A first for Eversheds

The Leeds office of Eversheds has become the first winner of the Yorkshire law firm of the year award.

The national practice received the accolade at the third annual Yorkshire Lawyer Awards in Harrogate - the first time there has been a firm presentation.

The judges highlighted Eversheds' in-house training initiatives, people-development programme, and new 'Lifestyle' flexible working scheme (see [2002] Gazette, 12 September, 8) for special praise.

Stephen Hopkins, head of corporate in Leeds, said: 'It is interesting that we didn't get the award on the basis of all the international transactions we have been involved in, but rather for service delivery, staff care and service to the community.

What singled us out from the rest are the softer issues such as how we treat clients and staff and it is pleasing when investment in people gets recognition.'

Bradford firm Gordons Cranswick was second and DLA third.

The lawyer of the year and QC of the year were posthumously awarded to Louise Godfrey QC of Park Court Chambers in Leeds, who died of cancer in June.

Among the other award winners were Paul Howell from Addleshaw Booth & Co (private client lawyer of the year), David Armitage from Hammond Suddards Edge (international), Nabarro Nathanson's Jane Turley (commercial litigation) and jointly Richard Bonnar, Brian Clark and Paul Stone all of DLA (corporate and commercial).

Nominees for the awards are put forward by other solicitors and judged on the achievements of their career and community work.

Andrew Towler