2017
2017
C elebrating excellence in training and recruitment throughout the legal profession, the prestigious LCN Awards are attended every year by a host of law firms, from the City to the high street. This year’s ceremony took place at Merchant Taylor’s Hall in the City of London, where representatives from over 60 top firms gathered to recognise the dedication of recruiters and trainers from across the country, and to honour those which go the extra mile. Hosted as ever by LCN’s Matthew Broadbent, the awards ceremony kicked off with Matthew reminiscing about just how much has changed since the first LCN Awards in 2003 – both in the legal profession and the wider world. There was discussion of the incoming Solicitors Qualifying Examination which will undoubtedly shake up the way firms approach their training and recruitment processes. Also mentioned was the new government-imposed Apprenticeship Levy, which looks set to widen access to the profession by upending traditional routes into a legal career. As Matthew noted, “whether being able to recruit aspiring lawyers at an
even earlier stage is a blessing or a gamble remains to be seen.” However, the main objective of the night was to shine a spotlight on how vital it is that employers provide the best possible start to a legal career. Clear communication and transparency are both essential when recruiters meet with aspiring lawyers, along with a genuinely open attitude to assessing an individual’s full range of talents, abilities and, crucially, potential. Once in employment, a commitment to development and support ensures that all that effort and investment in talent bears fruit. As Matthew concluded, with over 2,000 trainees and newly qualified solicitors surveyed for the awards, every nominated firm can feel proud of the knowledge that it is doing something very right in these elements, particularly given how fierce the competition is across every category. The first award of the night was presented to Thackray Williams LLP for the Best Recruiter in the Small Firm category. Next up, Cardiff-based Hugh James was pleased to win the
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Best in Law 2017
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