Boutique and regional law firms will be recognised in this year’s Bristol Law Society annual awards with new categories introduced to reflect their roles in the city’s ever-expanding legal sector.
Previously, the respected awards scheme divided all law firms entering the contest into two categories – Law Firm of the Year (under 20 partners) and Law Firm of the Year (over 20 partners). 
This year firms will be competing in three – Law Firm of the Year (Boutique), Law Firm of the Year (Regional) and Law Firm of the Year (National).
The flagship black-tie event, which this year takes place on 7 November at the Delta Hotels Bristol City Centre, is regarded as a showcase for the legal profession in the city.
It also provides an opportunity for its top lawyers, law firms and support teams to compete head-to-head on the night for the 14 awards, recognising individual law students, juniors, lawyers and support team members along with the firms that have gone the extra mile in areas such as pro bono, community engagement and diversity, inclusion & wellbeing.
Shortlisted in the three new ‘firm’ categories are Bevan Brittan, DAC Beachcroft and Michelmores (National), Barcan+Kirby, Wards Solicitors and Watkins Solicitors (Regional), and Beale & Co, Roskilly & Mills and Sedgwick Legal Services.
Barcan+Kirby was last year’s winner of the under 20 partners category.
Also shortlisted are:
- Chambers of the Year – Albion Chambers (last year’s winner), Guildhall Chambers and Queen Square Chambers
- Support Team Member of the Year – Connor Adams, Simmons & Simmons; Colleen Inker, Queen Square Chambers; and Victoriia Parkhomenko, Barcan+Kirby
- Pro Bono Award – Ed Crosse, Simmons & Simmons; Employment Tribunal Support Service, Lottie Mallin-Martin, Guildhall Chambers; and Watkins Solicitors
- Rising Star of the Year – Kirsty Bancroft, Barcan+Kirby; Andy Kerese, Watkins Solicitors; Laura McDougall, Wards Solicitors; Joshua Roderick, Lyons Davidson
- Lawyer of the Year – Nick Hillyard, DAC Beachcroft; Lizzie Stone, TLT; tom Whittaker, Burges Salmon
- Team of the Year – Sustainable Transport Team, Burges Salmon; Natural Capital Team, Michelmores; Pensions Team, TLT
- Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Initiative of the Year – Barcan+Kirby; Early Careers Team, Michelmores; Ethnic Solicitors South West Network
- Community Impact Award – Barcan+Kirby; Responsible Business Programme, Burges Salmon; UWE Futures Programme, Osborne Clarke
- Sustainable Business of the Year – Freeths; Womble Bond Dickinson
- Legal Innovation of the Year – Sedgwick Legal Services; Research & Future Law teams, TLT
- The President’s Outstanding Achievement Award will be announced on the night.
