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How to enter the 2026 Scottish Legal Awards

17th February 2026 Written by: Joshua King

The Scottish Legal Awards 2026 are open for entry and its your change to be named among the country's top solicitors.

Now in it’s 23rd year, the awards and gala celebrate achievements across the profession.

Last year, the headline accolades Firm of the Year (Under 250 Employees) and Firm of the Year (250 Employees and Over) were awarded to Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents and Thorntons Law respectively. 

The distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to The Rt Hon Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court. Lord Hodge was appointed Deputy President in January 2020, having originally joined the Court as a Justice in October 2013.

One of the highest individual honours, the Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland, was awarded to Catriona Watt of Anderson Strathern.

In the Law Champion of the Year category, the judges chose joint winners: Rachel Moon, Partner, and Lorna Walker, Senior Solicitor, of Govan Law Centre.

This year's event will raise money for the Lawscot Foundation.

Judging and Deadline

Lorna Jack, renowned for her extensive experience in the Scottish legal sector, will lead a distinguished panel of judges tasked with reviewing and debating the entries.

The entry deadline is set for Monday, April 27 2026. The winners will be unveiled at the Scottish Legal Awards Annual Dinner, hosted by broadcaster Des Clarke, on Thursday September 17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central.

The 2026 Categories

Company Awards

  • Firm of the Year (250 Employees and Over)
  • Firm of the year (Up to 250 Employees)
  • Excellence in Client Care
  • Excellence in Community Care & Social Responsibility
  • Excellence in Equity & Inclusion
  • Excellence in Support & Wellbeing

Team Awards

  • Litigation Team of the Year
  • Commercial Real Estate Team of the Year
  • Residential Property Team of the Year
  • In-House Legal Team of the Year
  • Criminal Defence Team of the Year
  • Excellence in Support Services
  • Family Law or Private Client Team of the Year
  • Marketing & Business Development Team of the Year

Individual Awards

  • Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Business Leadership Award
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Paralegal of the Year
  • Rising Star of the Year
  • Advocate of the Year
  • Law Champion of the Year

How to enter

For full details on how to enter and category criteria, click here.

Weekly roundup of Scots law in the headlines including ministers' Peter Murrell delay denial — Monday February 23

23rd February 2026
This week's review of all the latest headlines from the world of Scots Law and beyond includes a the latest on the Peter Murrell embezzlement case and a row over Brewdog.

Hear reflections from the Lord Advocate for International Women's Day

18th February 2026
To mark the 115th anniversary of International Women’s Day, you are invited you to an address by the Lord Advocate, Rt. Hon. Dorothy Bain KC.

From the President's desk: Six Nations, ICE, community and the Juristenball

18th February 2026
Law Society of Scotland President Patricia Thom considers the importance of community, rugby, security and the Juristenball.
About the author
Joshua King
Editor of the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland. Leading The Journal's coverage of the legal sector and profession with a clear eye to the future. Qualified in Scots law.
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https://www.evelyn.com/people/keith-burdon/
https://lawware.co.uk
https://www.lawscotjobs.co.uk/client/frasia-wright-associates-92.htm
https://www.findersinternational.co.uk/our-services/private-client/?utm_campaign=Scotland-Law-society-Journal-online&utm_medium=MPU&utm_source=The-Journal
https://yourcashier.co.uk/

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