The Law Society Awards 2021 shortlist has been announced. The list includes in-house solicitors, a sole practitioner and law firms based and made in Wales.
The annual awards aim to identify and celebrate ‘excellence in law’ in the solicitors’ profession and come with significant visibility and profile for those shortlisted, and the final winners.
Amongst the finalists are three homegrown law firms from Wales and a sole practitioner. They are:
- NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) Legal & Risk Services, a finalist in the In-House Team of the Year award category.
- Agri Advisor Legal LLP, a finalist in the Medium Law Firm of the Year award category.
- AltraLaw, a finalist in the Small Law Firm of the Year award category.
- Glyn Lloyd, Newfields, a finalist in the Sole Practitioner of the Year award category.
I. Stephanie Boyce, President of the Law Society of England and Wales, said:
“Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted. After an extraordinary year, it has never been more important to celebrate the outstanding work of our profession.
“Solicitors play a vital role in times of crisis as people turn to trusted professionals, to explain the law, advise them on their rights and their obligations, and give them some sense of certainty.”
“As the country emerges from the pandemic, solicitors will be there every step of the way to help people and businesses get back on their feet and ensure access to justice and the rule of law.”
Nathan Vidini, Founder of AltraLaw, the UK’s First Not-for-Profit Law Firm, said:
“These nominations recognise the high calibre of lawyers we have in Wales; we punch far above our weight in the UK. Our innovative ideas, tenacity and grit over the past difficult 18 months or so has shown was an asset the Welsh legal community is to our economy.
“AltraLaw is honoured to be recognised and shortlisted by the Law Society. We hope that by raising our profile and sharing our mission through these prestigious awards we can encourage other firms to follow our model of being a ‘business for good’ – donating profits and resources to those most in need in our society.”
Sioned Eurig, who leads the Employment Team at the NWSSP Legal and Risk Services, said:
“We’re delighted to be nominated for In-House Team of the Year. I, personally am so proud of the work we have achieved this year and the support that we have provided to the NHS in these unprecedented times. As a team, we are passionate about the work we do and this definitely comes across in the way that we go from strength to strength.”
Glyn Lloyd, Partner and Founder at Newfields, said:
“I’m delighted to be shortlisted. This accolade also recognises the commitment of my wider team of hard working advisors and key suppliers who have worked together to grow Newfields into the firm it is today.
“Our absence of internal targets and hierarchies means advisors get involved in all aspects of the practice. That focus on opportunity and wellbeing coupled with excellent client service are key principles at the firm that enable our team to flourish. This award is really for the team.”
Awel Mai Hughes, Partner at Agri Advisor, said:
“I am extremely proud that Agri Advisor have been recognised on the shortlist at these prestigious awards. As solicitors in agricultural and rural law, we have strong links to the agricultural industry in England and Wales and live in the rural areas that we serve.
“Within the team and our five offices we have specialist agricultural knowledge and experience covering a range of legal and advisory matters. This recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of our team who have continued to advise and serve our rural communities during a testing year, without interruption.”
Richard Jones, Engagement Officer for The Law Society Wales, said:
“We all know how tough the past year has been and for those who have continued to grow, innovate and inspire others to be ‘excellent’ the delivery of legal services, at such a time, is a great achievement. It’s fantastic to see firms and solicitors in Wales are being recognised for their hard work.”
Awards ceremony
The winners will be announced in an online ceremony on 7 October. To register, and for more details, click here.