Nomination and Award Guidance
Who can make a nomination, and who can be nominated?
Nominations can be made by prospective nominee themselves, by a third party or by the Awards organisers. Firms, chambers, employers, institutes, clients, suppliers and colleagues who have had positive contact with the legal profession are encouraged to make nominations to ensure the fullest range of candidates is put forward. Legal professionals who meet the criteria for a category can also make their own entry. (The relevant period for any given category is from March 2023 to March 2024)
Entries are open to all sectors of the legal profession operating within the following areas: Northumberland, County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Teesside, Redcar & Cleveland and Cumbria. Criteria for each award can be viewed on the Categories page. Please note nominations can only be accepted for one category per individual in the following categories: Lawyer of the Year, Rising Star, Trainee of the Year.
The deadline for nominations – 25th April 2024
How are nominations made?
Making a nomination is very straightforward and is designed to be targeted and not overly time consuming. You simply need to draft your entry in a word document and cut and paste the information to complete the online form for the relevant category and this will be submitted automatically to us once completed. Each category has a bespoke online form which sets out category criteria and asks for a short response in relation to each of the criteria (the judges would prefer to read succinct responses of around 200-300 words per criterion. We will accept responses up to a strict 500 word limit where you feel it absolutely necessary to convey the scope of the nomination – but this is a maximum and not a compulsory word limit).
PLEASE DO NOT DRAFT YOUR SUBMISSION WITHIN THE ONLINE FORM – THE FORM WILL TIME OUT BEFORE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE SUBMISSION MEANING YOUR WORK WILL BE LOST.
We recommend you draft your nomination in a word document, then copy and paste the information into the form to avoid disappointment.
Following the nomination deadline the Judges will review all submitted nominations and shortlist a maximum of five nominees in each category.
What is the Judging Process
The Judging Panel will review all shortlisted nominations and meet with all nominees. A “Meet the Judges” event will take place for all successful nominees. This will be an opportunity for the Judging Panel to discuss the nomination with the nominee in a dedicated interview slot. JUDGING DAY will take place on Wednesday 22nd May at St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Please note all shortlisted nominees should be present for this event, non-attendance may significantly affect any nomination.
When are the winners announced?
The winners of the Awards will then be announced at the Awards Dinner at St. James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne – Thursday 27th June 2024
