF THE SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2025
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.
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