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A new era for Wales’ legal sector: Celebrating excellence, innovation & impact

A new era for Wales’ legal sector: Celebrating excellence, innovation & impact A new era for Wales’ legal sector: Celebrating excellence, innovation & impact Emma Waddingham – Founder & editor, Legal News Wales The Welsh legal sector stepped into the spotlight this June with the inaugural Legal News Wales Awards – an evening that did far more than recognise professional achievement. Held at the Cardiff Marriott Hotel, the sold-out event brought together leaders from across Wales’ legal landscape to celebrate the business of law and the people transforming its future. Hosted by journalist and broadcaster Sian Lloyd, and powered by Legal News Wales – the sector’s independent voice – the awards ceremony marked a bold new chapter in recognising legal talent in Wales. More than a trophy collection, the evening became a rallying call: for a sector that is entrepreneurial, community-minded and central to the nation’s civic and economic fabric. We’re not just hosting an awards ceremony – we’re celebrating a movement. These awards reflect a legal sector that is dynamic, socially responsible, and essential to Wales’ future. Our mission resonated throughout the evening, with keynote speeches from the Counsel General for Wales, Julie James MS, and Mark Evans, Vice President of The Law Society of England & Wales, emphasising the increasingly strategic role of legal professionals in Wales’ economic development, innovation ecosystems, and social justice agenda. Mark offered a sobering message to guests, explaining that while banks and other institutions have left the high street, law firms remain, playing a key, visible role in in local communities and delivering real social value in Wales as well as diverse legal solutions and employing local people.  Headline sponsor, TSR Legal Recruitment, underscored this point. Karen Jones, Director, praised the sector’s openness and strength: “It’s fantastic to see legal service providers sharing both their successes and the challenges they face. The talent and opportunity across Wales make it one of the go-to legal hubs in the UK.” The awards programme recognised excellence across categories such as innovation, leadership, culture, social impact and entrepreneurship – all underpinned by the profession’s wider influence on public life and business resilience. The finalists were judged through written submissions and a series of in-person interviews with an independent judging panel, formed of experts from a diverse range of backgrounds, including entrepreneurship, business, finance, DEI, marketing, regulation, digital transformation and sector bodies and membership organisations. The winners were elected with merit and everyone involved in the programme should be rightly proud of their achievements.  Honouring a Legal Hero One of the evening’s most emotional moments was the presentation of the first Legal Hero Wales award – a unique accolade honouring an individual whose legacy reflects the highest standards of the profession. The judges named Glyn Maddocks KC as the 2025 recipient. The award paid tribute to Glyn’s lifelong fight against miscarriages of justice. Glyn’s impact goes far beyond the courtroom. He’s advised on law reform, inspired generations, and given voice to the voiceless. Having worked on landmark cases and dedicated over two decades to clients such as Oliver Campbell – whose wrongful conviction was quashed in 2024 – Glyn’s story epitomises the values the awards seek to uphold. Legal News Wales will feature an in-depth interview with Glyn later this summer. Building a National Platform The awards also marked the beginning of something bigger. I announced plans for a showcase of winners and finalists during Wales Week London 2026 – positioning Wales’ legal community on a national and international stage. Legal professionals in Wales don’t just navigate complex systems — they make them better. At the awards, I called upon the sector to use this momentum to attract new talent and new opportunities for our sector. To support this, Legal News Wales will run a series of podcasts and events spotlighting finalists’ work, encouraging sector-wide collaboration and learning. Supporting Sector Wellbeing The awards also aligned with LawCare as Charity of the Year, supporting the mental wellbeing of legal professionals. As conversations around burnout and wellbeing continue across the business community, this partnership reinforced the importance of building sustainable legal careers. As Wales’ legal sector continues to evolve, the Legal News Wales Awards have set a new standard – one that highlights not only success, but the deeper impact of legal work on lives, communities, and the wider economy. The message is clear: the business of law in Wales is open, ambitious, and ready to lead.  Legal News Wales Awards 2025 – The Winners Following a landmark evening celebrating innovation, excellence and purpose-driven legal practice, we are proud to present the winners of the inaugural Legal News Wales Awards 2025. These individuals, teams and organisations represent the very best of the legal sector in Wales – those who not only deliver outstanding legal services, but do so in ways that inspire change, strengthen communities, and help shape the future of the profession. Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.  Legal Services Transformation of the Year Supported by PEXA UK WINNER: 30 Park Place Business Growth Award of the Year Supported by Ogi Pro WINNER: Darwin Gray Solicitors Marketing Initiative of the Year Supported by Conscious Solutions WINNER: Harding Evans Solicitors Client Experience Award of the Year Supported by KE Costs Lawyers WINNER: Newfields Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Award of the Year Supported by The Solicitors Regulation Authority HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cardiff University Widening Participation Team WINNER: Browne Jacobson Wellbeing Strategy of the Year Supported by LawCare WINNER: Watkins & Gunn Pro Bono Award of the Year Supported by The Pro Bono Committee for Wales HIGHLY COMMENDED: Commonhold & Leasehold Experts Ltd WINNER: Bangor University Legal Advice Clinic Social Impact Award of the Year Supported by Menzies LLP WINNER: Harding Evans Solicitors Sustainability Award of the Year Supported by Businessin Wales WINNER: Tree Law Future Lawyer Scheme of the Year Supported by the University of Wales Trinity St David WINNER: Watkins & Gunn Leadership Award Supported by Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid WINNER: Eve Piffaretti, Blake Morgan LLP Legal Entrepreneur of the Year (Special recognition award) Supported by Mastering Diversity WINNER: Glyn Lloyd, Newfields Legal Hero

Legal

Celebrating legal excellence: How Wales’ legal sector drives economic growth

Celebrating legal excellence: How Wales’ legal sector drives economic growth Celebrating legal excellence: How Wales’ legal sector drives economic growth Emma Waddingham – Founder & editor, Legal News Wales On June 5 2025, the inaugural Legal News Wales Awards will illuminate the Cardiff Marriott Hotel, celebrating the remarkable achievements within Wales’ legal sector. This event is more than a ceremony; it’s a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in the nation’s economic and social fabric. Celebrating legal business growth & social impact The Legal News Wales Awards aim to spotlight excellence in the business of law across Wales. From leadership and innovation to community engagement and client service, the awards encompass a broad spectrum of categories that reflect the multifaceted contributions of legal professionals. Finalists include law firms, in-house legal teams, barristers’ chambers, and legal advice clinics, all demonstrating exceptional commitment to their craft, business transformation and communities. Economic Impact of the Legal Sector The legal profession in Wales is a significant economic driver. Beyond providing essential services, legal entities contribute to job creation, attract investment, and support the infrastructure of other industries. By fostering a robust legal environment, Wales enhances its appeal to businesses seeking a stable and supportive jurisdiction – especially in light of the increasing divergence of law in Wales. Innovation & Transformation Our award categories, such as our Legal Services Transformation of the Year award, highlight the sector’s adaptability and forward-thinking approach. Our finalists have implemented transformative strategies, embracing technology and innovative practices to better serve clients and improve access to justice. Many are already regarded as benchmarks of innovation excellence across England and Wales by their sector bodies. Commitment to Diversity & Wellbeing Our awards also recognise efforts in sustained, impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies, as well as employee wellbeing. Finalists in these categories have demonstrated a commitment to creating inclusive workplaces and supporting the mental and physical health of their teams, setting benchmarks for the profession and beyond. Community Engagement & Pro Bono Work Legal professionals in Wales are deeply embedded in their communities, often providing pro bono services and supporting local initiatives. Our Pro Bono Award category acknowledges those who go above and beyond in offering voluntary legal support, reinforcing the sector’s role as a pillar of social responsibility. Why Businesses Should Take Note For businesses operating in Wales, the strength and integrity of our legal sector is invaluable. A vibrant legal community ensures that businesses in Wales have access to high-quality legal advice, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance support. Moreover, the sector’s emphasis on innovation and authentic client service aligns with the needs of vibrant entrepreneurs and SMEs in Wales that need agile, accessible and responsive legal partners who offer outstanding legal advice as standard. Looking Ahead As we celebrate the achievements of our nation’s legal professionals, it’s clear that the sector’s influence extends beyond courtrooms and contracts. By driving economic growth, championing innovation, and fostering community engagement, the legal profession in Wales stands as a cornerstone of our society. Growth, transformation and relevance is essential for a sector that provides a core pillar of a functioning society – the pillar of justice. Wales doesn’t simply host a ‘functioning’ legal sector, it’s a powerhouse with a heart. The Legal News Wales Awards serve not only to honour the sector’s accomplishments but also to highlight the integral role of the legal sector in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for Wales. I’m delighted to partner with Businessin Wales to build opportunities for the legal profession and businesses in Wales and I look forward to sharing details of our winners in the next edition. Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials Linkedin X Instagram TikTok Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Audible Uncategorised Principality Stadium set to host opening ceremony of EURO 2028 Tourism & Travel, Uncategorised Swansea: A city on the up! Finance, Public Sector & Government, Residential Property, Tourism & Travel, Uncategorised

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