2026 Awards
Programme Awards
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What are we recognising?
An exceptional career that reflects sustained contribution, leadership and stewardship within the legal profession over time.
What are we judging?
The breadth and depth of contribution across a career, not a single achievement
The nature of influence on the profession, institutions or people
Evidence of long-term thinking, responsibility and leadership
The consistency of contribution over time
The overall significance of the individual’s impact
Eligibility:
Not open for entry
Awarded at the discretion of the organisers and judging panel
Not awarded annually unless warranted
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What are we recognising?
A contribution by individuals or teams within the legal profession that demonstrates meaningful, active support for people or communities beyond standard professional expectations.
What are we judging?
The nature of the contribution, including specific actions taken and the level of involvement
The context and challenge, including the needs addressed and circumstances of the work
The approach taken, including how the contribution was organised, delivered or sustained
The outcome achieved, including the difference made or what was enabled
The contribution of the entrant, including initiative, ownership and level of participation
Contributions are assessed based on active involvement and impact, rather than financial support alone.
Eligibility:
Open to individuals, teams or firms within the New Zealand legal sector
The contribution must demonstrate clear activity or impact during the eligibility period
Entries must relate to work undertaken by the entrant, not passive support or sponsorship
Entry Guidance:
Entries must focus on specific actions and outcomes, rather than describing programmes, policies or intentions.
Entrants should provide clear examples of:
work undertaken
who was involved
what was delivered
what changed as a result
Entries that describe a programme, policy or general commitment, including pro bono or volunteer programmes, should demonstrate how these have translated into specific activity and tangible outcomes.
A well-designed programme or commitment on its own is unlikely to be competitive without clear evidence of delivery, participation and impact in practice.
Entry Questions:
Describe the contribution made, including who benefited and why it was important (250 words).
What issue, challenge or community need was being addressed (300 words)?
Describe the specific actions undertaken, including how the initiative was delivered and who was involved (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and what difference was made (400 words)?
What was the specific role and contribution of the entrant (250 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
An individual in the early stage of their legal career who has demonstrated leadership, initiative and meaningful contribution through their work, relative to their level of experience.
What are we judging?
The nature and difficulty of the challenges taken on, including responsibility beyond expected level
The clarity of approach, including how the individual identified opportunities, addressed problems or made decisions
The effectiveness of execution, including how work was delivered and progressed
The outcome achieved, including impact on clients, team or firm relative to their level of experience
The contribution of the individual, including ownership, initiative and influence on outcomes
Evidence of progression and increasing responsibility over time will be taken into account.
Eligibility:
Open to qualified lawyers, including solicitors, in-house counsel and barristers, aged 35 or under at the end of the eligibility period
Legal executives and other non-admitted legal roles are not eligible for this category
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must demonstrate the individual’s personal contribution and responsibility
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on specific examples of work undertaken during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the context and responsibilities held
explain the challenges faced and decisions made
demonstrate how their actions influenced outcomes
provide evidence of initiative, ownership or leadership in practice
show progression or increased responsibility where relevant
clearly distinguish the individual’s contribution from that of the wider team
Entries should focus on demonstrated contribution rather than potential alone.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee’s role, responsibilities and work undertaken during the eligibility period (250 words).
What significant challenges, opportunities or responsibilities did the nominee take on (300 words)?
Describe the leadership, initiative and decision-making they demonstrated (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and what impact did they have (400 words)?
How did the nominee demonstrate leadership, ownership, influence or responsibility beyond what would normally be expected at their level of experience (400 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material, including at least one referee.
Upload a headshot photograph of the nominee. The images will be used for marketing and promotional purposes
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
Firm Leadership and Performance
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These awards recognise excellence in legal practice across different areas of law, with a focus on the quality of work undertaken, the approach taken and the outcomes achieved in context.
These awards are open to law firms and defined practice groups within law firms only. Eligibility requirements are set out in each category.
What are we recognising?
A transaction distinguished by the clarity of strategy, effectiveness of approach and strength of outcome achieved in the circumstances.
What are we judging?
The nature and difficulty of the challenge, including competing interests, constraints or structural complexity
The clarity of the strategy adopted, including how the matter was framed and prioritised
The effectiveness of the approach taken, including how the matter was structured, managed and progressed
The outcome achieved relative to the challenge, including how risks were identified, balanced and addressed
The contribution of the entrant, including coordination, execution and delivery
Entries will not be assessed based on transaction size, value or profile.
Transactions of any scale will be considered where they demonstrate exceptional clarity of approach and outcome.
Eligibility
Open to law firms or defined litigation or disputes teams practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance
Entrants should:
describe the context, parties involved and key issues
identify the main challenges, including legal, commercial or structural factors
explain the strategy adopted and the key decisions made
demonstrate how the approach taken influenced the progression and outcome of the matter
outline how risks were identified, managed and resolved
clearly set out the contribution of the individual, team or firm
Entries should distinguish the entrant’s contribution from that of other advisers or stakeholders.
Entries that focus primarily on transaction size, value or profile, without demonstrating the quality of approach and outcome, are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Provide an overview of the transaction, including the parties involved, objectives and context (250 words).
What were the key legal, commercial, regulatory or structural challenges (300 words)?
Describe the strategy adopted and how the transaction was structured, managed and progressed (500 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they successful relative to the challenge (400 words)?
What was the specific contribution of the entrant, team or firm (250 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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These awards recognise excellence in legal practice across different areas of law, with a focus on the quality of work undertaken, the approach taken and the outcomes achieved in context.
These awards are open to law firms and defined practice groups within law firms only. Eligibility requirements are set out in each category.
What are we recognising?
A transaction distinguished by the clarity of strategy, effectiveness of approach and strength of outcome achieved in the circumstances.
What are we judging?
The nature and difficulty of the challenge, including competing interests, constraints or structural complexity
The clarity of the strategy adopted, including how the matter was framed and prioritised
The effectiveness of the approach taken, including how the matter was structured, managed and progressed
The outcome achieved relative to the challenge, including how risks were identified, balanced and addressed
The contribution of the entrant, including coordination, execution and delivery
Entries will not be assessed based on transaction size, value or profile.
Transactions of any scale will be considered where they demonstrate exceptional clarity of approach and outcome.
Eligibility
Open to law firms or defined litigation or disputes teams practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance
Entrants should:
describe the context, parties involved and key issues
identify the main challenges, including legal, commercial or structural factors
explain the strategy adopted and the key decisions made
demonstrate how the approach taken influenced the progression and outcome of the matter
outline how risks were identified, managed and resolved
clearly set out the contribution of the individual, team or firm
Entries should distinguish the entrant’s contribution from that of other advisers or stakeholders.
Entries that focus primarily on transaction size, value or profile, without demonstrating the quality of approach and outcome, are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Provide an overview of the transaction, including the parties involved, objectives and context (250 words).
What were the key legal, commercial, regulatory or structural challenges (300 words)?
Describe the strategy adopted and how the transaction was structured, managed and progressed (500 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they successful relative to the challenge (400 words)?
What was the specific contribution of the entrant, team or firm (250 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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These awards recognise excellence in legal practice across different areas of law, with a focus on the quality of work undertaken, the approach taken and the outcomes achieved in context.
These awards are open to law firms and defined practice groups within law firms only. Eligibility requirements are set out in each category.
What are we recognising?
A transaction distinguished by the clarity of strategy, effectiveness of approach and strength of outcome achieved in the circumstances.
What are we judging?
The nature and difficulty of the challenge, including competing interests, constraints or structural complexity
The clarity of the strategy adopted, including how the matter was framed and prioritised
The effectiveness of the approach taken, including how the matter was structured, managed and progressed
The outcome achieved relative to the challenge, including how risks were identified, balanced and addressed
The contribution of the entrant, including coordination, execution and delivery
Entries will not be assessed based on transaction size, value or profile.
Transactions of any scale will be considered where they demonstrate exceptional clarity of approach and outcome.
Eligibility
Open to law firms or defined litigation or disputes teams practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance
Entrants should:
describe the context, parties involved and key issues
identify the main challenges, including legal, commercial or structural factors
explain the strategy adopted and the key decisions made
demonstrate how the approach taken influenced the progression and outcome of the matter
outline how risks were identified, managed and resolved
clearly set out the contribution of the individual, team or firm
Entries should distinguish the entrant’s contribution from that of other advisers or stakeholders.
Entries that focus primarily on transaction size, value or profile, without demonstrating the quality of approach and outcome, are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Provide an overview of the transaction, including the parties involved, objectives and context (250 words).
What were the key legal, commercial, regulatory or structural challenges (300 words)?
Describe the strategy adopted and how the transaction was structured, managed and progressed (500 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they successful relative to the challenge (400 words)?
What was the specific contribution of the entrant, team or firm (250 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
The most outstanding transaction of the year, selected from the winners of the category awards, distinguished by exceptional clarity of strategy, execution and outcome in the context of the challenges faced.
What are we judging?
Relative excellence across the category winners (see below)
The significance and complexity of the challenge addressed
The strength and coherence of the strategy and execution
The quality and impact of the outcome achieved
The award is not determined by transaction size, value or profile.
Eligibility
Only winners of the category awards are eligible
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What are we recognising?
A law firm or team that has demonstrated sustained excellence in dispute resolution or litigation over the eligibility period, through the consistent delivery of high-quality legal work, sound strategy and effective outcomes.
This includes the ability to manage complex and challenging matters, exercise strong judgement and deliver results in a way that advances client interests.
What are we judging?
The nature and breadth of work undertaken, including the range, complexity and significance of matters handled over the period
The quality and consistency of strategy, including how matters were framed, prioritised and progressed
The effectiveness of approach, including how matters were managed through key stages such as investigation, negotiation, mediation or trial
The outcomes achieved across the body of work, including resolution, risk mitigation and advancement of client interests
The capability and contribution of the team or firm, including coordination, expertise and delivery
Outcomes will be assessed in context. Judges will not assess entries based solely on whether cases were won or lost.
Eligibility:
Open to law firms or defined litigation or disputes teams practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must reflect a body of work, rather than a single matter
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate a pattern of work over the eligibility period and explain what distinguishes the team or firm.
Entrants should:
describe the nature of their disputes or litigation practice, including key areas of focus
provide examples of representative matters that illustrate the range and complexity of work undertaken
explain the strategies adopted and how matters were progressed
demonstrate how the team managed risk, complexity and competing interests across multiple matters
outline the outcomes achieved and why they were effective in the circumstances
clearly set out how the team or firm contributed to those outcomes
Entries should focus on sustained performance and consistency of approach, rather than a single standout case.
Entries that rely primarily on a single high-profile matter, without demonstrating a broader pattern of excellence, are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee practice, team and key areas of focus (250 words).
Provide examples that demonstrate the range and complexity of work undertaken (400 words).
Describe the strategies and approaches used across the body of work (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they effective (400 words)?
How did the team contribute to these outcomes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
A law firm or Chambers (or team) that has demonstrated sustained excellence in public law or criminal law over the eligibility period, through the consistent delivery of high-quality legal work, sound judgement and effective outcomes.
This includes the ability to manage complex legal, procedural or evidential issues, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
What are we judging?
The nature and breadth of work undertaken, including the range, complexity and significance of matters handled
The quality and consistency of strategy, including how matters were framed, prioritised and progressed
The effectiveness of approach, including advocacy, use of process and management of matters through key stages
The outcomes achieved across the body of work, including advancement or protection of client interests and contribution to fair process
The capability and contribution of the team or firm, including preparation, coordination and execution
The integrity and professionalism of conduct, including obligations to the court, client and justice system, will be taken into account.
Outcomes will be assessed in context and not solely on whether cases were won or lost.
Eligibility:
Open to law firms or defined public law or criminal chambers or teams within a law firm practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must reflect a body of work, rather than a single matter
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate a pattern of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the nature of their practice and areas of focus
provide a small number of representative matters illustrating the range and complexity of work undertaken
explain the strategies adopted and how matters were progressed
demonstrate how legal, procedural or evidential challenges were managed
outline the outcomes achieved and why they were effective in the circumstances
clearly set out the contribution of the team or firm
Entries should focus on sustained performance and consistency of approach, rather than a single matter.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee practice, team and key areas of focus (250 words).
Provide examples that demonstrate the range and complexity of work undertaken (400 words).
Describe the strategies and approaches used across the body of work (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they effective (400 words)?
How did the team contribute to these outcomes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
A law firm or team that has demonstrated sustained excellence in family or relationship property law over the eligibility period, through a balanced, thoughtful and effective approach to achieving outcomes that provide clarity, stability and protection for those involved.
What are we judging?
The nature and breadth of work undertaken, including complexity of matters, competing interests and sensitivity of issues
The quality and consistency of strategy, particularly where personal, legal and financial considerations intersect
The effectiveness of approach, including how competing needs were managed across multiple matters
The outcomes achieved across the body of work, including the extent to which they provide clarity, stability or protection
The capability and contribution of the team or firm, including how matters were structured, managed and progressed
Where relevant, judges may take into account whether the matter contributes to legal clarity or development.
Eligibility:
Open to law firms or defined family law teams within a law firm practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must reflect a body of work, rather than a single matter
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate a pattern of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the nature of their practice and the types of matters undertaken
provide a small number of representative matters illustrating the range and complexity of work
explain how competing personal, legal and financial interests were managed
outline the strategies adopted and key approaches taken
demonstrate how outcomes provide clarity, stability or protection
clearly set out the contribution of the team or firm
Entries should focus on sustained performance and quality of approach, rather than a single matter.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee practice, team and key areas of focus (250 words).
Provide examples that demonstrate the range and complexity of work undertaken (400 words).
Describe the strategies and approaches used across the body of work (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they effective (400 words)?
How did the team contribute to these outcomes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
A law firm or team that has demonstrated sustained excellence in estate planning and succession over the eligibility period, through the consistent delivery of well-structured, effective and enduring solutions.
What are we judging?
The nature and breadth of work undertaken, including complexity of structures, family dynamics and competing interests
The quality and consistency of strategy, including how objectives and risks were identified and addressed
The effectiveness of approach, including how structures or arrangements were designed and implemented
The outcomes achieved across the body of work, including clarity, workability and protection of interests over time
The capability and contribution of the team or firm, including how matters were structured, managed and delivered
Entries will be assessed on the quality of approach and outcome, not the value of assets involved.
Eligibility:
Open to law firms or defined estate planning or succession teams within a law firm practising in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must reflect a body of work, rather than a single matter
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the team or firm
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate a pattern of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the nature of their practice and typical structures or arrangements developed
provide a small number of representative matters illustrating the range and complexity of work
explain the context, including personal, financial or intergenerational considerations
identify the key challenges and risks addressed across their work
outline the strategies adopted and how outcomes were achieved
demonstrate how their work provides clarity, continuity or protection over time
clearly set out the contribution of the team or firm
Entries should focus on sustained performance and quality of approach, rather than the size or value of estates.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee practice, team and key areas of focus (250 words).
Provide examples that demonstrate the range and complexity of work undertaken (400 words).
Describe the strategies and approaches used across the body of work (400 words).
What outcomes were achieved and why were they effective (400 words)?
How did the team contribute to these outcomes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
The Firm of the Year Awards recognise law firms that have demonstrated clear strategic direction, effective leadership and consistent delivery of strong outcomes for clients, people and the business. Firms are assessed relative to their size, operating environment and strategic objectives.
These awards are open to law firms only and are not open to barristers or chambers.
What are we judging?
The nature and context of the firm’s priorities, including the challenges, opportunities or changes faced
The clarity of strategy, including what the firm set out to achieve and why
The effectiveness of execution, including how priorities were implemented and managed
The outcomes achieved, including performance, client outcomes and organisational development relative to the context
The consistency of delivery across the firm, not reliance on isolated performance
Eligibility:
Open to law firms operating in New Zealand
Firms must enter the category corresponding to their practising lawyer headcount:
Large: 100+
Mid-size: 50–99
Small: 1–49
Entries must relate primarily to leadership, performance and delivery during the eligibility period
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on a small number of clearly defined priorities during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
identify key strategic priorities
explain the context and challenges faced
describe the approach taken to deliver on those priorities
demonstrate the outcomes achieved
show how performance was sustained across the firm
Entries that present a broad list of activities without clear priorities or outcomes are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Identify up to three strategic priorities pursued during the eligibility period and explain why they were important (300 words)
Describe the key challenges, opportunities or changes facing the firm (300 words).
How were the priorities implemented, managed and embedded across the firm (500 words)?
What outcomes were achieved for clients, people and the organisation (500 words)?
How were these outcomes embedded and delivered consistently across the firm rather than through isolated successes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
The Firm of the Year Awards recognise law firms that have demonstrated clear strategic direction, effective leadership and consistent delivery of strong outcomes for clients, people and the business. Firms are assessed relative to their size, operating environment and strategic objectives.
These awards are open to law firms only and are not open to barristers or chambers.
What are we judging?
The nature and context of the firm’s priorities, including the challenges, opportunities or changes faced
The clarity of strategy, including what the firm set out to achieve and why
The effectiveness of execution, including how priorities were implemented and managed
The outcomes achieved, including performance, client outcomes and organisational development relative to the context
The consistency of delivery across the firm, not reliance on isolated performance
Eligibility:
Open to law firms operating in New Zealand
Firms must enter the category corresponding to their practising lawyer headcount:
Large: 100+
Mid-size: 50–99
Small: 1–49
Entries must relate primarily to leadership, performance and delivery during the eligibility period
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on a small number of clearly defined priorities during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
identify key strategic priorities
explain the context and challenges faced
describe the approach taken to deliver on those priorities
demonstrate the outcomes achieved
show how performance was sustained across the firm
Entries that present a broad list of activities without clear priorities or outcomes are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Identify up to three strategic priorities pursued during the eligibility period and explain why they were important (300 words)
Describe the key challenges, opportunities or changes facing the firm (300 words).
How were the priorities implemented, managed and embedded across the firm (500 words)?
What outcomes were achieved for clients, people and the organisation (500 words)?
How were these outcomes embedded and delivered consistently across the firm rather than through isolated successes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
The Firm of the Year Awards recognise law firms that have demonstrated clear strategic direction, effective leadership and consistent delivery of strong outcomes for clients, people and the business. Firms are assessed relative to their size, operating environment and strategic objectives.
These awards are open to law firms only and are not open to barristers or chambers.
What are we judging?
The nature and context of the firm’s priorities, including the challenges, opportunities or changes faced
The clarity of strategy, including what the firm set out to achieve and why
The effectiveness of execution, including how priorities were implemented and managed
The outcomes achieved, including performance, client outcomes and organisational development relative to the context
The consistency of delivery across the firm, not reliance on isolated performance
Eligibility:
Open to law firms operating in New Zealand
Firms must enter the category corresponding to their practising lawyer headcount:
Large: 100+
Mid-size: 50–99
Small: 1–49
Entries must relate primarily to leadership, performance and delivery during the eligibility period
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on a small number of clearly defined priorities during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
identify key strategic priorities
explain the context and challenges faced
describe the approach taken to deliver on those priorities
demonstrate the outcomes achieved
show how performance was sustained across the firm
Entries that present a broad list of activities without clear priorities or outcomes are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Identify up to three strategic priorities pursued during the eligibility period and explain why they were important (300 words)
Describe the key challenges, opportunities or changes facing the firm (300 words).
How were the priorities implemented, managed and embedded across the firm (500 words)?
What outcomes were achieved for clients, people and the organisation (500 words)?
How were these outcomes embedded and delivered consistently across the firm rather than through isolated successes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
The Firm Leader of the Year Award recognises an individual who has provided outstanding leadership, clear direction and effective decision-making that has positively influenced the performance, culture and development of their firm.
What are we judging?
The nature and context of the challenges faced, including change, growth, risk or strategic decisions
The clarity of direction and decisions taken, including how priorities were set and communicated
The effectiveness of execution, including how decisions were implemented across the firm
The outcomes achieved, including impact on performance, people or organisational direction relative to the context
The contribution of the individual, including their role in shaping, leading and delivering those outcomes
Eligibility:
Open to Managing Partners, Chief Executives, Directors, Chairs or equivalent senior leaders of law firms operating in New Zealand
Nominations must be submitted by a colleague, client, peer, manager or other professional contract. Individuals may not nominate themselves
The entrant must have been in the role during the eligibility period
Entries must focus on the individual’s leadership and decisions, rather than overall firm performance alone
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on a small number of key decisions made during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the context and challenges faced
identify the key decisions taken and why they were important
explain how those decisions were implemented
demonstrate the outcomes achieved
clearly distinguish the individual’s contribution from that of the wider firm
Entries that focus primarily on overall firm performance, without identifying the individual’s decisions and contribution, are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Describe the key challenges and opportunities facing the firm during the eligibility period (300 words).
Identify up to three significant leadership decisions the nominee made and explain why they were important (500 words).
How were these decisions implemented across the firm (400 words)?
What outcomes resulted from these decisions (400 words)?
What was the nominee’s personal role in shaping and delivering these outcomes (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Upload a headshot photograph of the nominee. The image will be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
Professional Excellence
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What are we recognising?
Excellence in barristers’ practice, demonstrated through the quality of work delivered and the effectiveness of outcomes achieved across one or more matters.
What are we judging?
The nature and difficulty of the work undertaken, including legal complexity, pressure, risk or strategic challenge
The clarity of the approach, including how matters were analysed, framed and progressed
The effectiveness of execution, including advocacy, advisory work or opinion delivered
The outcomes achieved, including how effectively the client’s position was advanced or clarified
The contribution of the individual, including their role, responsibility and influence across the matters presented
Work may include advocacy, advisory or opinion work.
Eligibility:
Open to barristers practising in New Zealand, whether as sole practitioners or members of chambers
The entrant must be primarily practising as a barrister
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must demonstrate the individual’s personal contribution across one or more matters
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate the quality and consistency of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the context and challenges of the matters
explain the approach taken and key decisions made
demonstrate how their work influenced the outcome or direction of the matter
clearly set out their personal contribution
Entries should focus on demonstrated work and outcomes, rather than reputation or standing in the profession.
Entry Questions:
Describe the matters or work undertaken during the eligibility period (250 words).
What were the key legal, strategic or procedural challenges involved (300 words)?
Describe the approach and the key decisions made (400 words).
How did the work influence the outcome or direction of the matter (400 words)?
What was the nominee’s personal role, responsibility and contribution (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Upload a headshot photograph of the nominee. The images will be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
An in-house lawyer who has demonstrated professional excellence through the delivery of high-quality legal work, sound judgement and meaningful impact within their organisation.
This includes the ability to balance legal risk with organisational or commercial objectives, and to contribute as a trusted adviser. Excellence may be demonstrated at any level of seniority.
What are we judging?
The complexity and significance of the work undertaken, including the legal, regulatory or commercial challenges addressed
The quality of judgement demonstrated, including how risk, ethics and organisational objectives were balanced
The effectiveness of execution, including how advice was delivered, applied and progressed within the organisation
The outcomes achieved, including impact on the organisation, stakeholders or wider community
The contribution of the individual, including ownership, influence and role as a trusted adviser
Achievement relative to level of seniority, scope of role and resources available
Eligibility
Open to qualified lawyers working in an in-house legal role
Entrants must be admitted to practise law in New Zealand
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must demonstrate the individual’s personal contribution and responsibility
Entry Guidance
Entries should demonstrate the quality and consistency of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the organisational context and their role
explain the legal and commercial challenges faced
demonstrate how their advice influenced decision-making
show how legal risk was managed in a practical and effective way
provide evidence of impact on the organisation or stakeholders
clearly distinguish the individual’s contribution from that of the wider team
Entries should focus on demonstrated contribution and impact, rather than role seniority alone.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee’s role, responsibilities and organisational context (250 words).
What legal, regulatory, commercial or organisational challenges were addressed (300 words)?
How did the nominee balance legal risk, ethics and organisational objectives (400 words)?
What outcomes were achieved and what impact did they have (400 words)?
What was the nominee’s personal contribution and influence within the organisation (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Upload a headshot photograph of the nominee. The images will be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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What are we recognising?
Excellence in legal executive practice, demonstrated through the consistent management of matters and the effective delivery of outcomes with responsibility, care and accuracy.
What are we judging?
The nature and scope of the work undertaken, including responsibility for managing matters or client relationships
The clarity of the approach, including how work was organised, prioritised and progressed
The effectiveness of execution, including accuracy, reliability and handling of complex or sensitive situations
The outcomes achieved, including how effectively matters were progressed and resolved
The contribution of the individual, including ownership, accountability and role in delivering results
Eligibility:Open to individuals working in legal executive roles in New Zealand, whether within a law firm or in-house legal team
This includes both registered and non-registered legal executives
Entries must relate to work undertaken during the eligibility period
Entries must demonstrate the individual’s personal responsibility for managing matters or client work
Entry Guidance:
Entries should demonstrate the quality and consistency of work over the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the nature of the work and responsibilities held
explain how matters were managed, including key challenges and decisions
demonstrate how their work contributed to effective outcomes
clearly set out their personal contribution and level of responsibility
Entries should focus on demonstrated responsibility and delivery, rather than supporting activity alone.
Entry Questions:
Describe the nominee’s role and responsibilities (250 words).
What were the key challenges or complexities involved (300 words)?
How did the nominee manage, prioritise and progress matters (400 words)?
What outcomes were achieved and what impact did they have for clients or stakeholders (400 words)?
What was the nominee’s level of responsibility, accountability and contribution (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material, including at least one referee.
Upload a headshot photograph of the nominee. The images will be used for marketing and promotional purposes.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).
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This category recognises improvements in how legal services are delivered, bringing together legal, operational and support roles across the profession.
What are we recognising?
Excellence in how legal services are delivered, where clear thinking, effective implementation and sustained outcomes improve how work is undertaken and experienced.
What are we judging?
The nature and context of the challenge, including inefficiency, risk, growth constraints or client needs
The clarity of the approach, including how the opportunity or problem was identified and addressed
The effectiveness of execution, including how the initiative or change was implemented and embedded
The outcomes achieved, including improvements in delivery, efficiency, client experience or capability
The contribution of the entrant, including leadership, coordination and ownership
Eligibility:
Open to individuals or teams working in roles that support or deliver legal services in New Zealand
This may include roles in operations, finance, technology, legal operations, business services or practice management
Entries must relate to a specific initiative or change delivered during the eligibility period
Entries must clearly describe the role and contribution of the entrant
This award focuses on the design, delivery and implementation of legal services, rather than overall firm leadership.
Entry Guidance:
Entries should focus on a clearly defined initiative or improvement delivered during the eligibility period.
Entrants should:
describe the problem or opportunity addressed
explain the approach taken and key decisions made
demonstrate how the initiative was implemented in practice
provide evidence of the outcomes achieved
clearly set out the role and contribution of the entrant
Entries must focus on specific actions and results, rather than describing general operational performance or organisational strategy.
Entries that do not clearly demonstrate how the initiative was delivered and what changed as a result are unlikely to be competitive.
Entry Questions:
Describe the initiative, improvement or change delivered (250 words).
What challenge, inefficiency, risk or opportunity was being addressed (300 words)?
Describe the approach taken and how the initiative was implemented (400 words).
What measurable improvements or outcomes were achieved (400 words)?
What was the specific role and contribution of the entrant, team or organisation (300 words)?
Upload supporting evidence, testimonials, references or other relevant material.
Provide a PR summary of up to 100 words (100 words).