Leading law firm celebrates success with national award win

30th October 2025, UK: Gardner Leader, a leading regional law firm, has won the prestigious ‘Business Support Team of the Year’ award at the annual national LawNet Awards while being highly commended in other categories.  

A national event, the awards bring together top-performing legal firms to celebrate excellence among independent practices across the UK and Ireland.  

The judges praised Gardner Leader’s Client Experience team for its outstanding performance in managing client enquiries and delivering marketing initiatives that reflect the firm’s brand values and mission to deliver outstanding client experience. 

The firm’s Commercial Litigation Team was also Highly Commended in the ‘Business Law Team of the Year’ category. While the Wills, Probate and Estate Planning Team were proudly shortlisted for the ‘Team of the Year (Individual Law)’ award, recognised for their exceptional performance during the past 12-18 months. 

Derek Rodgers, Managing Partner at Gardner Leader, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see our teams recognised at this year’s LawNet Awards. Winning ‘Business Support Team of the Year’ is a fantastic endorsement of the dedication, professionalism, and collaboration that runs through every part of Gardner Leader. 

“This honour reflects the tireless efforts of those who handle our incoming enquiries, welcome visitors to our offices, and ensure our marketing truly represents who we are. We remain committed to delivering peace of mind to our clients, and this award is a wonderful tribute to the people who make that possible.” 

LawNet is a network of leading independent law firms committed to excellence, collaboration, and shared innovation. For over three decades, it has helped member firms deliver outstanding client service and value nationwide. 

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Editors notes

With offices in Newbury, Thatcham, Maidenhead, Windsor, Swindon, Oxford and London, Gardner Leader is a leading law firm in the Thames Valley and South East, offering a wide range of legal services for businesses and individuals.

In the Legal 500 prestigious guide for 2022 the firm was described as ‘shining above all with their approachable and friendly way of doing things’, with Partner Niamh Minihane named as a “Next Generation Partner”, and Katie Dyson, Partner, singled out as a “Rising Star.”

In 2018 the firm won ‘Best in Business’ and ‘Best in Customer Service’ awards in the Newbury Weekly News award, and in 2016 it also won the LawNet award for Law Firm of the Year, and the Halsbury Legal Award in Business Development. Other awards include the LawNet Excellence in Employee Engagement award (2015), Highly Commended in the Regional Conveyancing Firm of the Year category in the 2015 National Conveyancing Awards and Commended.

The firm was first founded in 1895. It has over 160 staff. Its team of highly experienced and friendly solicitors are all specialist, specifically dedicated to their areas of expertise. Each team is driven by what matters to the client and committed to delivering results.