Methodology & Judging

The awards are evidence-based. Entry cannot be bought, and no sponsorship or advertising relationship influences an outcome. The commercial and editorial sides of THE LAW are kept separate throughout the cycle.

1. Entry. Entries are submitted through the entry form during the published entry window. Self-entry and third-party entry are both accepted.
2. Eligibility check. The awards team confirms each entry meets the category definition and falls within the qualifying period. Entries in the wrong category are moved rather than rejected, where an obvious better fit exists.
3. Research. Entries are read alongside THE LAW's own research and market feedback, so a strong entry is corroborated rather than taken at face value.
4. Judging. An independent panel reviews the shortlist against the criteria for each category. Panellists declare conflicts and step away from any category where they have one.
5. Announcement. Winners are announced at the ceremony and then published on the platform, where they remain in the archive.

Criteria vary by category, but the panel is generally weighing the quality of the work, its significance to the client or the market, and independent recognition of it.

Detailed criteria and weightings per category: Judging criteria and scoring weights — to confirm

The panel is drawn from practitioners, general counsel and academics who are independent of THE LAW. Panellists serve for a cycle and their names are published alongside the results.

This year’s panel: Judging panel members — to confirm

Entries open: Entries open — to confirm
Entries close: Entries close — to confirm
Shortlist announced: Shortlist announced — to confirm
Ceremony: Ceremony date and venue — to confirm