LawNet Awards 25/26

Excellence and culture drive success for LawNet’s top performing firms

Two standout regional law firms are celebrating the power of their people-first strategies after being named LawNet Law Firm of the Year in their respective categories.

Wolferstans LLP, a dominant force in the south-west serving clients across Devon, Cornwall and beyond, scooped the award in the £6m+ turnover category, while Nottingham-based Actons were recognised in turnover up to £6m.   

With five-star client ratings online and thriving internal cultures, both firms show how empowering people drives performance and delivers impact.

The LawNet Awards celebrate innovation and strategic success across the network’s SME law firm members. Other awards recognised individuals and teams delivering outstanding business results, with entries judged by a panel chaired by legal sector authority Andrew Hedley. This year,  some 300 delegates attended the annual conference and awards dinner.

Wolferstans’ ambitious strategy for growth through exceptional client experience is delivering measurable outcomes. Client loyalty, data-led service design and investment in people have driven sustainable growth, improved margins and embedded a culture of continuous improvement.

Receiving the award, Alisa Willows, managing partner at Wolferstans said:  “Winning this award is recognition of the huge team effort involved.

“We’ve always planned one step ahead, thinking not just about what we need to deliver this year, but what we’ll need to achieve next.  That strategic focus runs right through the firm: everyone understands the plan, and it shapes what we do every day.  

“For me, the real breakthrough has been clarity of purpose. Our people now talk about our strategy and our vision for delivering ‘exceptional legal experiences’ without being prompted.  That’s when you know the culture is truly embedded and enabling performance at every level.”

A three-year business plan for Actons - centred on sustainable growth, client care and a thriving internal culture - is also paying dividends. A multi-disciplinary leadership team has seen a  boost to turnover - supporting investment in digital and physical infrastructure as well as people development, including recruitment to build their private client and family law offering.

Receiving the award, Matt Coleman, director and chief operations officer at the firm said: “This award recognises the hard work of everyone at Actons. It’s been a real team effort, built on developing our people, promoting from within and creating a culture where everyone enjoys working together. Our position in the Nottingham market as an independent law firm is increasingly unique, and this recognition really sets us apart and gives us the credibility we strive for.

“We’re proud to be recognised among such a strong network of firms and excited to keep building on this success for our colleagues, clients and community.”

LawNet chief executive Helen Hamilton-Shaw said:  “Each of this year’s winners has shown outstanding ambition and a commitment to delivering high performance, redefining what excellence looks like in today’s legal world, and proving  that when firms invest in their people, great results follow.”

Other awards showcasing the value of human-led innovation included an excellence in client care award for a people-centric approach from Stephen Rimmer LLP, focused on delivering exceptional service from first contact to completion. The best innovation award went to Banner Jones Solicitors for their seamless digital client journey in conveyancing, setting a new industry standard.  And the ESG initiative award went to Tozers LLP for their people-first approach to net zero, sustainability and social impact.

Rising Talent honours went to Talitha Shandley of Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors, named early career lawyer of the year, and to Georgia Bolton of Thompson Smith and Puxon, who received the under-35 rising star award for her commitment to clients and community.

Team awards recognised property litigation at Nicholsons Solicitors LLP, private client at Berry & Lamberts, and the client experience team at Gardner Leader LLP. 

Added Helen Hamilton-Shaw:  “Each year we see how the spirit of collaboration across our network drives innovation and lifts performance for everyone.”