Frequently
asked questions

  • The Awards are exactly as they sound – an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievement and professional excellence across all areas of legal practice. These awards reflect the diversity and evolution of legal services in New Zealand, providing a platform where individuals, teams and firms are acknowledged for their insight, judgement and meaningful outcomes.

  • Since the NZ Law Awards were discontinued in 2024, the profession has lacked a credible, nationally recognised awards platform. These awards are not intended to replicate or continue the previous programme. Rather they have been built around a clear philosophy and judging framework designed to balance broad participation across the full breadth of the legal profession with genuine prestige.

  • These inaugural Awards are presented by Perpetual Guardian. Perpetual Guardian sees strong alignment between legal excellence and its own commitment to integrity, stewardship and community. Its vision is therefore to establish a credible, sustainable, inclusive platform that recognises the legal profession's significant contribution to social, economic and corporate wellbeing. 

  • There are 19 Awards in total, of which 17 are open for direct entry. The remaining two are the Legacy and Stewardship Award, which may be awarded at the discretion of the organisers and judging panel, and an overall Deal of the Year Award. For a full list of Awards categories, click here

  • The Awards welcome entries from qualified lawyers, barristers, in-house counsel, legal executives and allied legal professionals practising in New Zealand. Entries may be submitted by individuals, teams, firms or third parties.

  • The Awards provide an opportunity for all members of the legal profession to be recognised individually or collectively for work that is independently judged as being the best in its field in New Zealand. Winning a New Zealand Legal Excellence Award will have an enduring professional impact.

  • Entry is via the Awards entry portal here.

  • There is no entry fee for the New Zealand Legal Excellence Awards. Entrants may submit multiple entries where relevant.

  • A shortlist of finalists will be published no later than Tuesday October 6. Winners will be announced at a Gala Event at Auckland Viaduct Events Centre on Thursday November 26.

  • Tables or individual placed can be booked from the ticketing platform here.

  • Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. For all sponsorship applications, please contact us via the link on the website or you can call Awards organiser Sally Bunce on 021 749 449