Interview
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CSR project of the year
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 11, 2008
Despite being a new category for 2008, CSR team of the year attracted the highest number of entries of any category this year. The judging panel was struck both by the quality of the entries and by the diversity of CSR initiatives being carried out by law firms in the UK. Finalists Berwin Leighton Paisner (BLP), Weightmans and Cripps Harries Hall all demonstrated the extent to which a well-run corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme can encourage voluntary work and channel it effectively into community projects. At BLP, 30% of the staff have taken part in the firm's CSR programme in some capacity while Weightmans has introduced a flexitime policy to allow staff to fit in their voluntary work more easily. Wragge & Co is another UK firm that has been making a major contribution to its local community. Its entry focused on the ongoing help and advice it has provided to Roshni, a Birmingham-based charity for victims of domestic violence.
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Managing/senior partner of the year
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 11, 2008
Running a modern law firm is a complex challenge, and many a talented lawyer has been burnt by the experience. The judges agreed that all six finalists showed they have what it takes to deliver outstanding performance. David Gray is stepping down as Eversheds' chief executive after five years, having notched up a litany of achievements. These include a £10m investment in the project management skills of its lawyers as well as the Global Account Management System. Gray has led from the front - partners can rate his performance on an intranet page. But he can be tough too, introducing a yellow and red card scheme to improve partners' approach to cash management.
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Law firm of the year
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 11, 2008
This award is always one of the most hotly contested, and 2008 proved to be no exception.Ashurst has continued to invest heavily in its international network, doubling its headcount in Dubai, opening an office in Abu Dhabi and recruiting shrewdly in Tokyo and Singapore. A Hong Kong office is planned for 2009. With a focus as well on identifying new areas of demand for legal expertise, Ashurst is showing the initiative required to succeed in turbulent conditions, the judges said.
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City of London Law Society Lifetime Achievement Award
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 11, 2008
Business lawyers are often accused of being introspective. It is not an accusation that can be levelled against Guy Beringer, who stands out for his willingness to challenge established thinking and spread his wings beyond the confines of his narrow professional interests.He studied at Campbell College in Belfast and Cambridge before joining Allen & Overy (A&O) in 1980. In 1986, at the time of the 'Big Bang' in the City of London, he was, in his own words, "a young corporate partner trying to build a practice". The Big Bang reforms swept away the old way of doing business in the City "removing barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation", as Beringer recalled recently.
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Awards Introduction
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 11, 2008
When we started judging the British Legal Awards 2008 we knew the economy was deteriorating fast, but the papers we were reading showed a world of work. The profession's achievements were spread before us - and very impressive they were.We sat round a conference room table, and if it hadn't been for the photographer and the journalistic presence of the editor-in-chief of Legal Week, it might have felt like work. John Malpas read out the criteria for each entry as we came to it, and the assigned judges said their bit. We found it easy to reach consensus in all but one or two closely-contested categories. A larger group had a say in firm of the year, but I was the only judge who had to read all the entries - about a foot of paper - and as I was chairing a bunch of acute and attentive lawyers I didn't get a real chance to sway the proceedings.
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Life is sweet
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 10, 2008
If longevity is anything to go by, working as the top lawyer at confectionery giant Cadbury seems to be one of the, ahem, sweeter in-house roles going.After all, the company - one of the world's largest confectionery businesses - has a knack of being able to retain its staff. Chief legal officer and group secretary Hank Udow has been at the company for more than 20 years and is still fascinated by his work.He says: "It still amazes me how many interesting and complex transactions I have had the opportunity to do at Cadbury. It is never dull. The scope of activities from a legal perspective is enormous."
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Dealmaker: Michael Chissick
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | December 3, 2008
Field Fisher Waterhouse's technology supremo Michael Chissick on lycra tops, zorbing and 'plogs'
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Dealmaker: Jason Fox
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | November 19, 2008
Herbert Smith finance head Jason Fox on brainstorming in Essex, four-letter jargon and Blair shame
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Dealmaker: Mark Hyde
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | November 5, 2008
Clifford Chance head of restructuring and insolvency Mark Hyde on winding up Charlton Athletic, becoming a dad in Hong Kong airport and go-karting shame
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The Coke side of in-house life
By a:1:{i:0;s:1:" ";} | November 5, 2008
Advising the world's most famous global brand for three decades is no mean feat. Christopher Barnard has worked in almost every legal role, in almost every jurisdiction for Coca-Cola since 1978 and still has a thirst for more.Always excited by his work with the brand, he says: "As you might expect, Coca-Cola is a very creative business and a great company to work in. The demanding work keeps the adrenalin running and it is constantly evolving - it keeps you on your toes."Barnard joined the company in a management role and his career has developed over the last 30 years to the point that he is now the group general counsel for Coca-Cola Europe.
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