Once a year, the Daily Business Review recognizes exemplary performance by attorneys who deliver positive results for the client.

In the 15th annual edition, more than three dozen attorneys in 20 categories are honored for their handling of litigation, transactions and public interest law.

Proving the wheels of justice grind slowly, some cases had their origins more than a decade ago.

A federal appellate court decided a case about law firm liability in the Ponzi scheme run by Allen Stanford, who was charged a decade ago. Another case dates back to contract bidding decided in 2001. And a bankruptcy recovery attempt involving a former Ecuadorian banker was tied to the formation of a family foundation in 2003 and the 1996 failure of Banco Continental.

Some were decidedly quicker. A move to disqualify a judge was determined on appeal three months after the initial motion was filed in the trial court.

Overall, the competition exemplifies the vigor and variety of South Florida's legal community. Congratulations to all who participated.