The 2026 New Zealand
Legal Excellence Awards
Recognising outstanding achievement in the field of law in Aotearoa New Zealand.
26 NOVEMBER 2026
AUCKLAND VIADUCT EVENTS CENTRE
A benchmark
of excellence
Celebrating outstanding insight, judgement and lasting impact, the New Zealand Legal Excellence Awards recognise the collective and individual contributions of small, medium and large firms, lawyers, barristers, in-house counsel, legal executives and allied legal professionals.
Presented by Perpetual Guardian, the Awards embrace both traditional and evolving ways in which legal services are delivered across New Zealand. While 2026 is their inaugural year, our vision is that the Awards set an enduring benchmark of excellence; and that winning one will carry significant weight within and beyond the profession.
The 2026
Awards
This year there are 19 Legal Excellence Awards, presented across three categories: Programme, which includes the special discretionary Legacy & Stewardship Award; Firm Leadership & Performance; and Professional Excellence.
For a full list of Awards, please click the button below.
This year’s key dates
Entries for this year’s Awards are now open.
Please visit the Awards page for full entry criteria and submission guidance.
Entries openWednesday July 8Entries closeWednesday August 26Finalists announcedTuesday October 6Awards nightThursday November 26
We can promise you that the New Zealand Legal Excellence Awards will not be just another awards night. To be held at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday November 26, we are curating an unmissable event of understated sophistication to match the prestige associated with the professional excellence we are there to celebrate; one you will want to share with your colleagues, peers, clients and partners.
To reserve a table, or book your ticket, click the button below - or if you’d like to talk to us about specific requirements please reach out to info@legalexcellenceawards.co.nz or call Sally Bunce on 021749449
A night of
celebration
PARTNER WITH USWe have limited opportunities still available for professional services and consumer brands to gain valuable exposure to an audience of legal professionals, business leaders, decision-makers and directors.
For more information, please contact Sally Bunce on 021 749 449 or via info@legalexcellenceawards.co.nz