EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Winner: Mishcon de Reya
In the category with the most number of entries, the judges decided to recognise the winner's L&D team who have created a leading-edge development programme for new and existing General Counsel that strengthens client relationships, differentiates the firm and generates new business. This repositioning of the L&D team – from being a provider of internal content to offering a commercially viable product to the market – demonstrates both creativity and imagination. A clear gap in the market was identified, and the team stepped forward to fill it.
Highly Commended: Ashurst
BEST INTERNAL ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN
Presented by: Lak Purewal, Pure HR & Mediation Ltd
Winner: Clyde & Co
The winner in this category demonstrated a razor-like focus on one of the most important groups within the firm. They established a global community of Senior Associates, creating dedicated communication channels and virtual networking opportunities. This initiative supported the firm's strategic objective of improving collaboration and, with strong leadership sponsorship, delivered a programme that achieved tangible outcomes.
Highly Commended: Norton Rose Fulbright
EXCELLENCE IN RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Presented by: Sunita Harley, Collective insight
Winner: Mishcon de Reya
The winner in this category has made a tangible difference in promoting access to the law through educational programmes for school pupils aged 5–18. The firm provided resources for teachers, mobilised volunteers to support programme delivery, and partnered with peer firms to create a legal education committee. The judges were particularly impressed by the breadth and scale of the initiative. Its ambition to embed legal knowledge in schools and community settings is already being realised, with the programme having reached 300,000 learners.
BEST SOCIAL MOBILITY INITIATIVE
This firm demonstrated a holistic approach to social mobility within its early careers recruitment strategy. The judges were impressed by the breadth and long-term commitment of the initiative, as well as the extensive and wide-ranging partnerships established with external providers. The results are compelling, with a material increase in the number of trainees and apprentices recruited who meet social mobility criteria, exceeding industry norms.
Highly Commended: Trowers & Hamlins – Trowers Horizons Programme
EXCELLENCE IN ED&I
The winner in this category has developed an exceptional programme to support employees who are victims of domestic abuse. This initiative goes far beyond a policy implementation or statement of intent. Instead, it comprises a series of thoughtful, progressive and practical measures, including a manager's toolkit, paid leave, the provision of emergency accommodation, adjustments to working patterns, and the creation of a peer-to-peer domestic abuse companion network.
All aspects were considered in this comprehensive and compassionate support package, addressing a specific need that does not always receive the level of investment it requires.
Highly Commended: Trowers & Hamlins
EXCELLENCE IN AI FOR PEOPLE & TALENT
Winner: Mishcon de Reya
As part of its strategic adoption of AI across the organisation, this firm adopted AI into its graduate recruitment process with exceptional results. Taking a measured and responsible approach, informed by extensive candidate feedback, the firm implemented a machine-learning interview platform that reduced screening time by 85%, while ensuring that final selection decisions were always made by people. Central to this approach was a commitment to inclusivity, helping to level the playing field for all candidates while moving away from traditional graduate recruitment assessment methods.
EXCELLENCE IN EMPLOYER BRANDING
Winner: Addleshaw Goddard
At a time of significant planned growth, it was essential for this firm to clearly articulate its culture and what it means to the people who work there. The results of a culture survey led to the creation of a video series featuring powerful, authentic stories shared by 30 employees about life at the firm which resonated internally, garnering over 15,000 views. These stories were professionally curated with the support of an external agency and shared internally by the Senior Partner, as well as externally to support recruitment efforts. Rather than relying on a handful of buzzwords to describe its culture, the firm used the power of storytelling to convey what it is truly like to work there.
Highly Commended: DAC Beachcroft
EXCELLENCE IN RECRUITMENT
Sponsored by: Performance Leader
Winner: DAC Beachcroft
The winner in this category has completely transformed its approach to recruitment, leading to excellent results. The implementation of an RPO provider has brought greater transparency, improved measurement and more efficient processes. As a result, the proportion of direct hires has increased from 60% to 90%.
The change programme was carefully planned and implemented to ensure a smooth and seamless transition for the team's internal stakeholders. This has led to improved speed of hire, higher candidate satisfaction and strong manager engagement with the recruitment process. A new, sustainable approach is now firmly embedded within the firm.
BEST EARLY TALENT RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
Winner: Linklaters
The judges were impressed by the ambition, time investment, and creativity of this initiative. Moving away from the traditional graduate fair model, the firm invited 800 students to attend a specially curated event at its premises, designed to inform students about the firm's work while also building their confidence. From real-life elevator pitches to guidance on personal branding, this thoughtful programme felt – and was – distinctive. The level of interest generated was exceptional.
EXCELLENCE IN PEOPLE EXPERIENCE: WELLBEING & REWARD
Winner: Foot Anstey
This firm has created a market-leading package of initiatives to support its strategic goal of delivering an exceptional people experience. The importance of supporting families within the firm is clearly articulated, and the measures introduced are thoughtful, comprehensive, and relevant. Inclusivity is central to the programme. The results are impressive, including a significant reduction in staff turnover among the target population.
BEST PEOPLE PROFESSIONAL
Winner: Frankie Dadzie, Linklaters
This individual impressed the judges with her creativity, innovation, and originality of thought in transforming the early careers function at her firm and enhancing engagement with students applying for training contracts. While she was instrumental in launching two major early careers initiatives, it was equally clear that she consistently thought outside the box and challenged the status quo to deliver meaningful, measurable change. Her creative, data driven approach has strengthened the candidate journey and the firm's early careers talent pipeline. Equally impressive is her work supporting charities and the wider community, alongside her role as a conference speaker and influential voice within the legal sector.
RISING STAR
Winner: Simran Sohal, Trowers & Hamlins
The judges were impressed by the calibre of nominees in this category, and selecting a winner was no easy task. However, the winner stood out due to the breadth of work she is already involved in, the large number of testimonials she received – demonstrating the high regard in which she is held within her firm – and the fact that she has been promoted twice in a single year.
She has actively sought out opportunities in areas that were previously unfamiliar to her and has delivered outstanding results.
BEST PEOPLE LEADER
Winner: Shelley Sutton, Browne Jacobson
This individual impressed the judges with her inspirational leadership in helping to transform the culture of her firm. She has been at the heart of the firm's strategic thinking, translating the business strategy into a number of clear firm-wide goals and leading their implementation.
At the same time, she has transformed the people function into a strategic partner and enabler of change. She has led the implementation of AI across the business, viewing it as a people-led initiative rather than a purely technology-driven one, while also strengthening the firm's commitment to EDI.
The outcomes, as measured by engagement results, are exceptional, with an engagement score of almost 90%. She is a true leader in the field.
HR TEAM OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by: Accurate Background
Winner: Foot Anstey
In a highly competitive category, this firm stood out for placing people at the centre of its four-year business growth strategy. It identified several priority areas, including recruiting diverse talent, development, collaboration, and flexible working. The firm also partnered with an external organisation to assess how culture informs performance, ensuring its approach was insight-led and measurable. This work resulted in a set of people initiatives that were innovative, impactful, and clearly linked to tangible business outcomes, while strengthening the firm's culture and supporting its ambitious growth plans.
Highly Commended: Lodders
GRAND PRIX
