Award Acknowledges Firm’s Legal Services Act Vision and Client Focussed Approach

IRWIN MITCHELL has cemented its position as a leading player within the legal services market by winning an award for its innovative corporate strategy at the annual prestigious ‘FT Innovative Lawyers’ awards on the day that new regulations come into force that will allow the creation of ABS.

In making the award, the FT recognised that the firm “has a suite of initiatives that makes it one of the most ground breaking, best-known law firms in the UK”.

Announced at a ceremony in London on 5 October 2011, Irwin Mitchell was also named in the FT’s ‘Industry Pioneers Standout’ category in acknowledgement of its stance and actions in relation to the introduction of the Legal Services Act.

On a night which also saw the firm ranked 12th within the top 50 European law firms, Joe Simpson, Chief Executive Officer (Strategic Client Relationships) at Irwin Mitchell, stated:

“The award for our innovative corporate strategy is a considerable achievement and one that clearly defines our position as one of the leading innovative law firms within Europe.

“To win the award for innovative corporate strategy on the day that new regulations come into force that will allow the creation of ABSs, shows how well positioned the firm is for the challenges that lie ahead. The whole principle behind the Act has been to push innovation and open up markets which encourage a more flexible and dynamic legal service market that puts the consumer first. These awards demonstrate that Irwin Mitchell is a firm that is embracing these changes and is uniquely placed to provide the very best client service”.

Launched in 2006, the FT Innovative Lawyers report is one of the top legal rankings in Europe.

The ‘Corporate Strategy’ category analyses how law firms, in-house teams, and other legal service providers from across Europe have responded to the strategic challenges of the post-credit crunch era. Judges also analysed how businesses have innovated to stay ahead of their competitors and delivered better value for clients.

Earlier this year, Irwin Mitchell announced its plans in relation to the Legal Services Act, stating that it would convert to an Alternative Business Structure at the earlier opportunity and, in due course, seek external capital to further its growth plans.

These latest awards from the FT follow an impressive performance by Irwin Mitchell in the Legal 500 rankings in September 2011. Here the firm recorded number one rankings in a range of areas including personal injury, clinical negligence, family, real estate, employment and commercial litigation.