Proving that some good law-related things have been happening in the last year, though with slightly less categories than The Lawyer Awards which, like a kiddies party prize giveaway, seem designed to ensure most of the partygoers leave with something to smile about…

The shortlists for the Law Society’s Excellence Awards have been drawn up. The awards cover individual achievements such as best advocate and best junior solicitor, and also reward the achievements of law firms in areas like equality and diversity, and community investment. They will be presented at a black tie dinner on 22 October by Mishal Husain, a BBC World News presenter.

North of the border – the Law Awards of Scotland 2009 were announced at a ceremony in Glasgow last week. Among the winners were Thompsons, which was named Law Firm of the Year (over 50 fee earners), Blacklocks as Law Firm of the Year (under 50 fee earners) and Kerr Brown Partnership, which was named Up and Coming Law Firm of the Year. The full and final results can be viewed here .

Law Society publishes Excellence Awards shortlist [The Gazette]
Over 30 winners named at ceremony in Glasgow [The Journal Online]