Nichola Gray KC, joint head of family law chambers 1 Hare Court, has been invited to join the judging panel for the Spear’s Awards 2026.
Gray (pictured) will reprise her role from last year as judge in the Family Lawyer of the Year category in 2025, and will also judge the Emerging Leader of the Year and Private Client Innovation of the Year categories.
The 2026 Spear’s Awards celebrate achievement across the private client sector, with 18 categories recognising individuals, firms and organisations for their work, leadership and innovation.
Gray said: “I am very pleased to be invited back to the Spear’s Awards judging panel this year, and particularly to be involved in three categories recognising not only outstanding family lawyers, but also the next generation of leaders and those developing new approaches.
“I look forward to reviewing this year’s entries and contributing to what is always a fascinating judging process.”
The ceremony will take place at Raffles London on Tuesday 3rd November 2026.
National law firm Stone King has launched a bonus scheme to encourage a culture of innovation in which staff try new approaches, test ideas and learn quickly.
The scheme is designed to support the firm’s strategic objectives, including a ‘One Step Ahead’ focus on innovation, and to empower teams to play an active role in shaping the firm’s success.
A dedicated fund has been set aside to reward innovation effort and learning, with the firm embracing the notion of ‘failing forward’ – valuing the learning generated from an attempt, even if the idea doesn’t work as intended.
People director Sam Cook said: “What matters most is the curiosity, effort and learning involved, not the size of the idea or whether it ultimately succeeds.
“Innovation can include small, thoughtful changes that improve how we work, serve clients, support colleagues or deliver social impact. It might come in the form of a big idea, a new product, service line or new technology and we actively encourage this kind of ambition.”
The launch reflects a growing focus on innovation across Stone King, which has also established an AI lab, an innovation network and has a wider innovation strategy in place.
Senior associate Nick Wragg has been appointed as legal innovation lead to help develop ideas focused on lawyers’ ways of working and support the development of practical improvements, tools and solutions that benefit colleagues and clients.
Partner Tim Rutherford said: “These appointments are an important step in supporting our ambition to be a digitally enabled, future-focused firm that brings people and technology together to improve both colleague and client experience.”
Regional law firm Gardner Leader has reinforced its long-term commitment to Maidenhead by investing in new offices to support the firm’s growth in the Thames Valley and across the south of England.
The Pearce Building premises are around 50% larger than Gardner Leader’s current Maidenhead office to provide additional capacity, as well as new facilities for its clients and employees.
The investment is part of Gardner Leader’s ongoing growth and commitment to Maidenhead since it first started operating in the town in 2014. In June, the firm also achieved Certified B Corporation™ status in recognition of its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The new workspace has strong environmental credentials and public transport links, while supporting employee wellbeing and responsible business practices.
Managing partner Derek Rodgers said: “Our move to The Pearce Building demonstrates our long-term commitment to Maidenhead, its businesses and the wider community. We’ve built strong relationships here over many years and see the town as an important part of Gardner Leader’s future.
“This investment reflects our confidence in the local economy, our clients and people. We’re looking forward to strengthening existing relationships, building new connections and continuing to support the thriving business community across Maidenhead and the wider region.”
