Awards 2026
The LawNet Awards 2026/27 encompass ten award categories recognising a broad spectrum of excellence and achievement across the network. Chaired by Andrew Hedley, Director of Hedley Consulting, our external judging panel is made up of experts and consultants from across the legal sector.
The award winners will be announced on stage at our annual conference and evening celebrations at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport. With over 300 guests in attendance, including senior management from the LawNet network, as well as key business partners and sponsors, this is your chance to shine.
Categories
Excellence in client care - sponsored by Legl
We know that LawNet firms are consistently outperforming the competition in this area andthis award will celebrate your hard work and commitment in delivering excellence in client care. The winner of this award will demonstrate how their initiative(s) have improved the experience for their firm’s clients with positive outcomes for the firm.
Best Innovation - sponsored by Conscious
Innovation doesn’t only come from grand ideas; even small changes can significantly enhance overall performance. This award will celebrate those firms who are doing things a little bit differently; pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, looking for new ideas and ways of working that will deliver transformation to the firm. It could be a client facing initiative or an improvement to internal working practices. It might be a one-off project in a key area or an on-going firm-wide initiative.
Excellence in Responsible Business - sponsored by Document Direct
This category recognises firms that demonstrate genuine commitment to their people, communities and the environment. The winning firm will show a thoughtful and inclusive approach to responsible business, supported by clear evidence of making a positive difference through its policies, initiatives and culture.
Early Career Lawyer of the Year - sponsored by Iceberg
This category allows firms to nominate exceptional early career lawyers who are at the beginning of their legal careers, including trainees, solicitor apprentices and those up to two years qualified.
Rising Star under 35 years - sponsored by Thomson Reuters
Firms can nominate any employee who, after being employed for a number of years, is considered to be someone who will make an outstanding contribution to the firm as a lawyer, partner, manager or leader in the future (fee-earning or business support role).
Team of the Year (Business Law) - sponsored by InfoTrack
This category allows firms to nominate a business law team which has delivered an exceptional performance during the past 12-18 months.
Team of the Year (Individual Law) - sponsored by Perfect Portal
This category allows firms to nominate an Individual / Personal law team which has delivered an exceptional performance during the past 12-18 months.
Business Support Team of the Year - sponsored by Baskerville Drummond
This category allows firms to nominate a Business Support team which has delivered an exceptional performance during the past 12-18 months.
Law Firm of the Year (up to £8m t/o) - sponsored by Consortium more than marketing
Awarded to a firm of up to £8m turnover - demonstrates overall excellence & significant progress over the last 12-18 months against a wider business strategy.
Law Firm of the Year (above £8m t/o) - sponsored by Xperate
Awarded to a firm of above £8m turnover - demonstrates overall excellence & significant progress over the last 12-18 months against a wider business strategy.
