2023 WALES LEGAL AWARDS CELEBRATES THE BEST OF THE WELSH LEGAL COMMUNITY

This year's finalists feature legal teams & rising stars from law firms across the length & breadth of Wales.

Wales Legal Awards 2023

The finalists for the 2023 Wales Legal Awards that represent the best of the Welsh legal sector were announced in our awards ceremony on the 24th November 2023.

The awards were established five years ago to recognise the incredible talent working in the legal profession in Wales and to put a spotlight on those legal teams that have made a significant impact in their field by setting new benchmarks for excellence in the sector across Wales. This year a number of new categories were introduced to celebrate not only the legal teams that make such a difference across Wales but also those that support lawyers to achieve excellence with their clients.

A sold-out dinner saw finalists from legal businesses across Wales compete for awards in sixteen different categories. The Wales Legal Team of the Year was awarded to GS Verde, while the outstanding Contribution to the Welsh legal profession went to Kathryn Roberts, Chair of Eversheds Sutherland’s international business who is not only overseeing operations in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Asia but is also co-chair of the firm’s Global Board.

Charlotte Leyshon, Co-Founder of the awards and Director of Lux Family Law, said:

“We know the impact that the legal profession is having on so many aspects of our lives in Wales every day and Welsh law firms are not only growing and diversifying their offering within but making a real difference to the practice of law as we have seen time and time again during previous awards. We are also delighted that the awards are not only recognising the excellent work of Welsh lawyers but also the contribution of everyone else working in the legal sector”

Ieuan Leigh, founder of the headline awards sponsor, Validient, said:

“The Wales Legal Awards not only celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding legal professionals but also serve as a benchmark for the entire Welsh legal community to strive for excellence. As a lawtech firm, we understand the transformative power of technology in revolutionising the practice of law and by sponsoring these awards, we aim to spotlight and support innovation in the legal field and help the legal profession to evolve in a way that benefits society as a whole”

Commenting on the winner of the Outstanding Contribution award, Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, Chairman of the judging panel and Co-Founder of the awards, added:

“I am totally delighted that Kath Roberts is the latest recipient of this award. Not only has she achieved so much in her professional career by becoming chair of one of the largest full-service law firms in the World but as a committed advocate for the promotion of diversity, gender parity and social mobility in the legal profession, she has led by example, shattering the glass ceiling and becoming an inspiration for many to follow in her footsteps.”