CATEGORY GUIDELINES
This category is open to legal teams from firms of any size as well as to in-house teams based in Europe; entries will be judged according to the team’s individual merits and the positive impact of the project on wider society rather than simply the scope of resources. Multiple entries from one firm are acceptable.
It covers any initiative relating to environmental, social and governance issues: for example sustainability projects; diversity, talent and inclusion initiatives etc. (but not limited to these areas).
To enter you must complete the entry form on the online entry portal.
Don’t forget, you can log-in and out of the entry portal as many times as you like prior to submitting.
WHAT WILL THE JUDGES BE LOOKING FOR IN THIS CATEGORY?
The entry form will ask you to detail a project or initiative as follows:
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Objective (500 words)
- Our judges will want to understand why this initiative was developed and under what circumstances. Diversity projects should demonstrate a coherent strategy to recruit and retain a workforce that represents the diversity of wider society. Environmental projects should demonstrate how the initiative fits in with a wider sustainability strategy and the organisation’s impact on the wider world, either climate or communities. Briefly outline the details of the case, and why it was challenging. NB The ESG entry could theoretically be a combination of any of the above sub-categories but we recommend that you focus on a project that showcases your work on one specific element of the ESG space.
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Implementation (750 words)
- Our judges will be looking for the standout features of this initiative, and what makes it unique. You should include reference to how data has been used to guide strategy. Please be as specific as possible when detailing how the team implemented the initiative and any obstacles they needed to overcome
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Success (500 words)
- Our judges will want to see both qualitative and quantitative results of the initiative, with a focus on relevant statistical data, and how the initiative has impacted on the firm and beyond, into its client service offering
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Additional materials
- You should use this section to upload any relevant client testimonials that add weight to your entry, and any charts or other visual aids that illustrate your work. In particular it may make sense to include additional details of third parties and the project team itself
There is a confidential information section on the form: We fully appreciate that some of the information you include in your entry may be sensitive. We want to encourage you to submit as much detail as possible, including financial details, therefore please include in this section any sensitive information that should be treated for judges’ eyes only.
Previous winners:
2023: Aequo
2022: Zamfirescu Racoti Vasile & Partners
Entries are welcome from:
Private practice law firms
New Law providers
In-house teams
General points to remember:
• The more detail you provide, the more likely your entry is to be highly ranked by our independent judges
• Client testimonials add extra weight to your entry – please provide them during the online entry process
• Please ensure you indicate clearly on your entry where information is confidential; the content of entries is for judges’ eyes only, however details given in your submission may be used in the shortlist announcement and the post-event editorial coverage when not marked otherwise
• Entries covering work outside of the dates given April 2023 – present will not be considered