Photo gallery and full list of winners from BWS Women in Law Awards 2026

The winners of the 2026 BWS Women in Law Awards including Solicitor of the Year were announced at a 'powerful' event in Glasgow.

The programme was overseen by Business Women Scotland (BWS) and culminated in a prize-giving lunch a keynote speech from Lady Elish Angiolini who also received a Lifetime Achievement award..

The ceremony, sponsored by Sharri Plimbley, celebrated excellence, championed equality and, hopefully, inspired a new generation of women in law.

The venue for the event was changed at the last minute following the devastating blaze at Union Corner.

A spokesperson from award organisers BWS said: "It was fantastic to see such a powerful room of women and supporters come together to recognise excellence, share stories and champion the future of women in law.

"A special thank you to our sponsors and judges for their continued support in making this event possible, and to the wonderful team at Crowne Plaza for stepping in at the last minute to host us following the recent events in the city. Your support ensured the celebration could still go ahead

"And of course, thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a positive and inspiring atmosphere. Here’s to continuing to champion and support women across the legal profession."

A gallery from the event is included below.

2026 Shortlist & Winners

Boutique Law Firm of the Year

• Arjumand Ara Sheikh, Strand Solicitors
• Laura McKnight, Macdonald Henderson Limited
• Winners - Emma Reid and Cathy Donald, Ergo Law

Commercial Property/Residential Property Award

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

Family and Child Law Award

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

Law Firm of the Year (Large) – Female leader

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

Law Firm of the Year (Small) – Female leader

• Winner - 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
• Winner - 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
• Winner - Laura Brown, Brown Owl Legal Support
• Lorraine Marshall, Scottish Environment Protection Agency

Private Client Award

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

Rising Star of the Year

• Winner - 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
• Winner - Stacy Campbell, McKee Campbell Morrison Solicitors
• Sarah Crewes, Clyde and Co

Trainee Solicitor of The Year

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

Special Recognition

• Susanne Tanner KC, Ambersand Advocates 

Lifetime Achievement

• Lady Elish Angiolini