Manchester’s legal talent shines bright at awards ceremony
The brightest legal talent across Manchester was recognised and celebrated at a prestigious black-tie ceremony at The Midland Hotel last night – with one firm winning a total of three awards.
The Manchester Legal Awards saw a pretty even spread of awards this year with Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP taking home Law Firm of the Year – large (20+ partners) award, Team of the Year- Litigation award, and Team of the Year- Corporate/Commercial award.
Another one of the big winners of the night was Brabners LLP who took home two awards – CSR Champions of the Year and Team of the Year- Private Client.
The Manchester Law Society’s Legal Awards culminated in a highly anticipated ceremony on Thursday evening, with over 74 firms and individuals shortlisted in a total of 22 categories.
Launched by the Manchester Law Society in 2009, the awards celebrate the best legal talent from across the region. Categories cover all areas of law with organisation, team and individual awards.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement award went to Michael Clavell-Bate. With over 35 years’ experience in the legal industry, he is best known as a specialist in leading heavyweight contract disputes for corporate clients across a range of industry sectors.
He told theBusinessDesk.com his proudest achievement has been the people he’s seen through from trainees to partner, and that his retirement after 35 years, including 15 as Manchester office partner of Eversheds Sutherland, sees the sector in rude health.
“We have the best legal system in the world in England and Wales. As far as Manchester is concerned, the optimism I have always had is down to the trajectory of the city, where it’s come from and where it’s heading in the next fifteen years. I am convinced it is going to be the most exciting of times,” he said.
Fran Eccles-Bech, chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, said: “As the chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, I have the privilege to be impressed year after year by the impeccable work the brightest legal minds in our region produce.
“We know that Manchester is home to some of the best legal talent and the awards are an opportunity to share and celebrate outstanding work.”
Nick Johnson, President of Manchester Law Society, said: “It’s incredible to see the amount of excellent nominations we’ve received, as well as all the talented winners we’ve had this year, which showcases the high level of expertise and excellence of the lawyers in Manchester.
“I was privileged to be part of the judging process and to witness the talent and dedication of the finalists. You are all an inspiration for our profession.”
Media partner for the event this year was TheBusinessDesk.com.
Michael Taylor, Editor at TheBusinessDesk.com, said: “We’ve really enjoyed working with the Manchester Law Society as the media partner for this year’s Manchester Legal Awards.
“Legal practices continue to demonstrate their agility and innovation that places them at the forefront of Manchester’s economy, something that was evident from the outstanding range of entries in these excellent awards.
“Fran Eccles-Bech and her team at the Manchester Law Society have done an incredible job putting together this year’s awards. Every single team and individual that has made the shortlist can be rightly proud of what they’ve achieved.”
RMS Communications was the marketing and PR partner for the 14th year running. Ruth Shearn, Founder of RMS Communications, said: “We’re proud to have worked on the Manchester Legal Awards since they were an idea on a page.
“I still get a buzz when I see the design work and website created by my team each year, not to mention the social and media coverage.”
Interlink Talent Solutions was the headline sponsor for the awards for the fifth consecutive year, while digital office solutions company, Docutech, was once again the welcome drinks sponsor for this year’s awards for the 14th year running.
Here is the full list of winners and sponsors from last night’s event:
CSR Champions of the Year
WINNER: Brabners LLP
SPONSOR: The College of Legal Practice
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champions of the Year
WINNER: University of Law
SPONSOR: Appleyard Lees IP LLP
Health & Wellbeing Champions of the Year
WINNER: Myerson Solicitors
SPONSOR: MFL Insurance Group Ltd
Team of the Year – Corporate/Commercial
WINNER: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
SPONSOR: LEGAL RSS
Team of the Year – Crime
WINNER: Olliers Solicitors
SPONSOR: Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
Team of the Year – Employment
WINNER: Mills & Reeve
SPONSOR: Docutech Office Solutions Ltd
Team of the Year – Family
WINNER: McAlister Family Law
SPONSOR: Shard Capital Partners
Team of the Year – Litigation
WINNER: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
SPONSOR: Quantuma
Team of the Year – PI/Clinical Negligence
WINNER: Leigh Day
SPONSOR: Kain Knight
Team of the Year – Private Client
WINNER: Brabners LLP
SPONSOR: Fletchers Group
Team of the Year – Property
WINNER: Pannone Corporate LLP
SPONSOR: Landmark Information
Team of the Year – Regulatory
WINNER: Ward Hadaway
SPONSOR: RMS Communications
Trainee/Paralegal/Apprentice of the Year
WINNER: Jack Trowsdale, DWF Law LLP
SPONSOR: Manchester Law School, Manchester Metropolitan University
Solicitor of the Year
WINNER: Kelly Darlington, Farleys Solicitors LLP
SPONSOR: Quiss Technology
Barrister/KC of the Year
WINNER: Giles Maynard-Connor KC
SPONSOR: Leigh Day
Partner of the Year
WINNER: Ros Bever, Irwin Mitchell LLP
SPONSOR: Legmark
Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
WINNER: St John’s Buildings
SPONSOR: Weightmans
Law Firm of the Year – small (1-5 partners)
WINNER: IMD Solicitors LLP
SPONSOR: Lawshare
Law Firm of the Year – medium (5-20 partners)
WINNER: Hall Brown Family Law
SPONSOR: Groundsure
Law Firm of the Year – large (20+ partners)
WINNER: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
SPONSOR: Fletchers Group
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Michael Clavell-Bate
SPONSOR: Interlink Talent Solutions
