Scottish Legal Awards 2025: celebrating excellence in a transformative year
While the big night is still on the horizon, this year's competition has already made headlines with a record-breaking number of entries: over 100 submissions from more than 50 law firms, organisations, and individuals.
Unsurprisingly, demand for tables at the awards dinner is already heating up as it is fast becoming one of the most sought-after bookings in this autumn's corporate calendar. A night to remember
The 2025 edition of Scotland's premier independent legal awards programme takes place at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Central on Thursday, September 18, where the legal community will see their peers recognised for exceptional achievement.
Hosted by popular broadcaster Des Clarke, the ceremony represents the culmination of months of rigorous judging by a distinguished 15-member panel led by Chair Lorna Jack, former chief executive of the Law Society of Scotland.
This year's awards arrive at a defining moment for Scottish law. The profession is navigating unprecedented challenges and opportunities – from the adoption of artificial intelligence to new regulatory frameworks – while maintaining its unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion. The ceremony will celebrate not only current excellence but also the vision and adaptability that will define the sector's future.
The awards programme is proudly supported by headline sponsor Denovo, a legal technology company that has been helping Scottish law firms for more than 40 years. Steven Hill, Managing Director of Denovo, is an enthusiastic champion of the awards and what they represent:
He said: 'This event plays a crucial role in recognising the incredible work and achievements of the Scottish legal community – something we are passionate about supporting.
'At Denovo, we see real synergy between the Awards' celebration of excellence and our own mission to help Scottish law firms succeed and make their working lives a little easier.'
He added: 'Our business was founded here in Scotland, and we're proud to have grown alongside so many fantastic law firms.
Supporting such a prestigious event demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Scottish legal sector. We look forward to celebrating the outstanding talent, innovation, and dedication that make this profession so special.' © Martin Windebank
The awards take place against the backdrop of a legal landscape that is changing rapidly.
The Legal Services Regulation (Scotland) Bill, passed in May 2025, has strengthened oversight of solicitors and improved consumer protection.
The rollout of Civil Online now allows lawyers to handle civil claims digitally in the Court of Session and sheriff courts, making processes faster and more efficient.
Perhaps most notably, Scottish firms are embracing artificial intelligence in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. Many practices are reporting that AI tools help them complete routine tasks like document review and contract analysis much faster than before.
But the impact of new technology goes well beyond simple timesaving. Law firms are now looking for trainees and newly qualified solicitors who can work confidently with AI tools, while senior lawyers are learning to oversee these new systems responsibly. It's a shift that's changing how legal work gets done at every level. Recognising excellence
This year's awards programme features 20 categories that cover the full range of legal expertise across Scotland.
For the first time, the Firm of the Year award has been split into two categories – large firms with over 250 employees and smaller practices with under 250 employees – recognising that different sized firms face distinct challenges and have particular strengths.
A brand-new category, Marketing & Business Development Team of the Year, has been introduced to reflect how important it has become for firms to connect with clients and grow their business.
Other categories like Excellence in Equity & Inclusion and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing take account of the fact that the profession is increasingly focusing on the mental and physical health of the people responsible for delivering the services as much as on the quality of the services themselves. © Martin Windebank
Company awards encompass Firm of the Year categories for both large and small practices, alongside Excellence in Client Care, Community Care & Social Responsibility, Excellence in Equity & Inclusion, and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing.
Team awards recognise specialist expertise across Litigation, Property, In-House Legal, Criminal Defence, Legal Technology & Support, Family Law or Private Client, and the new Marketing & Business Development categories.
Individual awards celebrate personal achievement through the Lifetime Achievement Award (sponsored by The Times), Business Leadership Award, Lawyer of the Year, Paralegal of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, Advocate of the Year, and Law Champion of the Year. Championing the people
Throughout 2025, Scottish law firms have made real progress in creating more inclusive workplaces. Many are introducing better wellbeing programmes, offering more flexible working options, and developing specific support for underrepresented groups in the profession.
The Excellence in Equity & Inclusion and Excellence in Support & Wellbeing categories showcase the firms leading this charge, demonstrating that being a great place to work is just as important as delivering excellent legal services.
The awards also recognise the vital role of support staff and paralegals in making law firms work effectively. The thousands of paralegals working across Scotland combine the legal acumen with operational support that are essential to delivering high quality legal services,
Scotland's legal profession now offers many different types of roles, with support staff using sophisticated technology and contributing expertise that goes far beyond traditional administrative tasks.
The Legal Technology & Support Team of the Year category features eight finalists, while the Paralegal of the Year category celebrates outstanding individual contributions.
The Scottish Legal Awards is also proudly continuing its tradition of supporting charitable causes that strengthen the legal profession's foundation.
The Lawscot Foundation helps overcome socio-economic barriers to legal education by providing £2,750 annual scholarships to talented students pursuing Scots law degrees, while It's Good 2 Give supports young cancer patients and their families across Scotland, funding psychologist posts in children's oncology wards and operating the Ripple Retreat on the shores of Loch Venachar. © Martin Windebank
With September fast approaching, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable evening celebrating Scottish legal excellence.
The 2025 awards will highlight the remarkable achievements of professionals and firms who have excelled during a year of significant change and progress.
From innovative technology adoption to groundbreaking diversity initiatives, from exceptional client service to outstanding community contributions, the ceremony will showcase the very best of what Scotland's legal profession has to offer.
Join the celebrations and share in the excitement by booking tickets on the awards website at www.thelegalawards.com.
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