Award Categories

Best Contentious Wills and Probate Team

The team of the year dealing with disputes over wills takes a pragmatic and personable approach to dealing with disagreements over wills and the probate proceedings that follow. Skilled litigators with a proven track record of success, this team will also be able to evidence a sensitive and client-centred approach to dealing with contentious probate issues.

Entries for this award are for practitioners only. Suppliers to the legal sector cannot apply.

Probate Provider of the Year

Large Firms (Over 75 Staff) Small Firms (Under 75 Staff) This award goes to a probate provider who has kept the interests of both the client and strategic provider at the forefront of its practice.

Small Firms Sponsored by: Just Clear

Charity Legacy Team of the Year

This award recognises those that combine the best traditions of the charity sector with a deep legal knowledge and sensitivity to administer part of the c.£3.1bn that is left to charity each year.

For the purposes of this Award, a team can be one person. Only staff working within a charity can be nominated. Contractors and consultants are not eligible. Teams may not nominate themselves, but can be nominated by people working at other charities or legal professionals with whom they have a professional relationship.

Sponsored by:

NEW Most Rewarding Charity Initiative

This award goes to a charity scheme who has successfully established a partnership between the legal profession and the charity. The award recognises cases where the relationship has provided significant benefit to the firm, charity and wider community.

Judging may consider any testimonials or case studies of how initiatives have benefited its recipients

Best use of Technology

This award goes to a firm or legal supplier who has shown great initiative by implementing technology which has enhances the efficiency, productivity and effectiveness of their business, or demonstrated how their technology has delivered an exceptional customer experience.

Best Use of Marketing & Social Media

This award looks at all aspects of how a firm or legal supplier markets itself. This firm or legal supplier has shown that its use of marketing and social media has created an effective platform and online presence through which customers/clients can reach them

Sponsored by:

Community Involvement Award

This award goes to the firm with an organised approach to corporate social responsibility. The winner will be able to demonstrate a tangible and consistent programme of community involvement over the last 12 months. Judges will look for commitment and passion in making a difference to the winner’s local community and for a strong connection between the activities undertaken and the firm’s values.

Entries for this award are for practitioners only. Suppliers to the legal sector cannot apply.

Innovation of the Year

This award represents an innovative project or product that has greatly improved the customer journey and taken the area of Wills and Probate forward.

Solicitor Firm of the Year (National)

This award represents the national Solicitor firm who has best proven all round excellence within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management. They effectively engage with their clients through various channels be it directly, online or through panels.

Probate Research Firm of the Year

The probate research firm of the year will demonstrate excellence in this niche area of the market. The successful firm will show how they put their expertise to effective use and provide an exceptional commitment to their clients and the profession.

Sponsored by:

Private Client Team of the Year

This award recognises a private client team within a firm who work in collaboration to provide the best service to their clients, and who demonstrate how they work together to contribute to the overall firms success. The winner will be able to showcase a team-based approach to practicing with diverse mix of team members bringing a variety of skills and experience to the team to produce a winning combination.

Court of Protection Team of the Year

This award recognises those that support the most vulnerable members of society navigating often complex and emotionally charged situations. The winning team demonstrates a commitment to serving those who may be experiencing issues around mental capacity and to helping families to negotiate the legal system in order to achieve the best possible outcome for their loved one.

Entries for this award are for practitioners only. Suppliers to the legal sector cannot apply.

Young Practitioner of the Year

This award represents an exceptional individual who has shown a high level of involvement and development within the sector or area of practice. We classify young practitioners as being under 35 years old.

Sponsored by:

Solicitor Firm of the Year (Regional)

North Midlands South This award represents the regional Solicitor firm who has best proven all round excellence within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management. They effectively engage with their clients through various channels be it directly, online or through panels.

Your firm will compete against other local firms. There is no restriction in type or size of the firm but their work should be mainly undertaken within the local area.

Sponsored by:

NEW Chamber of the Year

This award recognises the Chambers who can demonstrate that it has provided outstanding quality of legal service for its clients and has displayed high levels of teamwork within its firm, with external lawyers and/or other professionals.

Sponsored by:

NEW Funeral Plan Provider of the Year

The winning provider will demonstrate a commitment to high quality customer service with a strong culture of excellence and transparency. Demonstrating excellent relationships and collaboration with their professional counterparts, a choice of plans available according to customer needs, and examples of positive customer reviews

Sponsored by:

NEW Will Writing Sole Practitioner of the Year

This award represents an exceptional Will Writing sole practitioner who has proven all round excellence within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management.

Sponsored by:

Will Writing Firm of the Year (Regional)

North & Midlands South This award represents an exceptional Will Writing firm who has proven all round excellence within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management.

Your firm will compete against other local firms. There is no restriction in type or size of the firm but their work should be mainly undertaken within the local area.

Sponsored by:

Will Writing Firm of the Year (National)

This award represents an exceptional Will Writing firm who has proven all round excellence on a national level within the practice area of Wills, Probate and Estate Management.

NEW The Today’s Wills & Probate Industry Champion Award

The Today’s Wills & Probate Industry Champion will be voted for by the sector; keep an eye out for the shortlist before the public vote.

NEW IT Team of the Year

In the last 12 months law firms have had to swiftly and efficiently move to remote working almost overnight. This award recognises an exceptional IT team who efficiently and effectively supported colleagues in challenging circumstances to deliver exceptional services to their staff and clients with minimal disruption.

Sponsored by: