Shortlist announced for the Manchester Legal Awards 2026
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s Manchester Legal Awards, which has attracted over 200 entries.
JMW Solicitors LLP are leading the pack with seven entries on the shortlist including Barrister/KC of the Year, Crime Team of the Year, Employment Team of the Year, Family Law Team of the Year, Partner of the Year, Private Client Team of the Year and Regulatory Team of the Year.
TLT LLP and Fletchers Solicitors each have five entries on the shortlist, while Myerson Solicitors and the Government Legal Department both have four entries.
The most hotly contested category this year is the Trainee/Paralegal/Apprentice/Legal Executive of the Year, with six impressive individuals making it to the shortlist.
The shortlist consists of 88 entries this year, demonstrating the buoyancy of the region’s legal community and on-going appeal of the awards.
Finalists will face in-person interviews with a panel of judges on Friday 12 June at Evershed Sutherland’s offices before the winners are revealed at a prestigious black-tie event on Thursday, 2 July at the iconic Kimpton Clocktower Hotel.
Fran Eccles-Bech, chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, said:
“The judges have really had their work cut out this year, not just because of the sheer number of entries but the calibre of those entries which has made judging especially tough.
“I know I say this every year but the legal talent in the north west never fails to astound me. Everyone in the legal community should be extremely proud of their contribution to our sector which is clearly thriving.
“Last year, we were thrilled to see so many first time entrants and I’m thrilled that the momentum has continued.
“Heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to enter – your efforts are genuinely appreciated as you all contribute to our vibrant legal community – and huge congratulations to all the individuals, teams, firms and chambers who have made the shortlist.
“I look forward to welcoming everyone to the awards dinner in July – remember, it will be my last one as I am retiring at the end of July!”
A massive thanks to our media partner TheBusinessDesk.com, our marketing partner RMS and our charity partner the Greater Manchester Law Centre.
If you’d like to join us please get your ticket requests in quickly as they are selling fast! Tickets are £130.00 + VAT each, just let us know how many you need. Tables are of 10 or we have a limited number of tables of 12. If you book less than 10 places you’ll likely be sharing with other guests so we can fit everyone in. Request your tickets at manchesterlegalawards.co.uk/tickets
Manchester Legal Awards 2026 Shortlist
Corporate Culture and Wellbeing Champions of the Year
- gunnercooke LLP
- IMD Solicitors LLP
- MLP Law Ltd
- Myerson Solicitors
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champions of the Year
- 23ES
- BCLP LLP
- Fletchers Solicitors
- Mills & Reeve LLP
Corporate/Commercial Team of the Year
- Addleshaw Goddard LLP
- Eversheds Sutherland LLP
- Mills & Reeve LLP
- Myerson Solicitors
Crime Team of the Year
- JMW Solicitors LLP
- Olliers Solicitors
- Slater Heelis Solicitors
- Tuckers Solicitors North West
Employment Team of the Year
- Brabners LLP
- Government Legal Department (Employment Rights Team)
- JMW Solicitors LLP
- Lewis Silkin
Family Team of the Year
- Hall Brown Family Law
- IMD Solicitors LLP
- JMW Solicitors LLP
- Maguire Family Law
In-house Team of the Year
- BAE Systems
- Government Legal Department (Department of Work and Pensions)
- Government Legal Department (Employment Rights Team)
- Peninsula Business Services Limited
- Quint Group Limited
Litigation Team of the Year
- BCLP LLP
- Eversheds Sutherland LLP
- Kuits Solicitors
- TLT LLP
Personal Injury/Clinical Negligence Team of the Year
- Farleys Solicitors
- Fletchers Solicitors (Clinical Negligence Team)
- Fletchers Solicitors (Personal Injury Team)
- Manchester Arena Civil Litigation Team: Hudgell Solicitors, Slater and Gordon, Broudie Jackson Canter, Byrom Street Chambers, Temple Garden Chambers
Private Client Team of the Year
- gunnercooke LLP
- Hugh Jones Solicitors
- JMW Solicitors LLP
- Private Client Solicitors
Property Team of the Year
- Beyond Corporate
- Fieldfisher LLP
- Gorvins Solicitors
- Myerson Solicitors
- TLT LLP
Regulatory Team of the Year
- DAC Beachcroft
- Eversheds Sutherland LLP
- JMW Solicitors LLP
- Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Unsung Hero of the Year
- Laura Brooks, BCLP LLP
- David Nash, Leonard Curtis Legal
- Suzie Sutcliffe, Hugh James
- Diane Towlson, Aequitas Legal
Trainee/Paralegal/Apprentice/Legal Executive of the Year
- Isabella Farrell, Irwin Mitchell LLP
- Josiah Morrone-Krawetz, TLT LLP
- Zara Salmon, DWF Law LLP
- Lydia Scales, Fletchers Solicitors
- Katie Southern, Tuckers Solicitors North West
- Phoebe Tiernan, McAlister Family Law
Solicitor of the Year
- Jenni Palmer, Government Legal Department
- Elizabeth Ridley, Irwin Mitchell LLP
- Georgina Tither, Fletchers Solicitors
- Leigh Wright, Tuckers Solicitors North West
Partner of the Year
- Alex Barley, Slater Heelis Solicitors
- Michael Chapman, JMW Solicitors LLP
- Emma Cordock, Cartwright King Solicitors
- Carol Couse, Mills & Reeve LLP
- Claire Graham, TLT LLP
Barrister/KC of the Year
- Abigail Bennett, JMW Solicitors LLP
- Natasha Khalique, Exchange Chambers
- Martine Swinscoe, 18 St John Street Chambers
Barristers’ Chambers of the Year
- Deans Court Chambers
- Kings Chambers
- St John’s Buildings Chambers
- Unit Chambers
Small Law Firm of the Year (1-5 partners nationally)
- Aequitas Legal
- Eventum Legal
- Irwell Law Limited
- Latitude Law
Medium Law Firm of the Year (6-20 partners nationally)
- Asserson
- Hall Brown Family Law
- IMD Solicitors LLP
- Leonard Curtis Legal
Large Law Firm of the Year (21+ partners nationally)
- Brabners LLP
- Hill Dickinson LLP
- Myerson Solicitors
- TLT LLP
Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is voted for by the Manchester Law Society Council from the nominations received. The winner will be announced LIVE at the Manchester Legal Awards Dinner on Thursday, 2nd July 2026.
For more information visit: www.manchesterlegalawards.co.uk and follow us here and on LinkedIn and Instagram