The Law Society published the shortlist for its legal Excellence Awards this week.

Entrants range from David Wilde, the senior partner of a two-partner Devonshire firm who has been shortlisted for private practice solicitor of the year, through to the microfinance working group at magic circle firm Allen & Overy, for the community investment award.

The legal teams at Staffordshire County Council and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council are also both listed for awards. Staffordshire has been shortlisted for excellence in client care while Merthyr Tydfil is nominated for excellence in environmental responsibility.

The shortlist also includes nominees for legal executive of the year, advocate of the year and Association of Women Solicitors’ businesswoman of the year.

The awards recognise best practice and celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement. They highlight innovative approaches to business, quality of life, practice management, social responsibility and equality and diversity.

Law Society president Robert Heslett said: ‘There's no better way to promote the legal profession than to celebrate the excellence and dynamism that exists right across the profession. We can all benefit by recognising and learning from the achievements of the leaders and innovators... The best entrants will gain the accolade of winning the most prestigious awards in the legal calendar.’

BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain will present the awards at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on 22 October.

The full shortlist can be viewed at www.lawsociety.org.uk/awards.