Law firm membership body LawNet hosted their latest annual awards in Birmingham with Thames Valley and Berkshire based Gardner Leader LLP, Kent-based Berry & Lamberts Solicitors collecting key awards on the night.
The awards are focused on recognising innovation and strategic success across the network’s SME law firm members. This year, more than 320 delegates joined the annual conference and awards dinner, which also recognised individuals and teams who are delivering outstanding business results.
Gardner Leader LLP and Berry & Lamberts Solicitors took home the overall firms of the year awards in the £6m+ turnover category, and firms of up to £6m turnover respectively with their success a recognition of a ‘people-first approach in delivering standout performance.’
Gardner Leader secured the top slot for the second time, having won in 2016 for the success of the earlier phase of their strategy. Now established as a leading regional player, described by the Legal 500 as having the capability to more than hold its own against big city firms. The firm has doubled its turnover in the past five years, growing its footprint to include seven locations, following strategic acquisitions in Swindon and Oxford and now has more than 200 staff.
Receiving the award, Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader said:
“We recognise the exceptional quality of firms within the LawNet network, so to be named law firm of the year is a real honour. Personally, I’m very proud to see the award recognise the incredible team I have the privilege of working with every day.”
Berry & Lamberts’ success is built on the firm’s comprehensive benefits package, from mental health to mentorship, and encourages active involvement in the firm’s decision-making processes, enabling the firm to retain talent and create opportunities.
Paul Reader, managing partner of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, added:
“I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, and from such a prestigious group as LawNet, it holds even greater meaning. This has been a true team effort, and that’s where we place our focus — investing in our team. When you support your people, they take care of your clients, and that’s when great things happen.”
Congratulating this year’s winners, LawNet chief executive Chris Marston said
“These firms demonstrated outstanding performance against a clear strategy, but it’s never just about profit. To be a winner at our national awards requires extraordinary performance. By focusing on a human-centric strategy, both firms are redefining what it means to thrive in today’s legal landscape. All of this year’s entries were exceptional, highlighting how our member firms are being truly innovative in how they approach the challenges of today’s legal market, while energising their teams and continually exceeding client expectations.”
That investment in people was evident also in the rising talent awards, which were scooped by two young lawyers from the same firm. Daniel Hart was named trainee of the year and under-35 rising star went to Hadiha Waheed. Both work for Surrey-based Howell Jones Solicitors, where partner Jess Buttaci said:
“We are very proud of Daniel and Hadiha, and this is well-deserved recognition for their contribution and commitment to the firm and the profession. In today’s challenging landscape, finding and retaining the best lawyers means creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop and shine. We work hard to ensure our lawyers and trainees feel empowered to drive positive change, with their voices heard and their potential fully realised.”
Legal team of the year for business clients went to the corporate team at mfg Solicitors LLP and to the criminal law team at Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors for individual clients, with the new business team at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors securing business support team of the year. Tozers LLP won the excellence in client care award, the ESG initiative award went to Blaser Mills Law, and the best innovation award went to VWV.
Added Chris Marston:
“What makes our awards unique is the level of collaboration that is involved. Everyone is, of course, keen to win, but they share and learn from each other on the journey, through our thought leadership agenda, the management and leadership forum and broader community conversations. It’s truly exciting to see how it all comes together to support and energise our law firm leaders towards such outstanding results.”
All the award winners:
Excellence in Client Care – sponsored by Moneypenny
- Tozers LLP
Best Innovation – sponsored by Document Direct
- VWV
ESG Initiative Award – sponsored by Planet Mark
- Blaser Mills Law
Trainee of the Year – sponsored by The University of Law
- Daniel Hart, Howell Jones Solicitors
Rising Star – under 35 years – sponsored by Gemstone Legal
- Hadiha Waheed, Howell Jones Solicitors
Team of the Year (Business Law) Corporate team – sponsored by Access Legal
- mfg Solicitors LLP
Team of the Year (Individual Law) Criminal team – sponsored by Perfect Portal Solicitors
- Bell Lamb & Joynson
Business Support Team of the Year New Business team- sponsored by Conscious Solutions
- Martin Tolhurst Solicitors
Law Firm of the Year up to £6m t/o – sponsored by Consortium more than marketing
- Berry & Lamberts Solicitors
Law Firm of the Year above £6m t/o – sponsored by Xperate
- Gardner Leader LLP
