Latest news with #ScottishLegalAwards
Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Times
Scottish Legal Awards 2025: celebrating excellence in a transformative year
Preparations are underway for the 22nd Scottish Legal Awards – an event poised once again to shine a spotlight on the profession's most outstanding talent © Martin Windebank 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
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scullion LAW Named Finalist in Two Key Categories at Scottish Legal Awards
Scullion LAW is celebrating a major milestone after being named a finalist in two prestigious categories at the 2025 Scottish Legal Awards—Property Team of the Year and Private Client Team of the Year. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With offices in Hamilton, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, the firm continues to build a strong reputation across Scotland for its unwavering client focus and commitment to delivering meaningful legal outcomes. The Property Law Team, led by Gemma Miller, has been shortlisted for its outstanding service in helping clients navigate the buying and selling process with ease and confidence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gemma shared, 'This is our first time going for an award and we've finalised! That alone is an incredible achievement. I'm so proud of the entire team for their hard work, passion, and commitment to client care. They show up every day with a drive to make the property journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients, and this recognition proves just how much of a difference they're making.' Families like yours find peace of mind with Scullion LAW Under Gemma's leadership, the Property Law Team has grown into a six-strong team of specialists known for their expertise, responsiveness, and client-first approach. Their reputation for delivering consistently smooth transactions has made them a trusted name for buyers and sellers across Scotland. Also recognised is the firm's Wills, Powers of Attorney and Bereavement Team, which was rebranded in 2024 to better reflect its mission of guiding families through life's most sensitive legal matters. Head of department Ailidh Ballantyne adds, 'I am delighted that we have finalised for Private Client Team of the year at this year's Scottish Legal Awards. This solidifies our commitment to our clients and helps us achieve our aim of improving lives and making a difference. We are incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated team who continually provides 5-star service to clients and who go above and beyond in all ways. To be a finalist demonstrates the quality of work we carry out and the strength and commitment of our team.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Legal Awards celebrate the best in the legal profession across the country, recognising innovation, dedication, and excellence in client service. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 18th September. Scullion LAW Shortlisted for Scottish Legal Awards 2025 for Property and Private Client Team of the Year. Scullion LAW would like to wish all the finalists well and look forward to joining them in September for what is sure to be a fantastic evening. Already top-rated on ReviewSolicitors for Property, Wills and Estate Planning services, Scullion LAW continues to raise the bar for legal care and client results in Scotland. To mark the occasion, Scullion LAW is offering reduced legal fees for first-time buyers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Just quote 'FTB' when you get in touch. With interest rates dropping, now is the perfect time to make your move. Terms and conditions apply. Call 0131 297 6707 or visit to get started.
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scullion LAW Recognised for Excellence in Property and Private Client Law
Scullion LAW is celebrating a major milestone after being named a finalist in two prestigious categories at the 2025 Scottish Legal Awards—Property Team of the Year and Private Client Team of the Year. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... With offices in Hamilton, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, the firm continues to build a strong reputation across Scotland for its unwavering client focus and commitment to delivering meaningful legal outcomes. The Property Law Team, led by Gemma Miller, has been shortlisted for its outstanding service in helping clients navigate the buying and selling process with ease and confidence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gemma shared, 'This is our first time going for an award and we've finalised! That alone is an incredible achievement. I'm so proud of the entire team for their hard work, passion, and commitment to client care. They show up every day with a drive to make the property journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for our clients, and this recognition proves just how much of a difference they're making.' Scullion LAW Shortlisted in two Categories at Scottish Legal Awards 2025 Under Gemma's leadership, the Property Law Team has grown into a six-strong team of specialists known for their expertise, responsiveness, and client-first approach. Their reputation for delivering consistently smooth transactions has made them a trusted name for buyers and sellers across Scotland. Also recognised is the firm's Wills, Powers of Attorney and Bereavement Team, which was rebranded in 2024 to better reflect its mission of guiding families through life's most sensitive legal matters. Head of department Ailidh Ballantyne adds, 'I am delighted that we have finalised for Private Client Team of the year at this year's Scottish Legal Awards. This solidifies our commitment to our clients and helps us achieve our aim of improving lives and making a difference. We are incredibly grateful to have such a dedicated team who continually provides 5-star service to clients and who go above and beyond in all ways. To be a finalist demonstrates the quality of work we carry out and the strength and commitment of our team.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Scottish Legal Awards celebrate the best in the legal profession across the country, recognising innovation, dedication, and excellence in client service. Winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 18th September. Scullion LAW's Property Law Team - Scottish Legal Awards Finalist 2025 Scullion LAW would like to wish all the finalists well and look forward to joining them in September for what is sure to be a fantastic evening. Already top-rated on ReviewSolicitors for Property, Wills and Estate Planning services, Scullion LAW continues to raise the bar for legal care and client results in Scotland. To mark the occasion, Scullion LAW is offering reduced legal fees for first-time buyers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
