Yorkshire’s legal professionals are being invited to enter the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards 2010 and, as the region emerges from the challenging economic climate of recent times, entries are expected to be particularly strong.
The event, which this year celebrates a decade of legal excellence, is a highlight of the Yorkshire legal calendar and well known for the high calibre of entries which it attracts. As part of the tenth anniversary celebrations, the awards are moving to a larger venue at the Queen’s Hotel in Leeds where the winners will be revealed at a prestigious black-tie dinner and ceremony on the 6th October.
The Awards are acknowledged for their role in encouraging excellence within the region’s legal sector, recognising outstanding talent in the county and offering professionals the chance to come together to network, socialise and celebrate.
This year sees the introduction of a number of new categories, including the In-House Lawyer Award to recognise the invaluable contribution those working in commerce, industry and governmental roles make to the organisations in which they are employed. The Trainee Solicitor and Legal Executive Awards have also been added to the line up to highlight the role played by those undertaking their legal training contract as well as those who have chosen alternative routes into a legal career.
Other categories include Law Firm Award (1-10 partners); Law Firm Award (11-30 partners); Law Firm (31+ partners); Commercial Property Award; Dispute Resolution Award; Rising Star Award; Private Client Award; Niche Law Firm Award; Corporate and Commercial Award; Enterprise Award; Real Estate Award; and Corporate and Recovery Award as well as the Yorkshire Lawyer of Year Award. In addition, the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Decade Award will be presented on the night to an individual chosen at the discretion of the judges.
Martin Shaw, partner at Pinsent Masons LLP and winner of the 2009 Presidents’ Award, said: “I was incredibly proud to receive a Yorkshire Lawyer Award last year, particularly given the huge number of talented legal professionals that our county is home to. I would encourage anyone thinking about making a nomination, either for themselves or someone they know, not to hesitate as to receive one of the awards is a great achievement and a fantastic way to promote our profession.”
To make a nomination visit www.yorkshirelawyerawards.co.uk; for any queries, call Jo Gatie on (01423) 851 157. The deadline for entries is 2nd July 2010.
As well as honouring excellence in the Yorkshire legal profession, the awards will again aim to raise money for local charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research.

