Expanded in-house legal awards launched

THE Law Society’s Commerce & Industry Group North West has launched an expanded annual In-House Legal Awards.

A number of new categories have been added to this year’s awards, which are held to honour the unsung heroes of the commercial world.

In addition to the usual categories of In-House Legal Team of the Year, In-House Lawyer of the Year, Young In-House Lawyer of the Year and In-House deal/case of the Year, there are three new awards for 2013.

They are: In-House Legal PA of the Year; HR Team of the Year and In-House Support Services Provider of the Year. The latter category is open to companies providing services to in-house legal teams such as document production, e-disclosure and patent advice.

The awards are now in their third year have grown every year. All proceeds are donated to Cancer Research. Last year the event raised £10,000 for the charity.

Nominations open on May 1. Anyone can nominate including company managers, directors and professionals from private practice.

Last year’s overall individual winner was Nick Craig from the Football League, while The Co-operative Group was crowned In-House team of the year.

Manchester law firm Pannone is the sponsor and TheBusinessDesk.com is the official media partner.

Paul Jonson, head of dispute resolution at Pannone, said: “The region has some excellent in-house lawyers and legal teams representing many market leading companies. Their work deserves to be showcased more widely which is why we are once again delighted to sponsor the In-House Legal Awards.”

Edward Smethurst, chairman of the C&I Group North West, said: “We are delighted that Pannone and TheBusinessDesk.com are onboard. The event has grown year after year and we felt it was time to introduce the new awards which are designed to honour companies and individuals who support the region’s In-house lawyers and legal teams.

The award ceremony will take place on November 1 at the Hilton Hotel with around 500 expected to attend. To nominate or for further information go to www.cigroupnorthwest.co.uk

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