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The best lawyers and legal firms in Wales have been revealed at an annual awards ceremony. Founded five years ago by Charlotte Leyshon of Lux Family Law and Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, the Wales Legal Awards recognise excellence in the legal profession.

The overall law firm of the year award at the 2023 awards went to Watkins and Gunn, which has offices in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypool. The outstanding contribution award went to Kathryn Roberts international chair of global law firm Eversheds Sutherland, overseeing operations in Europe the Middle East and Asia, as well as co-chairing its global board.

The overall legal team of the year award was won by GS Verde, who also picked up the corporate and commercial team of the year category. Two outstanding young lawyers, Amber Ellis-Martin of RDP Law and Rhiannon Phillips of Reeds Solicitors, shared the rising star award.

Professor Jones-Evans, chairman of the judging panel, said “I am totally delighted that Kathryn Roberts is the latest recipient of this award. Not only has she achieved so much in her professional career by becoming chair of one of the largest full-service law firms in the world but as a committed advocate for the promotion of diversity, gender parity and social mobility in the legal profession, she has led by example, shattering the glass ceiling and becoming an inspiration for many to follow in her footsteps.”

Welsh speaking Ms Roberts, originally from Llandeilo, said “The Welsh legal community is very different to the one I joined thirty years ago when your background, your age and your gender could really hold you back and stop you progressing. We’ve come a long way since then and there is still a long way to go, so let’s make sure as a sector in Wales that we are as diverse as possible, that we are inclusive and open, and that everyone can get on regardless of where they come from and what they look like.

"The Welsh legal sector is often overlooked and underrated and it’s been amazing to have the spotlight shone on this sector and to celebrate so much amazing talent, especially the young talent at the Wales Legal Awards.

Ms Leyshon said:“We know the impact that the legal profession is having on so many aspects of our lives in Wales every day and Welsh law firms are not only growing and diversifying their offering within but making a real difference to the practice of law as we have seen time and time again during previous awards. We are also delighted that the awards are not only recognising the excellent work of Welsh lawyers but also the contribution of everyone else working in the legal sector.”

The awards were sponsored by Cardiff-based lawtech firm Validient.

The full list of winners are:

Outstanding contribution award Kathryn Roberts, Eversheds Sutherland.

Legal team of the year GS Verde.

Commercial litigation team of the year Geldards.

Corporate and commercial team of the year GS Verde Group.

Employment team of the year Darwin Gray.

Equality diversity and inclusion award Thompsons Solicitors.

Excellence in legal management award Gomer Williams.

Family team of the Year Robertsons Solicitors.

Law firm of the year Watkins and Gunn.

Legal personal assistant of the year Claire Dutton, Eversheds Sutherland.

Marketing and business development Award Harding Evans Solicitors.

Niche law firm of the year Newfields Law.

Private client team of the year Blake Morgan.

Professional services firm of the year Forensic Resources.

Public law team of the year Browne Jacobson.

Real estate team of the year Darwin Gray.

Residential conveyancing team of the year JCP Solicitors.

Rising star of the year Amber Ellis-Martin, RDP Law and Rhiannon Phillips, Reeds Solicitors.