Winners crowned at Scottish Legal Awards 2015

At a sold out event in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms 450 of the nation’s finest legal minds gathered to recognize and reward upcoming talent, specialists, firms and the career achievements of two senior figures in the industry.

Personal injury specialists, Digby Brown collected five awards on the night including the ultimate prize Law Firm of the Year after a year of business which included launching a new office in Aberdeen and a noting a sizeable increase in business.

The firm’s chief executive and partner, Fraser Oliver, also collected the award for Managing Partner of the Year only 18 months after taking on the new position.

Other awards were presented to the same firm for Litigation Team of the Year, Employer of the Year and Community Contribution.

Douglas Connell, the founding partner of Turcan Connell, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award as he celebrates 40 years of practice since being made partner at Dundas & Wilson at the age of 24.

In a tribute to the Edinburgh-based lawyer who is also chair of the National Galleries of Scotland, the judges commended Mr Connell on a formidable career carving and building a highly regarded law firm.

Chair of the judging panel, Lorna Jack, said: “I’m pleased to report that the Scottish Legal Awards continues to flourish.

“Judging day presents a vivid mixture of sparky debate, carefully worded opinion and an opportunity to be informed about positive developments in the sector.

“We have heard about the positive effects on business experienced by winning firms or individuals which link their award directly to business wins, career growth and improving team morale.

“Congratulations to all our finalists and winners and we wish them every success in the coming year.”

In total 17 winners were announced including a number of team awards. Residential Property Team of the Year went to Simpson & Marwick and Inhouse legal team of the year went to Edinburgh tech company,Skyscanner.

The awards help to raise funds for It’s Good 2 Give and the building of The Ripple Retreat, a luxury residential respite home in the Trossachs National Park.

The home which is expected to commence building work this summer, will be gifted to parents with children who have cancer or long term terminal illness.

The event raised over £14,000 for the charity including a £2000 donation toLawWorks Scotland.