How to enter the 2026 Scottish Legal Awards

17th February 2026 Written by: Joshua King

The Scottish Legal Awards 2026 are open for entry and its your change to be named among the country's top solicitors.

Now in it’s 23rd year, the awards and gala celebrate achievements across the profession.

Last year, the headline accolades Firm of the Year (Under 250 Employees) and Firm of the Year (250 Employees and Over) were awarded to Neilsons Solicitors and Estate Agents and Thorntons Law respectively.

The distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to The Rt Hon Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court. Lord Hodge was appointed Deputy President in January 2020, having originally joined the Court as a Justice in October 2013.

One of the highest individual honours, the Lawyer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Law Society of Scotland, was awarded to Catriona Watt of Anderson Strathern.

In the Law Champion of the Year category, the judges chose joint winners: Rachel Moon, Partner, and Lorna Walker, Senior Solicitor, of Govan Law Centre.

This year's event will raise money for the Lawscot Foundation.

Judging and Deadline

Lorna Jack, renowned for her extensive experience in the Scottish legal sector, will lead a distinguished panel of judges tasked with reviewing and debating the entries.

The entry deadline is set for Monday, April 27 2026. The winners will be unveiled at the Scottish Legal Awards Annual Dinner, hosted by broadcaster Des Clarke, on Thursday September 17, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow Central.

The 2026 Categories

Company Awards

Firm of the Year (250 Employees and Over)
Firm of the year (Up to 250 Employees)
Excellence in Client Care
Excellence in Community Care & Social Responsibility
Excellence in Equity & Inclusion
Excellence in Support & Wellbeing

Team Awards

Litigation Team of the Year
Commercial Real Estate Team of the Year
Residential Property Team of the Year
In-House Legal Team of the Year
Criminal Defence Team of the Year
Excellence in Support Services
Family Law or Private Client Team of the Year
Marketing & Business Development Team of the Year

Individual Awards

Lifetime Achievement Award
Business Leadership Award
Lawyer of the Year
Paralegal of the Year
Rising Star of the Year
Advocate of the Year
Law Champion of the Year

How to enter

For full details on how to enter and category criteria, click here.

About the author

Joshua King

Editor of the Journal of the Law Society of Scotland. Leading The Journal's coverage of the legal sector and profession with a clear eye to the future. Qualified in Scots law.

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