This award recognises L&D initiatives that have made a demonstrable contribution to firm strategy, growth or capability. Judges will look for thoughtfully designed programmes, strong stakeholder engagement and clear evidence of impact on performance, culture or skills.

Open to any internal communications campaign that informed, inspired or mobilised your people. Whether the campaign supported change, launched a new initiative or strengthened understanding of firm priorities, we want to see clear objectives, creative execution and measurable outcomes.

This category recognises firms that have delivered meaningful, measurable impact through responsible business initiatives. Entries may include sustainability, pro bono, community engagement, ethical programmes or wider social value activity. Judges will be looking for alignment to firm strategy, strong stakeholder involvement and evidence of positive outcomes for people, communities or the environment.

We are seeking innovative and effective ways your firm has advanced social mobility. This may include outreach, access pathways, recruitment approaches or programmes supporting progression. Successful entries will demonstrate clarity of purpose, thoughtful design and tangible impact.

This category recognises outstanding work to create a fair, inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome initiatives addressing any aspect of EDI, from culture change and inclusive leadership to targeted interventions or firm-wide strategies. Entries should show strategic alignment, meaningful engagement and evidence of positive outcomes for people and the firm.

Awarded for technology initiatives that have transformed HR or people processes. Eligible areas include recruitment, onboarding, payroll, performance, learning, internal communications and more. Judges will look for smart design, user experience, adoption and clear benefits to people and the business. Initiatives where artificial intelligence is a primary focus should be entered into the Excellence in AI for People & Talent category.

This category recognises outstanding use of artificial intelligence to support people and HR functions within law firms. Entries may include the application of AI to areas such as recruitment, workforce planning, learning and development, engagement or people analytics. They might also include the development of frameworks that enable responsible AI use. Judges will look for initiatives that demonstrate clear alignment with firm strategy, thoughtful and ethical implementation and tangible benefits for both employees and/or HR teams.

This category celebrates outstanding work that brings a firm’s employer brand to life via communications – helping current and prospective employees understand what it’s really like to work there. Entries may range from long-term employer brand strategies and proposition development to websites, social media campaigns, events or other creative initiatives that offer a compelling window into the firm. Judges will look for clarity of narrative and evidence that the work has strengthened attraction, engagement or reputation.

This award recognises exceptional recruitment outcomes achieved through a well-planned and well-executed strategy or initiative. Entries may include improvements to candidate experience, employee referral, in-house search, careers site development or creative attraction activity. Judges want to see a clearly defined problem, a coherent solution and measurable results.

Celebrating campaigns aimed at attracting trainees, apprentices, graduates or other early-career hires across legal and business services teams. Entries should include the brief, creative materials and any relevant data, such as applications, appointments, diversity outcomes or early indicators of success.

This category recognises a people-focused achievement that is new to your firm and ideally new to the sector. Entries may relate to any area of HR or people experience. Judges will prioritise initiatives that are strategically aligned, insight-driven and supported by evidence of meaningful impact.

This award recognises initiatives that enhance the experience of your people, whether through wellbeing, benefits, recognition, reward or financial wellbeing. Strong entries will show how the initiative supports firm strategy, fosters a positive people experience and delivers measurable outcomes for individuals and teams.

This category honours an established HR professional who has made an exceptional contribution to their team, firm or the wider profession within the past year. Entries should show evidence of expertise, leadership, influence and meaningful impact.

This award celebrates new-to law talent in HR. Nominees should have fewer than three years’ experience in the sector and have already demonstrated significant contributions to their team or firm. Please include the nominee’s CV with your submission.

Recognising individuals who have shown outstanding leadership in creating a productive, inclusive and supportive working environment. Nominees may be within or outside HR, such as Managing Partners, Senior Partners, COOs, HR Directors or Practice Heads who have championed people-first practices and driven positive cultural outcomes.

Awarded to a team whose work has delivered substantial value to the firm over the past year. Entries should highlight key achievements, the team’s strategic contribution and any challenges overcome. Results, particularly measurable business impact, are essential. You may enter the full HR function or a defined sub-team such as Recruitment, Reward or HR Operations.