The deadline for submissions for the inaugural Legal Week Legal Innovation Awards has been extended by a week to 27 March.

The move follows several requests for deadline extensions and creates a level playing field for those law firms, legal departments and chambers still preparing their submissions.

The Legal Innovation Awards, which will take place in London on 22 May, are targeted at teams and individuals in non fee earning roles who are playing a leading role in driving forward their businesses.

Key awards include Marketing, Business Development and Communications Innovation, which reflects the crucial role business development and communications teams play in winning business and growing law firm brands, and International Innovation, which underlines the importance of integrating multi-office networks in order to ensure clients receive a consistent service.

There are also awards covering diversity, green initiatives, knowledge management and compliance. See below for a full list of the categories.

The independent judging panel includes former CC senior partner Stuart Popham (pictured), vice chairman of banking for Europe at Citi, Paul Philip, chief executive of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Oonagh Harpur, a non-executive director at The Treasury Solicitor's Department, and Dame Janet Gaymer. 

The shortlist will be announced on 3 April and the awards will be presented at a lunchtime ceremony at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in London on 22 May.

For entry enquiries email [email protected] or call her on +44 (0)207 316 9406 .

For sponsorship opportunities call Colin Logan on 0207 316 9867  or email [email protected].

Click here for details on how to enter

The full list of categories are as follows:

The Outstanding Innovator Award
Future of Legal Services Innovation
Marketing, Business Development and Communications Innovation
Recruitment Innovation
Diversity Innovation
International Innovation
Client Management Innovation
Knowledge Management Innovation
Compliance and KYC Innovation
Supplier Innovation
Pro Bono Innovation
Next Generation Innovation
Chambers Innovation
Green Innovation
Mobile and Flexible Working Innovation
Benefits and Incentives Innovation