Innovation and collaboration drive independents


Master LawNet Logo_2010 Independent law firms are proving they have what it takes to chase off challengers and disruptors.

Top performing firms and outstanding individuals from across the legal community gathered to celebrate the ninth annual LawNet Awards, which recognise innovation and strategic success.

“We had a record number of submissions and a highly competitive field of entrants, all of whom demonstrated real vision and depth in delivering solutions with a proven business impact across the categories,” said LawNet chief executive Chris Marston.

Gardner Leader was named LawNet Law Firm of the Year.  Through a combination of organic growth, strategic alliances and acquisition, the firm has seen turnover almost double in the past five years.

Said Derek Rodgers, managing partner of Berkshire-based Gardner Leader:  “This marks the culmination of a long term vision, with quite significant growth over the last five years.  We have added new people, invested in new technology, implemented continuous improvement and change management processes, and integrated a couple of acquisitions into the firm.  It’s been a lot of hard work and we’re very proud to have it recognised with this award.”

He added:  “We’ve been members of LawNet for a long time and know the calibre of the firms in the network, so to win against that competition means a lot to us.”

Winner of the Young Lawyer of the Year was Danielle Collett-Bruce of Hart Brown.  Just three years qualified she is already the lead solicitor on varied transactions of significant value and has drawn up licencing agreements used around the globe on high value software contracts.  Hart Brown also collected the Mark of Excellence award for their work in delivering exceptional customer service.

Best Digital Presence went to Gotelee Solicitors for a strategic campaign focused on increasing traffic referrals, tackling negative perceptions of the sector, and creating a strong online personality for the firm.  The analytics-driven campaign has seen overall traffic increased by 84% in three years.

Buckles Solicitors LLP collected the Excellence in Employee Engagement for their focus on relationships to deliver business success, putting employees at the heart of the company. It’s already won the firm a place on the Best Companies to Work For national index as well as the Investors in People Gold Standard.

Best Community Contribution  went to Ashtons Legal in the East of England for a unique commitment to its local community, setting up its own Charitable Trust in 2014, as a vehicle to give back to the area.  Since April this year the trust has distributed £12,500, alongside pro bono, facility provision and community involvement by the firm.

And Team of the Year went to the Residential Property Team, Mullis & Peake LLP for all round innovation and best practice.  Successes include business development which saw a new satellite office deliver an immediate return on investment.

Added Chris Marston:  “There is much to celebrate in the sector, despite the pessimism spread by the nay-sayers.  We may be dealing with more regulation, new learning requirements, and constant competition and disruption, but the exceptional successes in this year’s entries demonstrate there’s plenty of opportunity if firms are prepared to innovate.”

He added:   “The peer to peer collaboration and networking between our members certainly has a catalytic effect, raising the bar and helping to grow winning firms.”

The award winners:

Law Firm of the Year Gardener Leader LLP: Sponsored by Wilkinson Read & Partners

Team of the Year: Residential Property Team, Mullis & Peake LLP: Sponsored by STL

Young Lawyer of the year: Danielle Collett-Bruce, Hart Brown: Sponsored by Econocom Digital Finance

Excellence in Employee Engagement: Buckles Solicitors LLP: Sponsored by Tikit

Best Community Contribution: Ashtons Legal: Sponsored by Landmark Information Group

Best Digital Presence: Gotelee Solicitors: Sponsored by Conscious Solutions

LawNet Mark of Excellence: Hart Brown: Sponsored by Shopper Anonymous

Most active LawNet member: Andrew & Co LLP

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