SME News- UK Legal Awards 2025 UK Legal Awards 2025 Energy Law Unlimited LLP: Best Sustainable Energy Law Firm 2025
UK Legal Awards 2025 Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. SME News is delighted to announce the return of the UK Legal Awards 2025 for the seventh consecutive year. Organised by SME News, this prestigious programme is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the firms and individuals who have exhibited excellence, innovation, and leadership in the legal sector. The UK Legal Awards 2025 is inclusive of all businesses operating in the UK legal sector, irrespective of size, location, or specialisation. We invite nominations from legal firms or individuals who have achieved outstanding results, provided exceptional service, or contributed positively to society. The UK legal sector in 2024 experienced significant developments and challenges, shaping the landscape for 2025. Key trends include the growing integration of AI technology, which enhances efficiency in tasks like document review and legal research. With 90% of top UK firms adopting AI, its transformative role underscores the sector’s innovation. Importantly, economic growth has been robust, with the legal sector’s contribution to the economy rising to £47.1 billion, an increase of 7.7% and underscores the industry’s substantial contribution to the UK economy. However, intense market competition, particularly from US firms, has led to rising fees and salaries for newly qualified lawyers. The industry is also navigating regulatory complexities, such as the impact of the Paccar judgment on litigation funding agreements. The UK Legal Awards 2025, proudly hosted by SME News, is a merit-based programme, where winners are determined by performance, achievements, and contributions rather than the number of votes or nominations received. With a broad range of categories covering all areas of expertise and specialisation, the awards offer a fair and comprehensive representation of the sector. These awards provide an exceptional platform to showcase the innovation, diversity, and excellence that define the UK legal sector, recognising firms and individuals making a significant impact.
Contents 4. A J Jones Solicitors: Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2025 – London & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 6. Energy Law Unlimited LLP: Best Sustainable Energy Law Firm 2025 8. Skelton Callender Solicitors: Residential Conveyancers of the Year 2025 – Northern Ireland & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 9. Blackhams Solicitors: Most Trusted Family Lawyer 2025 (West Midlands): Taswar Hayat & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 10. Blackfriars Law Limited: Best Property Law Firm 2025 – West Midlands 11. OTS Solicitors: Best Immigration & Family Law Firm 2025 – Southern England 12. Life Science Law Limited: Best Life Science Legal Consultancy 2025 – Southern England
UK Legal Awards 2025/ 4 Immigration law is an incredibly fast-changing and complex landscape, with detrimental consequences when not navigated correctly. The refusal of applications can lead to family separation, human rights breaches, destitution, detention, and removal from or refused entry to the UK. Dedicated to enabling individuals, families, and organisations to traverse the complexities of UK immigration, A J Jones Solicitors provides expert immigration guidance and support in this area. We heard more from Alyssia Jones, Director of A J Jones Solicitors, as we celebrate the firm in the UK Legal Awards 2025. Based in Wanstead, London, A J Jones Solicitors is a small immigration firm looking to make a big difference. Representing clients of all backgrounds in immigration matters, the firm is on a mission to support its clientele in the best way possible through providing services directly tailored to their specific needs. By handling all matters of immigration, including business immigration and personal immigration, A J Jones Solicitors aims to provide a highly individualised service to each client it serves, providing them with correct legal advice that enables them to achieve the best possible outcome for their circumstances. A J Jones Solicitors serves a diverse client base hailing from around the world, including those within Scotland, Wales, England, and Northern Ireland as well as those outside the UK, such as North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and various European countries. It offers a variety of services to clientele, mostly engaging through appointments that can be either face-to-face, via phone call, or through video conferencing. This multitude of access points ensures that A J Jones Solicitors can make its services and appointments more accessible for different client needs, as some may prefer to attend the offices whilst others will prefer videoconferencing. The firm aims to provide access to legal advice to all who need it, regardless of where they live, and this service model enables it to do exactly that. The firm offers a wide range of services to its clientele, dedicated to easing and explaining the immigration process at every stage of the process. Its services cover providing aid with both personal and business immigration; family immigration including private life protection; aid with British Citizenship, including naturalisation, registration, and application; asylum and protection services; aid with deportation, covering every stage, appeals, detention, and bail application; and appeals and refusals, including immigration appeals, administrative reviews, and judicial reviews. Though A J Jones Solicitors was established in 2022, it already possesses a long-standing client base comprising clients who have been previously represented by Alyssia in her previous role as Partner at a law firm in central London. This represents the stellar reputation Alyssia has built within the industry and has enabled A J Jones Solicitors to attract and retain an elevated volume of clients – furthering its mission of aiding as many people through the immigration process as possible. At present, the firm stands as a beacon of excellence within the immigration law sector and has distinguished itself by providing consistently superb services. “Our team has a lot of experience in immigration law,” Alyssia told us, “and as we are focused on one area of law, we know our area in detail and are always confident that we will be able to offer our clients solutions. Happy clients regularly refer new clients, and our referrals operate largely on world-of-mouth, which we have found gives us the edge over other competitors.” A J Jones Solicitors has certainly made its mark on the industry, having aided countless individuals, families, and organisations in navigating the complexities of UK immigration law. Its exceptional endeavours have been recognised in countless glowing testimonials from its clientele, demonstrated by the firm’s achievement of the Client Service Excellence Award 2025 in the UK Legal Awards 2025. Eralda wrote: “I have known Alyssia since 2016, and she has been incredibly helpful from day one. With her assistance, my life has changed significantly. Today, as I write this, my family and I have settled in the UK with indefinite leave to remain. Alyssia provided outstanding support and advice throughout the entire process. She has always been careful and responsible, and every word she spoke to me was trustworthy. Based on my experience, I can confidently say A J Jones Solicitors is the best solicitor. Thank you for all your hard work, patience, and professionalism.” Kapa reported: “I cannot recommend A J Jones Solicitors highly enough. From start to finish, their professionalism, expertise, and dedication were outstanding. They took the time to explain every step of the process in clear and simple terms, making me feel confident and supported throughout. The team were incredibly responsive, always available to answer my questions promptly and thoroughly. Their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome exceeded my expectations. If you are looking for a reliable and efficient legal team, A J Jones Solicitors is the way to go!” Whilst Amarildo stated: “A J Jones Solicitors are one of the best in the UK. They are reliable, honest, and operate with integrity. I would recommend the firm to anyone looking for great solicitors. Alyssia always takes the time to Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2025 – London & Client Service Excellence Award 2025
answer any questions I may have and provides me with all the options available. It’s really important being with the right solicitors, so I am really happy to have been referred to A J Jones Solicitors.” Such a remarkable reputation has been made possible by the close-knit team driving A J Jones Solicitors, continually working in alignment with each client’s best interests. When building this team, the firm looks for individuals with an eye for detail and the ability to work as a team. Of course, this industry is not without its challenges and the firm must be equipped to deftly navigate stressful situations as they arise. To do so, it places a high value on the importance of discussions between team members, recognising that often talking through an issue will generate new ideas and approaches to mitigating the situation at hand. With this approach, obstacles become opportunities, and what was once considered impossible is now incredibly rewarding. “We enjoy all aspects of the role and, in particular, winning difficult cases,” Alyssia added. “The most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession is getting a positive decision and seeing the difference this makes to a person’s life. It is very rewarding when we win after putting in a lot of effort and work to present the best possible case.” Such success is made inherently more rewarding due to the fast-evolving nature of the immigration law sector. To remain consistently ahead of changes to processes, regulations, and the law, A J Jones Solicitors must remain vigilant and flexible in the face of change. This is especially important for A J Jones Solicitors, a firm specialising in immigration law, as changes are often implemented at short notice and can have drastic effects on case outcomes. Most recently, the firm has observed significant developments in the law, caselaw, and guidance. The most notable development has been the change to the good character requirement for citizenship applications. This change now excludes the right for people to apply for citizenship if they had arrived in the UK through illegal means, however long ago it may have happened. Notably, A J Jones Solicitors has won its first application for citizenship following the change to the good character requirement. As for the remainder of the year, we learned that A J Jones Solicitors intends to expand its work within the field of business immigration. This expansion, the firm hopes, will provide it with a good base on which to expand into other areas of law that cross-over with immigration law. Such initiatives are crucial stages to A J Jones Solicitors’ development and will enable the firm to reach and serve a wider audience of individuals and organisations needing support. From its prowess in the legal field to its unwavering commitment to client-centricity, A J Jones Solicitors has established itself to be a leader in the realm of UK immigration law. Since its inception, the firm has been relentless in its pursuit of excellence, shadowed only by its unremitting pursuit of successful results for its clientele. It is for the exceptional work A J Jones Solicitors has undertaken, driven by a passionate team of experts, that the firm has been recognised with the well-deserved title of Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2025 – London. Contact: Alyssia Jones Company: A J Jones Solicitors Web Address: https://ajjonessolicitors.com
UK Legal Awards 2025 / 6 Launched in 2013, Glasgow based Energy Law Unlimited LLP (Energy Law) had a clear vision to set out to shake up the delivery of professional services and become the UK’s first dedicated sustainability and clean energy law firm. Quietly, professionally, and determinedly, this firm have shown their total dedication to getting the job done for their clients. It is therefore hardly surprising that their talented team of professionals should be recognised for their many achievements by being awarded SME ‘s Best Sustainable Energy Law Firm for 2025. The set out to develop what they refer to as ‘Their Approach’, which is based on their view that Professional Services must be designed and delivered to meet client’s needs, wants, and habits – not the traditional siloed way of delivering Professional Services. The firm built a multi-disciplinary team of Lawyers, Engineers, Planners, Technologists, and Sustainability Professionals and set them the task of creating a ‘Tool-Kit’ to assist their clients who fund, design, build, own, and operate a variety of sustainable clean energy generation projects – such as windfarms, solar parks, bio-gas plants, and hydrogen plants – capable of identifying and mitigating various risks and, where possible, adding value for their clients. The team created and perfected – over the thousands of transactions – their Tool-Kit which includes a bespoke Business Management System (BMS) which, in turn, incorporates their Visual Tool-Kit (Macromap) and includes components such as graphically rich contractually binding work flows, project management, and client-facing web based geographic information systems (GIS). Additionally, the team created a holistic reverse engineer/reverse diligence approach driven by solid principles and a delivered in accordance with proven methodologies. Whilst it is impossible to know all the ‘Unknown Unknowns’ , The Energy Law team deploy these tools as part of their approach and challenge assumptions at every turn to make sure that all possible/probable outcomes are considered. In other words, the Tool-Kit developed by the team ensures that all workflows and activities are coordinated and seamlessly operated, not only decreasing risks but also increasing levels of success. The dangers of Professional Service Interface risk, where scope of works gaps in knowledge and liability, can have serious and damaging impacts on the delivery of clients’ projects. However, with many moving parts in these complicated projects, requirement commercial, corporate, property, planning and environmental, utilities, connections, design, other infrastructure, grid, and regulations, Energy Law Unlimited LLP works tirelessly to Awarded in our UK Legal Awards 2025, Energy Law Unlimited LLP is a highly reputable and recognised sustainable energy law firm dedicated to making huge contributions to the world of renewable energy. Offering a plethora of expertise and services to their clients, the team at Energy Law Unlimited LLP continue to elevate our experience of law across renewable energy solutions. Here we explore their unique standpoint in the vital industry as it is crowned with their title for 2025. Best Sustainable Energy Law Firm 2025
communicate effectively while providing the specialist tools required for the best way forward. Throughout every project and client relationship, the firm ensures that they hold respect, transparency, and ESG at their very core, guaranteeing services which truly align with not only their own high standards but also with their clients’ standards and requirements. It is one thing to have a vision and also to believe it has worked, but the best way to find out is to speak with some of the clients to see if they do indeed feel that professional services are being delivered in a new and refreshing way that has delivered more success. We asked Director Craig Little, of Advance Grid Solutions Ltd, what he thought of the Energy Law Team. “Energy Law Unlimited LLP first came to our attention because of their approach. If you are in this industry, you get to know who does what, how well and at what cost. Energy Law do what it says on the tin. They are joined up across the professions and they use technology in a way that enhances our decision making. Their enthusiasm and knowledge of our sector too, is impressive. The legal solutions and advice they provide is both strategic and commercial – without a doubt their involvement in our projects has been key to our success.” Founder Owen Coyle, of Union Technical Holdings Limited, said: “Energy Law Unlimited LLP have been instrumental in the successful development of our battery portfolio. Their knowledge of the sector is unparalleled. They genuinely provide a soup to nuts service with what seems like a complete 360 view. For entrepreneurs like us, who take commercial risks all the time, you need to work with the best. They provide is best in class.” Furthermore, having recently been bestowed with the esteemed title of Best Sustainable Energy Law Firm 2025 in this year’s UK Legal Awards, Energy Law Unlimited LLP earned themselves a place in our spotlight. Serving a 100% clean energy client base and taking part in many initiatives – in addition to their pro-bono community and social enterprise arrangements – Energy Law Unlimited LLP has further solidified themselves within their network of connections. Shining examples of the firm’s commitment to continual improvement are their investments in Mat Zero sustainable energy solutions for disaster relief, new heat pumps, and verified carbon credits to decarbonise social housing and help their own office to reach carbon neutral status. For the future to come, Energy Law Unlimited LLP – as a Scottish Renewables member and pending RTPI member – the firm is set to gain their status of a carbon neutral law firm this year, support many more projects, and elevate the saturated yet vital industry. With Energy Law Unlimited LLP, the proof really is in the work that they undertake and completes in a timely, professional, and expert manner. With such a strong and devoted team, the firm has been a trailblazing force in the sustainability and renewable energy sphere. They have each contributed to the innerworkings of the firm’s operations, resulting in only the best service and customer care. Now, as the future beckons, Energy Law Unlimited LLP is gearing up to achieve above and beyond what they have already proven possible. Integrating AI assisted solutions into processes where appropriate while staying true to their compassionate and experienced human touch, the team are on an upward trajectory – helping us toward a more sustainable world. We’re proud to congratulate Energy Law Unlimited LLP as their committed team members continue to elevate the sustainability and renewable energy spheres, and we’re positive that the firm’s monumental success will carry on raising the bar for clients sweeping across the UK. Contact: Mark O'Dowd Company: Energy Law Unlimited LLP Website: https://www.elu-llp.com/
UK Legal Awards 2025/ 8 Residential Conveyancers of the Year 2025 – Northern Ireland & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 Based in Lisburn, a city in the stunning County Antrim, Skelton Callender Solicitors is a multi-award-winning law firm providing quality legal advice and assistance in a number of diverse areas. From residential conveyancing to personal injury, medical negligence, estate planning, wills, and family law, the team here cover all bases for their clients, in addition to delivering a range of business services, such as legal document drafting. We spoke with Dawn Callender, the founder of the firm, for more. A female-owned law firm disrupting the field of what is traditionally a male-dominated space, Skelton Callender Solicitors was established by Dawn Callender almost a decade ago. After a nearly 24-year career working across several different types of roles in private law firms, Dawn decided it was time for her to open a firm of her own. Guided both by her professionalism and her personable nature, Dawn quickly began securing clients, many of whom remain with the firm to this day. Since founding Skelton Callender Solicitors, Dawn has continued to develop professionally, seen through her not just obtaining a diploma in mediation, but passing with distinction. In essence, this means that her firm can offer both mediation and alternative dispute resolution services across a wide range of issues, from family and education disputes through to issues in the workplace. What this represents is Dawn’s desire for her firm to stand as a one-stop shop for clients, delivering uniform excellence across this sector. It would be fair to say that many of the new clients that Skelton Callender Solicitors handles have had a poor experience with the legal system in the UK, and it is the mission of the firm to change this. The focus on delivering a stress-free experience and making the entire process as easy as possible for clients is what drives Dawn to work tirelessly every day, with her untiring commitment to the cause seen in everything from the firm’s welcoming offices to the high standards it affords every client’s case. As the first of the two awards we have bestowed upon Skelton Callender Solicitors suggests, it is in the area of residential conveyancing that the firm has particularly caught our eye, with its comprehensive services in this sphere spanning house sales, property remortgaging, tenancy agreements, as well as equity transfer and release. Dawn knows from experience exactly how challenging it can be to manage house-related transactions, and that is why she strives to see every aspect flawlessly handled by herself and the team. The impeccable client service afforded by the firm goes beyond its residential conveyancing services, and is instead interwoven into the very fibre of Skelton Callender Solicitors’ being. Diving deeper into this, Dawn explained: “At our firm, client service is more than a promise – it’s a partnership. We bring empathy, strength, and precision to every client relationship. We listen deeply, communicate clearly, and advocate fiercely – because every client’s story is unique and deserving of our full attention.” Clearly then, the picture that Skelton Callender Solicitors paints is different from that of any other law firm, with this being attributed to its status as a woman-led operation. This leads to Dawn and co. embodying a different kind of strength than the one usually associated with the legal profession – one that is empathetic, precise, and equal. “We’ve created a space where collaboration is celebrated, diverse voices are amplified, and leadership is shared, not siloed”, Dawn told us. “Our team are all driven by excellence, but grounded in empathy, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to supporting one another’s growth.” The result is that the firm is not just nurturing a strong culture – it is nurturing the future of this space and unlocking a better way for legal professionals to operate. Reflecting on the work she has done and its impact, Dawn said in closing: “I believe that the law is more than statutes and strategies – it’s about people. It’s about using knowledge, skill and advocacy to create clarity, resolve conflict, and empower others to move forwards with their lives with confidence.” She continued: “Every win, every breakthrough, every thank you – that’s what makes it all worth it for me.” Celebrated in this programme with two well-deserved awards, Skelton Callender Solicitors is professional, approachable, collaborative, and the perfect choice for those in search of expert legal services throughout County Antrim and beyond. Contact: Dawn Callender Company: Skelton Callender Solicitors Web Address: https://skeltoncallender.com/ Skelton Callender Solicitors
For more than a century, Blackhams Solicitors has been delivering an array of quality legal services to clients from its offices in the centre of Birmingham. With a second location in neighbouring Solihull to boot – which has been serving the community now for more than 35 years – the firm has continued to go from strength to strength, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. Taswar Hayat, the face of the firm’s new generation and the winner of one our awards, caught up with us for more. Most Trusted Family Lawyer 2025 (West Midlands): Taswar Hayat & Client Service Excellence Award 2025 The story of Blackhams Solicitors in Birmingham dates all the way back to 1888, when local solicitor Charles Heber Cuthbertson entered into a business partnership with Isaac Bradley, who, like Charles, wanted to own a law firm. Together, the pair purchased offices on Newhall Street in the city centre, establishing Bradley & Cuthbertson. Today, more than 130 years on from its founding, the firm remains in the Cuthbertson family, having passed down the line to Charles’ great-grandson, Timothy. Timothy Cuthbertson has proven instrumental in bringing the firm into the 21st century, seen through its merging with Blackhams in 2003, another law firm with roots that can be traced to the 19th century. Adopting the name of the latter, the firm continued to expand its operations, even acquiring Allsopp & Co., another law firm based in Solihull, in 2017. The developments the firm has undertaken over the past two decades especially reflect a commitment to serve a community that is constantly diversifying. As clients have moved, so too has the firm’s reach, taking it from the greater Midlands area to as far south as Exmouth and as far north as Edinburgh – not to mention abroad. Regardless of a client’s location, the firm serves all with equal diligence and enthusiasm. So, whether they are seeking out Blackhams Solicitors for its commercial property, residential property, private client, or family law services, they are guaranteed to receive the gold standard when it comes to professionalism and legal expertise. Embodying the firm’s dedication to its community through his role as the helm of its family law department, Taswar Hayat leverages more than a decade of first-hand experience working exclusively in the field of private family law. From divorce and financial remedies to private children’s matters and injunctive proceedings, Taswar advises and represents clients across every aspect of the field. Having made partner at Blackhams Solicitors in almost record time, one does not have to look far to notice Taswar’s exceptional nature. Seamlessly integrating himself into the abundance of long-term relationships that Blackhams Solicitors boasts, Taswar has assisted clients across a variety of low-net cases and high-net cases, with some of the past cases he has worked on even spanning international elements and involving numerous parties. Remaining resolute even in the face of a challenge, Taswar boasts impeccable attention to detail, with his compassionate and client-centred demeanour being appreciated by those he works with. Taswar and the rest of the team at Blackhams Solicitors pride themselves on demonstrating consistent excellence in the realm of client service, with this being something that can only be achieved by a team who are aligned and united under one vision. In the case of this firm, that vision involves working towards smarter ways of getting things done, as well as delivering tangible outcomes for all clients – regardless of the specific nature of a case. Speaking on behalf of the wider firm, Taswar told us what is so rewarding about working in the legal profession. He explained: “Law isn’t abstract – it affects real people. We like to make a difference. Taswar continued: “Clients come to us in moments of vulnerability or uncertainty. Earning their trust and becoming a reliable advisor – not just legally, but also personally and strategically – is both a privilege and a responsibility.” With such a rich history preceding it, Blackhams Solicitors has long had the opportunity to rest on its laurels and boast of the exceptional things it once did. What is so impressive about the firm however is that it keeps moving forwards, building a legacy for itself as a true partner for its clients, one that is not only respected for the encompassing legal knowledge it possesses – especially in the arena of family law – but admired for the ways in which it both serves the community and evolves alongside it. Both of these awards demonstrate Blackhams Solicitors’ success in doing exactly this, and it is our pleasure to add to its standing through a place in this programme. Contact: Taswar Hayat Company: Blackhams Solicitors Web Address: https://www.blackhams.com/
UK Legal Awards 2025 / 10 Best Property Law Firm 2025 – West Midlands Based on the core values of integrity, honesty, proactivity, consistency, transparency, personal responsibility, and respect and courtesy, Blackfriars Law is a standout law firm with a lot to offer. We explore its commitment to quality as it earns a spot in our UK Legal Awards 2025. Working with a myriad of clients across Birmingham, Blackfriars Law assists individuals, couples, and families with conveyancing, family matters, immigration law, wills and probates, and so much more. Offering an array of services to its clients, this law firm goes above and beyond to provide only the best services and solutions for successful outcomes in legal matters. As the firm won its place in our UK Legal Awards for its property law services, we thought it would be extremely fitting to dive right in as we celebrate its well-earned recognition for 2025. Blackfriars Law’s specialist team of experienced lawyers ensure that property law isn’t as complex as it may seem – especially as each member of their team communicates effectively and transparently. Valuing the strength of its connections, Blackfriars Law’s team work tirelessly to help clients with their conveyancing needs. Lending a helping hand, its solicitors help with sales and purchases of commercial and residential properties, help to buy processes, leasehold extensions, equity release, land transactions, tenancy agreements, and so much more. As experienced members of Blackfriars Law, each professional member of the team conducts themselves in a way that promises – and delivers – excellence for each client no matter what their needs or concerns may be. Expanding on Blackfriars Law’s contribution to the law industry, we want to take a moment to applaud its dedication to improving communication, flattening any creases in legal processes, and creating a strong relationship with each client as the ever-evolving landscapes shift and fluctuate across the country. As Birmingham is a hub for innovation and bustling city life, Blackfriars Law keeps completely up to date with legislations, regulations, developments, and the needs of its varied client-base. Even in spite of the constant changes within property law, and an array of legal spheres, Blackfriars Law stays committed to improving client satisfaction for all. With a five-star reputation across its clients, the firm is well-known for its trustworthiness, experience, and devoted approach to providing only the finest legal services. Taloot A. shared: “I recently used Blackfriars Law on a right to buy of my first property. Blackfriars Law were absolutely amazing. They are efficient, thorough, very professional and courteous. Anwar and his team guided me through the whole process. I could ask any question about my matter and i always had a timely reply to my questions. My transaction was time sensitive and Blackfriars Law did everything they could possibly do to get my transaction over the line in time. I would highly recommend this law firm to all family and friends. Thank You for your help Blackfriars Law.” If you’re looking for legal help, contact Blackfriars Law today to see how its dedicated team can help with your specific and unique legal needs. Company: Blackfriars Law Limited Website: https://blackfriarslaw.co.uk/
Since it opened in 2015, OTS Solicitors has had a clear mission and simple core values. They remain as relevant in 2025 as they were 10 years ago: • Provide clear, comprehensive legal advice; and • Offer personalised legal services of the highest quality. These core values enable the firm to deliver exceptional legal expertise, and a bespoke, cost-effective service tailored to the unique needs of each business, individual, or family. With a strong emphasis on client care and fee transparency, OTS Solicitors earned recognition in The Legal 500 just two years after its establishment, followed by a ranking in Chambers and Partners. Each client – whether they need immigration advice on joining a spouse in the UK, applying for an adult dependant visa for an elderly parent, or are dealing with the stress of divorce and securing a fair financial settlement – is assigned a dedicated lawyer for personalised support and advice. That approach ensures its service is streamlined and efficient, and has helped make OTS Solicitors the best immigration and family law firm. OTS Solicitors now provides specialist business and personal immigration services, as well as assisting individuals with all their family law, employment, litigation, and landlord and tenant needs. The firm’s approach to client service is straightforward; they ask themselves what they would want from an immigration lawyer or family lawyer and provide the sort of service that they would hope to receive. The firm offers tailored guidance to clients seeking support with immigration matters, including family visas, sponsor licences, and skilled worker visas, as well as specialist family law advice. This may involve questions about signing a prenuptial agreement, deciding where to initiate divorce proceedings and understanding the potential impact on future financial settlements. The company prioritises engaging with its clients and believes in tackling challenges head-on. That involves embracing the good bits of AI and technology but not placing over-reliance on digitalisation when clients want to hear a human voice providing legal advice nuanced to their circumstances rather than using AI software. The SME was set up by siblings, Oshin and Teni Shahiean, with recent entrepreneurial experience. This combined with many of their lawyers coming from a migrant background, their empathy and understanding of start-up challenges and the journey from new arrival to British citizenship sets them apart from many of their competitors. Teni shared: “We have a diverse and energetic team, representing various backgrounds and fuelled by a zeal to provide exceptional service and challenge unjust decisions. To us, it's personal, and we use that distinction to our clients’ advantage, using our empathy to ensure clients receive the compassionate service they deserve.” Growing up as siblings means the firm’s management decisions are seamless. As business partners, they know their strengths and work together to provide a cost-effective client service that is second to none. Teni told us the most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession is the variety of clients: “Advising on visas, settlement in the UK and all the family law issues associated with global clients, ranging from international divorce, high net worth financial settlements and growing families through overseas adoption, international surrogacy and reunification on family visas, means we generally have clients who are either delighted or relieved by what we have been able to achieve for them.” OTS Solicitors’ dedication to providing the most sophisticated yet fairly priced range of legal services has positioned it at the very forefront of its kind in Southern England. The firm’s plans for 2025 and beyond involve expanding its family department to meet the demand for its family law services, and we’re sure to see the team succeed well into the future ahead. Contact: Teni Shahiean Company: OTS Solicitors Website: https://www.otssolicitors.co.uk/ OTS Solicitors is a London-based law firm with global reach through its international clients across all five continents. Starting as a niche immigration law practice, the founders, Teni and Oshin Shahiean, quickly realised that their rapidly growing client base needed more from them, namely, joined-up legal services catering to all the legal needs of business and individual immigration clients. Here we take a look at the firm’s evolution as it is bestowed with its title in our UK Legal Awards 2025. Best Immigration & Family Law Firm 2025 – Southern England
UK Legal Awards 2025/ 12 Best Life Science Legal Consultancy 2025 – Southern England The pharmaceutical and life sciences sector is a complex environment that can be challenging to navigate, particularly when it comes to legal and regulatory compliance. It is imperative that such frameworks are followed, though they can pose a variety of obstacles to the unfamiliar. Life Science Law is a niche consultancy firm providing legal and compliance expertise to these critical sectors, led by seasoned industry experts. Following the firm’s muchdeserved recognition in the UK Legal Awards 2025, we heard more from Founder Wendy Lloyd-Goodwin. Life Science Law was founded in 2015, after Wendy Lloyd-Goodwin identified a significant gap in the market for a consultancy service led by lawyers and compliance professionals with true industry experience in the life sciences and pharmaceutical sector. With prior experience as an in-house General Counsel, Wendy witnessed firsthand the difficulties of stepping into a role without the right team in place to address priorities, and the near impossibility of sourcing lawyers with the appropriate niche expertise. This concept – one of scalable and specialist support delivered by professionals – simply did not exist in such a practical, accessible format as was required. To addressthis critical gap, Life Science Law was established. The global consultancy is made up of more than 80 industry-seasoned lawyers and compliance professionals, serving clients across the UK, EU, USA, the Middle East, and Australia. Offering on-demand, projectbased, interim and subscription legal and compliance support, the company’s support model is designed to reduce strain on in-house teams and prevent compromise on quality. “Our consultants are seasoned legal professionals who have sat in the in-house seat,” Wendy told us. “They understand how legal and compliance fits into wider business priorities and how to communicate with stakeholders. We embed within the businesses we support, providing advice that is not only accurate but commercial sound and jargon-free. We are also built for flexibility, with the ability to scale our services up or down and offer cost-effective models that suit different budgets without compromising quality. We are proud of being the go-to consultancy firm for businesses that want more than just a legal opinion – they want a partner.” “Our difference lies in our DNA. We are not a traditional law firm, and we are not an internal team; we are a hybrid, offering the best of both worlds.” To maintain its leading position, Life Science Law adopts a meticulously crafted approach to client service. For the firm, client service begins with deep listening, first understanding the client’s business goals, pain points, and operating dynamics. Rather than providing generic advice, the firm tailors every element of its support to the size, shape, and rhythm of each client’s business. From there, each client is assigned a dedicated Account Manager, at General Counsel level, who oversees work delivery and ensures ongoing alignment with business priorities. Life Science Law holds regular check-ins, actively seeks feedback, and maintains full transparency with clientele to ensure continual engagement strong relationships that are built upon a foundation of trust. Life Science Law places an equal value upon its internal relationships, serving as a community as much as a consultancy. Internally, Life Science Law values authenticity, confidence, and the ability to communicate with clarity and empathy, prioritising collaboration, mentorship, and the continuous development of its team. Through its Consultant Development Forum, webinars, and networking events, the firm has created a place where its consultants can grow, share and thrive. Alongside this, it also aims to support its consultants beyond legal skillsets by building up their soft skills, self-belief, and confidence in career navigation. Equally dedicated to both its clientele and its consultants, Life Science Law stands out in the industry as a beacon of excellence. For its outstanding work, aiding the advancement of the life sciences and pharmaceuticals sector through the provision of unmatched legal and compliance services, Life Science Law has been named the Best Life Science Legal Consultancy 2025 – Southern England. In the wake of this achievement, we asked Wendy what she found to be the most gratifying element of working within this dynamic field. “The most rewarding aspect of working in the legal profession is the continuous problem-solving and learning that the role demands, from complex regulatory matters, mentoring a new consultant, or helping a client solve a gap in the team,” she said. “Each day presents new challenges that require thoughtful analysis, creativity, and strategic thinking. There is also the great satisfaction in building a business that empowers others, both clients and consultants. Seeing consultants grow in confidence and capability and knowing that Life Science Law’s support helps life sciences companies bring important treatments to market safely and ethically is a great source of pride.” Contact: Wendy Lloyd-Goodwin Company: Life Science Law Limited Web Address: https://lslawservices.com/
Subscribe to SME News for quarterly content & updates View the latest issues of our quarterly digital magazine which features business profiles and features of leading industry insiders who are thriving in the small business sector. Subscribe Now!
smenews.digitalRkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==