Full shortlist for BWS Women in Law Awards revealed including Solicitor of the Year

The full shortlist for the 2026 BWS Women in Law Awards has been published ahead of the event next month.

The programme is overseen by Business Women Scotland (BWS) and culminates in a prize-giving lunch in Glasgow next month with a keynote speech from Lady Elish Angiolini.

The awards, sponsored by Sharri Plimbley, will celebrate excellence, champion equality and inspire a new generation of women in law.

A full shortlist of nominees has now been revealed. Details of how to get tickets and what is happening at the awards lunch are available below.

2026 Shortlist

Boutique Law Firm of the Year

• Arjumand Ara Sheikh, Strand Solicitors
• Laura McKnight, Macdonald Henderson Limited
• Emma Reid, Ergo Law

Commercial Property/Residential Property Award

• Eilidh Campbell McCreadie, W & A S Bruce
• Stacy Campbell, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors
• Stephanie Mann, Laurie and Co

Family and Child Law Award

• Emma Somerville, Kee Solicitors Ltd
• Donna McKay, Brodies LLP
• Joanne Murray, Blackadders LLP

Law Firm of the Year (Large) – Female leader

• Christine Turbet, Dentons
• Julie McConnell, Brodies LLP
• Lesley Larg, Thorntons Law

Law Firm of the Year (Small) – Female leader

• Lynsey Millar, Lanarkshire Law Practice Limited
• Arjumand Ara Sheikh, Strand Solicitors
• Laura McKnight, Macdonald Henderson Limited
• Stacy Campbell, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors

Mentor of the Year

• Dr Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, University of Strathclyde
• Ann Logan, Balfour + Manson
• Larysa Zhdankina, University of Glasgow
• Laura McKenna, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors
• Laura McKnight, Macdonald Henderson Limited
• Lizzie Donaldson, Berry Mentor Networks
• Pauline Ward, Kee Solicitors Ltd
• Rupa Mooker, Ashurst

Paralegal of the Year

• Ellie Hogarty, Jam Virtual Support
• Laura Brown, Brown Owl Legal Support
• Lorraine Marshall, Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Private Client Award

• Anna Hills, W & A S Bruce 
• Nicola Ker, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors

Rising Star of the Year

• Annsia Nabi, Thorntons
• Eilidh Campbell McCreadie, W & A S Bruce 
• Michelle Young, Wright Johnston & Mackenzie
• Shelley Anthea Matheson, Archibald Sharp

Solicitor of the Year

• Sarah-Jane (SJ) Macdonald, Wright Johnston & Mackenzie
• Ellen Masters Good, Aberdein Considine LLP
• Laura McKnight, Macdonald Henderson Limited
• Louise Shiels, Brodies LLP
• Martha Thomson, Kee Solicitors Ltd
• Stacy Campbell, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors
• Sarah Crewes, Clyde and Co

Trainee Solicitor of The Year

• Cara Hope, Weightmans (Scotland) LLP
• Caroline Erentz, COPFS
• Kirsty Martin, Blackadders LLP
• Madeleine Thomas, Gilson Gray LLP
• Mairi Adams, Wright Johnston & Mackenzie

Awards lunch and tickets

The 2026 awards lunch is being held on Thursday, March 12 at Voco, Grand Central, 99 Gordon Street in Glasgow.

The event begins with.a drinks reception followed by a two-course lunch and keynote address from The Right Honourable Lady Elish Angiolini, one of the most influential figures in the UK legal profession.

Tickets for the event are available now.