We are proud to unveil the winners of the Women & Diversity in Law Awards 2026.
This year’s awards celebrated the outstanding achievements of legal professionals, organisations and teams across the UK who are driving meaningful progress in diversity, equity and inclusion. With an exceptional standard of entries, being named a winner or highly commended is a significant accomplishment.
The ceremony welcomed 450 finalists, judges and industry leaders, hosted by four-time Team GB Olympian Donna Fraser OBE.
Top honours included Somaya Ouazzani, co-founder of Children Not Numbers, who was named Woman of the Year for her humanitarian work in Gaza. Lubna Shuja, former president of the Law Society of England and Wales, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her pioneering contribution to the profession.
Leading organisations recognised on the night included Duncan Lewis Solicitors (Law Firm of the Year), NCC Group (In-house Legal Department of the Year), and Right to Equality (Not-for-Profit Organisation of the Year).
Standout individual winners included Mei Lian (Linklaters), Maria O’Loan (Tughans) and Guadalupe Sampedro (Cooley), alongside a number of influential legal leaders shaping the future of the profession.
We are also proud to have supported Justice & Care as the official charity partner.
Awards Host
Donna Fraser OBE
4 x Team GB Olympian
Inspirational Speaker
Director for EDI at the Professional Cricketers Association
Donna has become a leader in equality diversity and inclusion with over 10 years of corporate experience within business, sport, leadership, well-being and PMA for both start-ups and established companies. In 2021 she was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and has served as a Trustee, advisor and Board member for multiple organisations, such as the London Marathon Charitable Trust, Women’s Sports Trust, British Athletes Commission, International Women’s Group and Her Spirit to name a few.
Judges
Categories
Outstanding Women Leaders
- Woman of the Year
- Law Firm Leader of the Year – International Law Firm
- Law Firm Leader of the Year – National/Regional Law Firm
- Law Firm Leader of the Year – Boutique Law Firm
- General Counsel of the Year, sponsored by Freshfields
- Business Leader of the Year
- Unsung Hero
- Returner of the Year
Outstanding Women Practitioners
- Dealmaker of the Year
- Disputes Lawyer of the Year
- Advocate of the Year
- Commercial Lawyer of the Year
- In-house Counsel of the Year
- Rising Star – International Law Firm
- Rising Star – National/Regional Law Firm
- Rising Star – Boutique Law Firm
- Rising Star – In-house Lawyer
- Rising Star – Barrister
Diversity and Inclusion
- Law Firm of the Year
- Legal Department of the Year
- Not-for-Profit Organisation or Representative Body of the Year, sponsored by Justice and Care
- Supplier of the Year
- Diversity Champion of the Year – Specialist Role
- Diversity Champion of the Year – Barrister
- Diversity Champion of the Year – In-House Lawyer
- Diversity Champion of the Year – Legal Services Professional
- Diversity Champion of the Year - Private Practice Lawyer
- Mentor of the Year
- Mentor of the Year - Barrister
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiative or Programme of the Year - Community Focused
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiative or Programme of the Year - Firm Focused
Sponsors
Contacts
Entry Enquiries:
Jasminder Soor
Sponsor enquiries:
Marketing partnership enquiries:
Sheryl Paul