Sedgwick Legal Services and Wards Solicitors were last night named as the first winners of two new categories in Bristol Law Society’s annual awards while Burges Salmon ended the evening with a hat-trick of trophies.
Sedgwick landed the Law Firm of the Year (Boutique) award with Wards claiming the Law Firm of the Year (Regional) title. 
Both categories were introduced to the highly respected awards scheme this year to reflect changes in Bristol’s ever-expanding legal sector.
Bevan Brittan won the Law Firm of the Year (National) award, which replaced the previous Law Firm of the Year (over 20 partners) category.
Sedgwick Legal Services was launched just 18 months ago by Sedgwick, the international loss adjuster, to focus on first party property claims and recoveries.
The firm’s Bristol-based launch partner was John Hinton, a solicitor and then partner for 14 years with DAC Beachcroft in the city and was previously with Lyons Davidson.
Shortlisted in the same category were Beale & Co and Roskilly & Mills.
Wards, which has 12 offices in and around Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, beat off challenges from Barcan+Kirby and Watkins Solicitors to win its award.
Burges Salmon secured its three awards in the Team of the Year, Lawyer of the Year and Community Impact categories.
Other winners last night were:
Support Team Member of the Year: Colleen Inker, senior criminal & regulatory clerk, Queen Square Chambers.
Pro Bono: Lottie Mallin-Martin, barrister, Guildhall Chambers
Rising Star of the Year: Andy Kerese, international family law solicitor, Watkins Solicitors
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Initiative of the Year: Ethnic Solicitors South West Network (ESSWN)
Sustainable Business of the Year: Womble Bond Dickinson
Legal Innovation of the Year: Research & Future Law Teams, TLT
Chambers of the Year: Guildhall Chambers
The President’s Outstanding Achievement Award went to District Judge (retired) Tony Woodburn.
Bristol Business News will have more details of the winners and photos next week.
