LawNet Awards 2024/5 Winners

Putting people first drives top billing

Two law firms are celebrating the power of collaboration and a people-first approach in delivering standout performances, each winning the coveted title of LawNet Law Firm of the Year in their respective categories.

Gardner Leader LLP, with offices across the Thames Valley and Berkshire, took home the award in the £6m+ turnover category, while Kent-based Berry & Lamberts Solicitors collected the award for firms of up to £6m turnover. 

With judging by a panel of specialists, chaired by legal sector authority Andrew Hedley, LawNet’s annual awards are focused on recognising innovation and strategic success across the network’s SME law firm members.  This year, more than 320 delegates joined the annual conference and awards dinner, which also recognised individuals and teams who are delivering outstanding business results.

Gardner Leader secured the top slot for the second time, having won in 2016 for the success of the earlier phase of their strategy.  Now established as a leading regional player, described by the Legal 500 as having the capability to more than hold its own against big city firms, Gardner Leader has recorded exponential growth.  It has doubled turnover in the past five years, growing its footprint to include seven locations, following strategic acquisitions in Swindon and Oxford. 

The growth has come through the development of new specialised practice areas, such as Life Sciences, by embracing digital services and communication tools, and by investment in both client and staff relationships.  This has seen staff numbers grow to more than 200 in the past two years, reflecting an ongoing commitment to attracting top talent through a culture of transparency and engagement.

Receiving the award, Derek Rodgers, managing partner at Gardner Leader said: 

“We recognise the exceptional quality of firms within the LawNet network, so to be named law firm of the year is a real honour.  Personally, I’m very proud to see the award recognise the incredible team I have the privilege of working with every day.”

For Berry & Lamberts putting people first has also proven a successful strategy.  To attract and retain staff, the firm has compiled a comprehensive benefits package, from mental health to mentorship, and encourages active involvement in the firm’s decision-making processes. Embracing the local community as the bedrock of the client base, paired with a strategic drive to increase profitability, is enabling the firm to retain talent and create opportunities within the equity, securing long-term growth.

Paul Reader, managing partner of Berry & Lamberts Solicitors, added: “I am absolutely delighted to receive this award, and from such a prestigious group as LawNet, it holds even greater meaning. This has been a true team effort, and that’s where we place our focus — investing in our team. When you support your people, they take care of your clients, and that’s when great things happen.”

Congratulating this year’s winners, LawNet chief executive Chris Marston said:  “These firms demonstrated outstanding performance against a clear strategy, but it’s never just about profit.  

“To be a winner at our national awards requires extraordinary performance.  By focusing on a human-centric strategy, both firms are redefining what it means to thrive in today’s legal landscape.

“All of this year’s entries were exceptional, highlighting how our member firms are being truly innovative in how they approach the challenges of today’s legal market, while energising their teams and continually exceeding client expectations.”

That investment in people was evident also in the rising talent awards, which were scooped by two young lawyers from the same firm.  Daniel Hart was named trainee of the year and under-35 rising star went to Hadiha Waheed.  Both work for Surrey-based Howell Jones Solicitors, where partner Jess Buttaci said: “We are very proud of Daniel and Hadiha, and this is well-deserved recognition for their contribution and commitment to the firm and the profession. In today’s challenging landscape, finding and retaining the best lawyers means creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to develop and shine. We work hard to ensure our lawyers and trainees feel empowered to drive positive change, with their voices heard and their potential fully realised.”

Legal team of the year for business clients went to the corporate team at mfg Solicitors LLP and to the criminal law team at Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors for individual clients, with the new business team at Martin Tolhurst Solicitors securing business support team of the year.

Tozers LLP won the excellence in client care award, the ESG initiative award went to Blaser Mills Law, and the best innovation award went to VWV.  

Added Chris Marston:  “What makes our awards unique is the level of collaboration that is involved.  Everyone is, of course, keen to win, but they share and learn from each other on the journey, through our thought leadership agenda, the management and leadership forum and broader community conversations.

“It’s truly exciting to see how it all comes together to support and energise our law firm leaders towards such outstanding results.”

All the award winners: