TMT Team of the Year
The winner of this category must demonstrate market-leading commercial or regulatory expertise through advice on a specific, high -profile IP, technology and media case or transaction. Judges will look for outcomes that deliver the right result for clients.
Finance Team of the Year
The winning team for this award will operate at the cutting edge of the finance industry. We will consider specific examples of a deal from a wide range of areas including bank lending, acquisition finance, project finance and debt capital markets. The judges will give particular credence to the views of the wider finance community in deciding the winning team.
Restructuring Team of the Year
This award recognises teams that have advised on the most complex restructuring mandate of the year. In choosing the standout advisers in one of the most high profile practice areas in recent times, judges will be looking for clear examples of innovation where the lawyers have delivered crucial outcomes for their client.
Insurance Team of the Year
This award will recognise an insurance team that has handled innovative work and stands out for attracting the most impressive instructions of 2011 in this constantly changing market. Judges welcome submissions highlighting one example from a variety of work, including standout transactions, disputes and arbitration, as well as regulatory issues.
Energy and Natural Resources Team of the Year
The winning team must demonstrate real strength and commitment in the energy and natural resources sector. Although we will be accepting submissions covering corporate and finance matters, as well as contentious work, it is not the size of the deal that counts but the industry knowledge behind it. The winner will have advised on a trailblazing matter that has significantly affected the market.
Real Estate Team of the Year
For this award, judges will look for a standout example of real estate-related work , including financing, development or construction, or cases and transactions in planning, environment and regeneration areas.
Private Client Team of the Year
This award recognises the top private client teams in the country handling high-value work in the areas of estates, charities, family, contentious and non-contentious trusts and probate, as well as personal tax. Judges will be looking for specific examples of groundbreaking advice and dedication to the practice area from the winning team.
Dispute Resolution Team of the Year
This award recognises the very best contentious lawyers in the country. From courtroom litigators to the finest arbitrators, the individuals and teams shortlisted will have shown, in one exceptional piece of work, the tenacity, initiative and skill that ensures clients remain one step ahead of their opponents.
Corporate Team of the Year
For this award, consideration will be given to mergers and acquisitions work, as well as disposals, joint ventures and equity capital markets listings. The judges are also looking for evidence of a strong partnership between the corporate lawyers and the in-house client team they work with in the context of one exceptional deal.
Private Equity Team of the Year
Our private equity team of the year must demonstrate an ability to land the most significant mandates in an incredibly competitive market for private equity-backed deals. Judges will look for evidence of an ability to move with the market and stand out from competitors on the most eye-catching transaction.
Regulatory Team of the Year
This award will go to the team that has demonstrated a leading position in advising clients on their most serious regulatory challenges, regardless of
industry. In a world where regulatory bodies are increasingly prominent in
the lives of many clients, the winning team will standout for the crucial role
they have played in a high-profile regulatory or criminal investigation.
Competition Team of the Year
This award will be given to the team that either provided the most impressive antitrust advice on a specific case, transaction or investigation, or was instrumental in steering a client through a regulatory minefield with high-level commercial advice. Entrants should be able to demonstrate clearly the direct effect of their advice on the final outcome.
Employment, Pensions & Benefits Team of the Year
This award will be given to a team that can demonstrate exemplary performance in this area, either for an employer or for trustees and
employees. Nominees are invited to provide evidence of value-added
service in contentious, non-contentious or regulatory matters. Judges
will be looking for an innovative or pioneering example of work, a significant
new client win or superb service to an existing client.
International Firm of the Year
Submissions are invited from leading independent law firms operating in mainland Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australasia, the Middle East and Africa. Key factors taken into account by our judges include a clear demonstration of growing market share, stellar financial performance, strong management, a successful recruitment and retention strategy and a significant client development programme.
CSR Programme of the Year
In recognition of either a single law firm or chambers or a wider association of law firms, this award will recognise those that have made the strongest overall contribution to corporate social responsibility. Reference can be made to a range of areas, particularly pro bono, but also community activities, environmental and workplace initiatives (such as those promoting greater diversity), and responsible client selection.
US law firm of the year
This award highlights the US firm that has made the greatest progress over the past year in advancing its strategy, improving financial performance and winning instructions. Please note that a large international presence is not a prerequisite for consideration for this award, although the judges will be looking for strong evidence of success in those foreign markets where the firm has offices.
Lawyer of the Year
This award recognises a truly exceptional individual contribution to the profession during 2011. Submissions are welcomed from private practitioners, in-house counsel and barristers. We would also encourage leading recruitment specialists and external consultants in the sector to nominate candidates they feel are worthy of consideration.
Management Partner of the Year
This award will recognise outstanding firm management from either a managing partner, senior partner, chief executive or chief operating officer. Key factors influencing our judging panel include market profile, strategic thinking, communication skills and the extent to which the individual has the support of their peers, partners, staff and clients in driving the firm’s business forward.
National/Regional Firm of the Year
This award highlights the UK-based national or regional firm (with headquarters outside of London) that has made the greatest progress over the past year in advancing its strategy. Key factors taken into account will be evidence of strong management, impressive financial performance and increased market share across the firm’s major practice areas.
Law Firm of the Year
This award recognises those firms that have really stood apart in the industry this year and can demonstrate successful implementation of their strategic goals. This may include the development of new practice areas, expansion into new international or domestic markets, new client wins, the completion of a strategic merger or acquisition, improved financial performance, or a successful recruitment policy.