Michelmores triumphs at British Legal Awards
Michelmores LLP has been voted UK Regional Law Firm of the Year at the 2009 British Legal Awards, organised by influential magazine Legal Week.
The firm was one of six finalists for the award, which was announced on 3 December 2009 at an awards dinner at Old Billingsgate Market in the City of London that attracted nearly 1000 other lawyers from across the UK.
The Regional Law Firm of the Year category is open to all UK law firms not headquartered in London. Previous winners have included national firm Mills & Reeve and Manchester-based Pannone.
Michelmores managing partner, Malcolm Dickinson, and Head of Marketing Louise Edwards accepted the award from TV personality Alexander Armstrong, half of the popular Miller and Armstrong comedy team.
Michelmores had to meet a demanding set of criteria to be considered for the award, including demonstrating that the firm is a leader within its target markets, has made significant progress over the past year and that it is working to a clear strategy. The judging panel was also looking for legal expertise and innovation, a strong focus on client care and sustainable improvements in financial performance.
The judges took into account Michelmores commitment to a corporate and social responsibility programme which has included raising over £45,000 in 2009 for the firm's charity of the year, Hospiscare.
Earlier in the year, Michelmores had been recognised by the Lawyer magazine as one of the fasting growing UK firms after confirming a rise in turnover of 11.8%.
Malcolm Dickinson, Michelmores' managing partner, said: "The award examines all aspects of the business and we were able to demonstrate that the firm continues to progress, despite the challenging economic climate of the past twelve months.
"Winning this award has been made possible by a huge team effort with everyone in the firm playing a part. This is a fantastic achievement and we are delighted that our hard work has paid off in this recognition by the British Legal Awards."
Ends
Further information:
Malcolm Dickinson (Managing Partner) 01392 688688
Louise Edwards (Head of Marketing)01392 688688
Notes for Editors
1. The 18-strong judging panel was chaired by Bill Knight, former senior partner of Simmons & Simmons, and included Ferrari general counsel Massimiliano Maestretti, Banco Santander UK legal head Olga Garcia Gonzalez, BAA's Carol Hui, Terry Miller of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Richard Bennett of HSBC.
2. The 2009 British Legal Awards - 2009 winners in full
- CSR Initiative/Programme of the Year: Lovells
- London Office of the Year: NCTM
- Regional Law Firm of the Year: Michelmores
- Chambers of the Year: Outer Temple Chambers
- Managing/Senior Partner of the Year: Mike Francies, Weil Gotshal & Manges
- Assistant Solicitor/ Associate of the Year: Ben Allgrove, Baker & McKenzie
- Law Firm Innovation Award: Axiom
- M&A Team of the Year: Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
- Commercial Team of the Year: Field Fisher Waterhouse
- Litigation and Regulatory Team of the Year: Jones Day
- Senior Partner of the Year: Padraig O Riordain, Arthur Cox
- European Legal Team of the Year: Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
- Legal Department of the Year: Abbey National
- General Counsel of the Year: Alex Thrower, Teva
- Young In-House Lawyer of the Year: Helen Koerner, BASF
- In-House Award for Innovation: Rio Tinto
- Banking, Finance or Restructuring Team of the Year: Linklaters
- Property Team of the Year: SJ Berwin
- Private Client/Family Team of the Year: Farrer & Co
- European Law Firm of the Year: Uria Menendez
- Middle East and African Law Firm of the Year: Al Tamimi & Company
- Offshore Law Firm of the Year: Ogier
- Law Firm of the Year: Stephenson Harwood
- Technology Provider of the Year: Autonomy
- Best Use of Technology: LG
( Last Updated: 28-04-2010 )
