CIVIL litigation specialists Harkin Lloyd are in the running for a top client care award.

The small firm are the only Merseyside lawyers shortlisted for a Law Soc- iety Excellence Award.

They have been nomin-ated, along with six other firms, in the excellence in client care category.

The award recognises firms that demonstrate a “leading edge commit-ment in client care and show examples of going the extra mile”.

Based in the India Buildings, the firm deals with civil litigation claims including car crashes and accidents at work. But their main work is representing employees suffering from industrial diseases, many of whom have been exposed to asbestos.

To help clients who have developed noise-induced deafness, the firm hired a solicitor fluent in British Sign Language. The rest of the firm are now having training.

Partner and co-founder Rachel Lloyd said: “The practice has always focused on the needs of clients. We saw the category of Client Care and just knew we had to apply for it. We asked some of our clients if they would be willing to pre-pare a small testimonial to explain what their experiences had been with Harkin Lloyd.

“We were overjoyed to receive an overwhelming response from many clients’ widows and families, explaining how we had dealt with their loved ones’ cases.”

The firm was voted Law Firm of the Year by Liverpool Law Society last year.

It is up against: Ashurst LLP, Fox Williams LLP, Jackson Barrett & Gass Solicitors, London Borough of Brent Legal Team, Lovells LLP and PJH Law Solicitors.

The gala awards dinner will be held at Old Billingsgate, in London, on October 23.