2018 finalists announced for Scottish Legal Awards

Finalists the Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards 2018 were announced today by the organisers, KD Media.

A total of 18 individuals and teams from 40 Scottish firms and organisations have been selected by the 12 member judging panel.

The selection has been taken from the highest number of nominations ever received in the competition, from individuals and firms from across Scotland.

Five practices are in the running for the title Firm of the Year: Digby Brown, Gillespie Macandrew, Innes & Mackay, MBM Commercial and Thorntons. Gillespie Macandrew and Innes & Mackay both appear in three other categories, the most in this year's awards.

Lawyer of the Year will be contested between Simon Allison of Blackadders, Michael Kelly of MacRoberts, Lindsay Bruce and Peter O'Donnell, both of Thompsons, and Stephen McGowan of TLT LLP.

Shonaig Macpherson, chair of the judging panel, commented: "Last year’s awards were very hard to beat, but incredibly we have seen another record breaking year in measuring the quality and quantity of entries in the Scottish Legal Awards. As always the decisions were difficult, but all the hardworking entrants can be assured that each entry was debated at length. These awards are tough to win and I believe that is why they have earned the respect and admiration of the profession across the country. We look forward to celebrating with all our winners in a few weeks’ time."

William Cameron, National Enforcement Director for headline sponsors Scott + Co, added: "I’m never disappointed by the quality of entries in the Scottish Legal Awards. This year’s collection were a fascinating mix of innovation, solid professionalism and insightful client care. The range of submissions shows just how flexible and responsive Scottish law firms are in a world of shifting demands. There are some great individual case studies. Looking across the board I was also struck by the critical role that the legal profession plays in economic growth and the way they are an integral part of communities across Scotland. This is a profession with great stories to tell and I’m delighted that Scott + Co is able to help give them the platform they deserve through these Awards."

Click here to view the full list of finalists. Two special awards which are not open for entry but decided at the discretion of the panel will also be presented – Managing Partner of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.