Gillespie Macandrew tops legal awards

"Firm of the year" title for Edinburgh lawyers as honours shared

News, 27 February 2007

Edinburgh solicitors Gillespie Macandrew are celebrating being named as "Firm of the Year" at the Cuthbert Scottish Legal Awards presentation on Friday.

The fifth annual awards, sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, saw the 12 categories on offer go to winners from nine different firms, plus the Property Standardisation Group - made up of individuals from four big commercial firms - which collected the Project Team of the Year accolade.

At the ceremony Sir Gerald Gordon was also honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to supporting and developing the criminal law of Scotland through his teaching, writing and law reporting.

There was even a modest celebration for the Journal as Govan Law Centre's Iain Nisbet, who also writes the Journal's web review column, was named as Rising Star of the Year.

Other titles included Partner of the Year, awarded to David Reith of Lindsays; High Growth Firm of the Year (Pinsent Masons); and Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year to Harper Macleod, who along with Anderson Strathern went home with two prizes.

Spare a thought, however, for Pagan Osborne and Wright Johnston & Mackenzie, who each had a total of six shortlistings but were pipped every time for the winner's accolade - though WJM did manage some "highly commended" ratings as consolation.

Chair of the judging panel, Margo Macdonald MSP commented: "These awards are tough to judge and even harder to win. Many congratulations to all these winners. Take it from me, they are all very deserving."