Law Firm of the Year

Hill Dickinson

Managing partner Peter Jackson said: “In a year that has seen us expand our international horizons we are very pleased to be recognised here in Liverpool, where our headquarters are based.”

Jackson & Canter

Managing partner Andrew Holroyd said: “We’re delighted to have been nominated. I think it’s further evidence of the good work that the firm does and recognition that it makes a difference.”

Merseyside Junior Lawyers Division Person of the Year

Nicole Baygan, Heaney Watson

She said: “I am really honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious award. I have been involved with the Merseyside Trainee Solicitors Group and the Junior Lawyers Division for three consecutive years now and am very dedicated to its cause.”

Edward Turner, Berrymans Lace Mawer

He said: “I’m very happy. I’ve put in a lot of work into the JLD and it feels good to be recognised for it.

“You get out what you put in.”

Personal Injury Team of the Year

EAD Solicitors

Mike Sexton, senior partner, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Personal Injury team of the Year award, especially as this award recognises the reputation of the team amongst the business community and our contemporaries in Liverpool.”

John Pickering & Partners LLP

Partner Kevin Johnson said:

“John Pickering is a niche practice which specialises in claims on behalf of asbestos disease sufferers.

“We’ve been involved in many of the important test cases. Many of these cases involve and benefit asbestos sufferers from the local community.”

Barrister of the Year

Paul Burns, Exchange Chambers

“I am extremely pleased to have been shortlisted for this award given the strength of the Liverpool Bar.

“This is excellent news for me and also for the team at Chambers.”

Samantha Hillas, Atlantic Chambers

“I am absolutely thrilled to have reached the shortlist and would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who nominated me.

“The work of a family barrister often takes place behind the scenes. It feels particularly special to be marked out as an exceptional practitioner in my field.”

Real Estate and Environmental Law Team of the Year

DLA Piper

Mark Beardwood, real estate partner, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the award. There is nothing better than receiving recognition in the city and marketplace where you work.”

Halliwells

David Morgan, partner and head of real estate in Liverpool, said: “Although the wider economic climate remains extremely difficult, our real estate team is firing on all cylinders.

“Liverpool has a number of first rate property law firms and we are delighted to be nominated.”

President's Award for Human Rights Work

Jackson & Canter Solicitors

Chris Topping, partner, said: “Some of the things that we have done have been high profile and made a difference to people’s lives. That’s what being a solicitor is about – making a difference rather than the result.”

RMNJ Solicitors

Richard Nicholas, partner and head of mental health, said: “We do human rights work in the area of mental health and prison law mainly.

“We’re trying to wedge the doors open in terms of people having a say.

Corporate Team of the Year

DLA Piper

David Cadwallader, corporate partner, said: “Having been named corporate team of the year in 2007, we are delighted to be in the running for this year’s award.

“It is gratifying to know that the continued efforts and achievements of our team have been recognised by our peers in the city.”

Halliwells

Sue Russell, partner and head of corporate in Liverpool, said: “Our Liverpool corporate team has performed very strongly over the last 12 months and we are delighted to be shortlisted.

“The strength and breadth of our client relationships be they corporate, institutional, management or entrepreneurial clients, are the cornerstone of our practice.”

Employment Team of the Year

Halliwells

Kerstie Skeaping, partner and head of Employment in Liverpool, said: “Employment is a growth area for the firm in Liverpool. We have an excellent team who are delighted that their commitment to the Liverpool market has been recognised in the short listing process.”

Hill Dickinson LLP

Suzanne Nulty, associate in employment and pensions, said: “We understand that competition is fierce this year but are hopeful that the judges agree with the glowing testimonials provided by a selection of our very satisfied clients as to why we are the best.”

Niche Law Firm of the Year

Dyne Solicitors

John Dyne, managing director, said: “We’ve done work for some major companies in relation to wind farms and also advise on waste recycling. We defend environmental-related prosecutions. If you could be prosecuted for it, we defend it.”

Shipley Solicitors

Mark Shipley, managing director, said: “For me and Shipley’s it’s always been business first, legal second. With intellectual property it’s about business and how to give value to businesses. They don’t want to know about the law, they want to know what they can do.”

Dispute Resolution Team of the Year

Halliwells

Colin Gibbons, partner and head of dispute resolution in Liverpool, said: “Our dispute resolution team has come to the fore over recent years, successfully advising on a wide range of matters.

“Our people give clear commercial advice, talk common sense and consistently deliver rapid resolution of disputes. ”

Weightmans

Andrew Cox, head of Weightman’s dispute resolution team, said: “I am particularly pleased for all 18 members of the team because this is thoroughly deserved recogni tion for their hard work, energy and enthusiasm.

“It is the quality of our people which has driven our success.”