"The Law Awards are something we look forward to each year. It's great to have a night together celebrating the achievements of the profession"
Legal industry professionals flocked to the Cordis Auckland last week for the most anticipated event of the year – the New Zealand Law Awards 2023.
The annual event recognises the tremendous work of lawyers across New Zealand, and showcases leading law firms, in-house legal teams, individuals and dealmakers. Winners were announced across 27 different categories, and specialists were recognised across 10+ practice areas.
The Awards are always a chance for legal professionals to let their hair down, and this year was no different. The 550+ attendees praised the night for its positive energy, and the speakers and presenters were commended for drawing attention to important topics for the industry such as mental health and wellbeing.
The event was made possible by the support of event partner LexisNexis NZ. Business development manager Abhi Patni praised the night as a resounding success, and said that in today’s increasingly digital world, the importance of in-person connection and celebration is immense.
“Supporting our New Zealand legal professionals is a key priority of LexisNexis NZ, we aim to be exceptional for our customers so that they are able to be exceptional for their clients and firm,” Patni says.
“It was great to connect in person in an increasingly digitise world. While technology will drive efficiency and productivity, at LexisNexis we still believe the in person human factor will be a key fundamental with our interaction to those who are important to us, our clients.”
The New Zealand Law Awards 2023 were also made possible by this year’s awards sponsors. James & Wells sponsored In-House Lawyer of the Year, and managing partner Tim Walden said it was important for the firm to recognise the “incredible work” of the in-house community.
“We all had a brilliant time, the Law Awards are something we look forward to each year. It’s great to have a night together as a team celebrating the achievements of the profession,” Walden said.
Russel McVeagh was the sponsor for In-House Team of the Year, and said the award is an important way to recognise the “effort and commitment” of New Zealand’s leading in-house teams.
One of the most anticipated awards of the night – Large Law Firm of the Year – was supported by Robert Walters, who said they were “honoured” to sponsor the accolade.
“This is a highly prestigious award that recognises the culture and high calibre of work produced by New Zealand’s largest firms,” Shay Peters, CEO-ANZ at Robert Walters said.
LEAP Legal, sponsor for Mid-Size Law Firm of the Year said a big “congratulations” to all of the outstanding nominees for its category.
“We are particularly proud to see so many of our clients recognised for their excellence,” said Donna Broadley, CEO at LEAP Legal. “It’s a testament to their innovative mindset, which we’re proud to support with our legal practice productivity solution.”
Fluid Legal sponsored the Employer of Choice Award, and Resolution Institute supported the Mediator of the Year. Resolution Institute CEO Amber Williams says it was an honour to support the “highly valued award” which recognises the “outstanding services provided by the mediation community,” and Fluid Legal director Peter Clark says he has been “impressed by the level of innovation and drive to evolve the standard of wellbeing, retaining key staff, and creating an environment that people want to be a part of.”
NZ Lawyer extends a huge thank you to all of this year’s sponsors for making the New Zealand Law Awards possible. A special thank you also goes out to this year’s champagne sponsor, Artemis Recruitment.
To see the full list of winners, click here.
