The Legal News Wales Awards have launched in 2025 to celebrate excellence in the business of law in Wales – showcasing outstanding leadership, growth, equitable cultures and investment in people and communities.
Legal News Wales has founded these new awards for the legal sector in Wales, to recognise initiatives, organisations and individuals who are transforming the way legal services are delivered, and to showcase those who are building sustainable equity driven cultures that empower professionals, and positively impact communities in Wales, and beyond.
Emma Waddingham, Editor, Legal News Wales and founder of the awards, said:
“It’s an exciting time for legal services in Wales, with a thriving, diverse landscape of law firms, in-house legal teams, barristers’ chambers and supporting service professionals.
“Those driving change, taking risks, creating growth and championing positive change in the profession deserve to be recognised. We want to share their stories in celebration, to inspire others and attract further growth and talent into Wales.
“It is my absolute passion that we showcase the successes, the vision and the ambitions of the legal profession in Wales through a celebration of leadership, entrepreneurship, culture, social investment, and client care at these special, independent awards.”
There are 12 award categories applicable to any legal practice with a base in Wales – from law firms and in-house legal teams to barristers’ chambers. Some awards are also open to individuals – with or without a legal qualification.
The deadline for entries is the 30th March 2025, with an awards celebration evening hosted on the 5th June (details below).
The award categories are:
- Legal Services Transformation of the year
- Business Growth Award Of The Year
- Marketing Initiative Of The Year
- Client Experience Award Of The Year
- Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award Of The Year
- Wellbeing Strategy Of The Year – Partner
- Pro Bono Award Of The Year
- Social Impact Award Of The Year
- Sustainability Award of the Year
- Future Lawyer Scheme Of The Year – for all qualification routes
- Leadership Award – for lawyers & non-lawyer leaders in legal services
- Legal Hero Wales Award
Emma expressed her thanks to the judges and award partners, and said:
“My sincere thanks to our judges and partners who have believed in this awards programme from the outset. Our independent judging panel comprises experts in their field and those with a global view and specific understanding of the business of law, culture, client care and legal sector entrepreneurship.
“Our interview process offers a transparent judging process and all entries will be understood within the context of organisation size, resources and the initiative aims, where relevant. I encourage legal practices of all shapes and sizes, and location to enter. We want to put the spotlight on your achievements, and on a national platform.”
More judges will be announced over the next few weeks, who are set to meet our finalists at the end of April for their in-person interviews.
Awards Partners
The Headline Partner for the Legal News Wales Awards 2025 is leading legal recruitment specialist, TSR Legal.
The Award Category Partners are:
- University Wales Trinity Saint David
- Ogi Pro
- LawCare
- Conscious Solutions
- Pro Bono Committee for Wales
- Bernie Davies Mastering Diversity
- Chambers Wales SESWM
More partners will be announced soon. If you’re interested in any remaining partnership opportunities for the awards, please email the team at: awards@legalnewswales.com
The details
Who can enter?
All the awards are free to enter and open to any law firm, in-house legal team, barristers’ chambers or individual. All nominated organisations, teams and individuals must be based in Wales. Nominations may be submitted on behalf of yourself, your team / organisation or for a colleague, peer or friend.
Submission Deadline
Entries must be submitted online by midnight on the 30th March 2025.
Finalist Interviews
The finalists will be invited to our in-person interviews with our judging panel, which take place on the 28th, 30th April and 1st May, in Cardiff, or on the 29th April in Swansea.
For entries, to meet the judges and to read our awards FAQs, please visit the website: legalnewswalesawards.com
Join us for the awards celebration!
The winners of the inaugural Legal News Wales Awards will be announced at our black-tie Awards Ceremony on Thursday 5th June 2025. Tickets are available on the website, here.
Enter now!
Submit your entry for the inaugural Legal News Wales Awards by 30 March 2025.
Visit our dedicated awards website: legalnewswalesawards.com
Our Awards Partners:
