By Legal Futures Associate CEL Solicitors
CEL Solicitors is celebrating after winning the Law Firm Award (50+ employees) at the Liverpool Law Society Annual Dinner and Legal Awards 2025. The prestigious black-tie event, one of the most distinguished in the region’s legal calendar, brought together leading practitioners, firms, and dignitaries to honour excellence across Merseyside’s legal sector.
Recognised for its innovation, technical expertise, and exceptional client care, CEL Solicitors stood out among strong competition. The award reinforces the firm’s status as one of Liverpool’s most dynamic and influential legal practices, one that has not only elevated standards locally but also gained prominence nationally.
A national leader with Liverpool at its core
Employing around 100 people at its Liverpool headquarters, CEL Solicitors has grown into a nationally recognised consumer law firm. Ranked the UK’s number-one consumer law firm by Review Solicitors, outperforming 4,401 firms, the practice has amassed more than 15,000 five-star reviews, with 98% of clients recommending the firm to others.
The firm’s work in fraud and scam recovery has been particularly transformative. Having helped over 9,000 clients recover £150 million, CEL has positioned Liverpool at the forefront of a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex area of law. Its achievements in professional negligence, housing disrepair, and personal injury further highlight its breadth and impact.
Innovation, research, and “law at its best”
The judging panel highlighted CEL’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable legal practice. Last year’s winners of the Outstanding Team (Non-Contentious) Award, CEL has continued to invest heavily in client-centred research, particularly around the emotional and practical needs of fraud victims.
This pioneering work, selected for presentation at a leading research conference, directly shaped the firm’s 2025 rebrand and enhanced client journey. CEL’s strategic use of legal technology and accessibility initiatives demonstrates the forward-thinking approach that underpins its success.
Leadership driving significant impact
CEL’s leadership team has made bold strides in emerging areas of financial crime. Recognising the surge in cryptocurrency-related fraud, the firm has invested in this specialist department and partnered with expert investigators, placing it at the cutting edge of asset recovery.
In just twelve months, CEL progressed from attending the C5 Fraud, Asset Tracing & Recovery Conference in Geneva to being invited to speak as experts at a major London conference in 2026. This rapid trajectory reflects an ambitious, innovation-led vision that differentiates the firm on the national stage.
Community commitment and social responsibility
The firm’s contribution to the wider community was also central to its award win. CEL actively supports vulnerable people through partnerships with organisations including Centre 56 and empowers staff to volunteer through paid community days.
With dedicated CSR, diversity, and culture committees, the firm embeds compassion and social value into its operations strengthening communities locally.
A defining moment for the firm
Over the past year alone, CEL has returned £39 million to fraud victims, launched its pioneering crypto recovery service, expanded into personal injury, and strengthened its litigation capabilities. Its “Just Tell CEL” national campaign further amplified the firm’s visibility across TV, radio, outdoor, and digital channels.
As the firm continues to shape the future of consumer law, fraud recovery, and legal technology, this latest accolade marks a significant milestone.
Commenting on the award win, Jessica Hampson, Chief Executive Officer at CEL Solicitors, said: “The calibre of entrants was exceptional this year, which makes winning this award even more meaningful. It’s incredibly rewarding to have our firm’s hard work and dedication recognised by the Liverpool Law Society.”
Paul Hampson, Director at CEL Solicitors, added: “The strength of Liverpool’s legal community lies in our shared commitment to excellence. The awards were a great example of the collaborative spirit that is driving the entire profession forward, with lots of fantastic individual solicitors and firms recognised on the night.”
