Sidmouth solicitors part of UK Regional Law Firm of the Year

Michelmores LLP, which has an office in Harston, Sidmouth, 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 over 1000 other lawyers from across the UK.

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 also 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.

Richard Hedger, Michelmores' Sidmouth office managing partner, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this award.  At the Sidmouth office we specialise in personal affairs of our clients including wills, trusts, probate, tax, powers of attorney, property and family issues.

"However, winning this prestigious national award clearly demonstrates the strength in depth of the practice overall and that those of us working out of the Sidmouth office can call upon a vast knowledge base from highly experienced lawyers across every aspect of the law."

Ends

Further information:
Malcolm Dickinson (Managing Partner) 01392 688688
Louise Edwards (Marketing Manager) 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