The excellence in Diversity & Inclusion recognition is for a collaboration in recruitment between Reignite Academy and Reed Smith, CMS, Macfarlanes, Orrick, Sidley Austin and White & Case. The initiative aims to support lawyers in their return to work after taking a career break, either through individual supported placements or through inclusion on a six month Reignite Programme.

The Excellence in Pro Bono recognition is for the free legal advice and support given to Kids In Need of Defense UK (KIND). As part of this initiative Reed Smith, Arnold & Porter, Covington & Burling, Ropes & Gray and Shearman & Sterling, provide pro bono work to help undocumented children and their families regularise their status so they can remain in the UK. Without this legal support to secure their right to remain, the impact on families can be devastating.

The Excellence Awards champion the work of solicitors across England and Wales, and look for examples of best practice within the industry.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 23 October at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London.