Weightmans named National Law Firm of the Year

WEIGHTMANS has been named as National/Regional Law Firm of the Year at the 2012 Legal Business Awards.

The judges recognised the firm’s four years of consecutive revenue growth and two significant mergers; the first with insurance specialists Vizards Wyeth and the second with North West firm Mace & Jones; adding 200 staff and an estimated £20m in revenue.

Weightmans’ increasing national reach and strength of management was also recognised in the latest edition of legal directory Legal 500, where the firm was ranked in a record-breaking 50 separate areas of law.

Patrick Gaul, managing partner, said: “We are thrilled to be named as National Law Firm of the Year – it is a great acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication shown by every member of staff over the past year and a real testament to the growing strength of the firm.”

Talbots shortlisted for Law Society award

QUALITYSOLICITORS Talbots has been shortlisted for Law Firm of the Year 2012 by the Birmingham Law Society.

QualitySolicitors Talbots has offices in Wolverhampton, Codsall, Kidderminster, Dudley and Stourbridge. The firm has been nominated previously and this year is again a finalist for Law Firm of the Year Award in the 5 to 15 Partners category.

Senior Partner Martyn Morgan said: “Receiving the Law Society recognition is a huge accolade for the Practice.

“It has been a challenging period as we have looked to consolidate many changes in a short period of time. We feel this recognition shows we are on the right track and we look forward to the awards ceremony.”

The Birmingham Law Society 2012 Legal Awards is in its 11th year and the awards ceremony takes place at the ICC on Thursday March 22.

Mills & Reeve one of the best companies to work for

MILLS & REEVE, which has an office in Birmingham, has been named for a record ninth year running as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Only six law firms made the top 100, with Mills & Reeve becoming the only one to have been listed for nine consecutive years.

Judges praised the firm’s community and charity work, as well as various healthcare initiatives such as a firm-wide challenge to see which office was the healthiest.

According to the annual survey, 78% of Mills & Reeve staff feel their colleagues care about each other. Another 74% said they were obtaining significant experience for their future, with a further 72% agreeing their jobs were beneficial for personal growth.

Guy Hinchley, managing partner at Mills & Reeve, said: “It’s heartening to know that our staff feel so positively about working for the firm. To be the only law firm to be listed for nine consecutive years is something that we are all incredibly proud of.”