The countdown to The Herald Law Awards of Scotland is on and, with entries closing on Tuesday, October 15 you have one day left to make sure you, your team, firm or organisation are in with a chance of winning.

Now in their 15th year, the awards recognise excellence in all areas of the profession and at all levels of qualification, with entries encouraged from in-house teams and advocates, private practice lawyers and law centres.

The standard of entries so far this year has been exceptional; let's see if you can make it even better. Read on to find out what our panel of judges will be looking out for and click here - http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/lawawards/ to make your submission

Meet the 2019 judges:

Arlene McDaid

The Herald:

Arlene has said: "Traditionally, legal services are a reserved sector, and the judges are keen to receive submissions from those who are pushing the boundaries and challenging the status quo to improve the practice of law and delivery of services to clients.

Many people have come to view innovation as synonymous with disruption. However, innovation comes in many different flavours.

Technology can, of course, be used in almost all areas of practice, but we’re particularly interested to receive submissions in this category from those who have broken step from the rest of the sector to deliver real, tangible change on a day-to-day basis for clients."

Drew McCusker. Litigator and the founder of The Glass Network

The Herald:

Drew said: “Firms are providing more innovative and inclusive services, contributing to a more competitive and sustainable economy. 

Providing tech-savvy solutions at lower costs can attract new clients, but clients increasingly want to know what sort of business their money is going into. 

Whether firms are invested in being environmentally friendly, providing educational opportunities for school pupils, or realising equality and diversity, the way firms do business is part of their corporate social responsibility. 

Aside from promoting a more inclusive Scotland, clients want to promote their own businesses and values with those who share similar values.  

The unique role of solicitors allows and obligates us to work with purpose in bettering our local and wider communities.”

Colin W Anderson. Retired Solicitor

The Herald:

Natalie Kirk, Director Element Legal

The Herald:

Shirley Macintosh, Partner, RSM

The Herald:

Margaret Taylor – Judging Panel Chair, Business Correspondent

The Herald:

Frances McMenamin QC

The Herald:

John Mulholland, President, Law Society of Scotland

The Herald:

Usman Tariq, Advocate & Founder Scottish Ethnic Minorities Lawyers Association

The Herald:

Julia McPartlin, Criminal Defence Solicitor

The Herald: