The hardwork and dedication of Gilbert + Tobin's founding managing partner, Danny Gilbert has been recognised at the inaugural Lawyers Weekly Icon Awards in Sydney on Thursday night, with Gilbert picking up the 2010 First Law International Managing Partner of the Year Award.

The judges awarded the prize based on Gilbert's all-round contributions, with the firm's revenue and staff numbers continuing to climb, while also luring some of the country's best legal talent. Gilbert's contributions to the firm's expansion has been particularly visible in the establishment of a Melbourne office and an alliance with Perth's Blakiston & Crabb, while also the firm has also retained a strong focus on pro bono and significantly increased work from major clients, including Telstra.

The judges also highly commended two finalists -- Henry Davis York managing partner Sharon Cook and Corrs Chambers Westgarth's partner and chief executive, John W.H. Denton.

Cook was recognised for her work in guiding the firm to impressive increases in revenue and staff numbers and her innovative approach to management by removing partners from the equation and employing non-lawyers to take management roles. Despite pressure to have a permanent national and international presence, Cook was commended for her passionate adherence to her one-firm policy and focus on sustainability and CSR initiatives.

The judges noted Denton's five-year strategy in reshaping Corrs, his commitment to innovation and flexible work options, and the development of a range of unique employee opportunities which has ensured high recruitment and retention rates at the firm.

Other finalists included Mills Oakley Lawyers chief executive, John Nerurker, for his commitment to fostering long term client relationships, alternative billing strategies and culture of "transparent meritocracy", and Norton Rose's deputy chief executive and managing partner Don Boyd, for his ambition, initiative and vision in thoughout the merger with Deacons which was finalised in January this year.

The 2010 Lawyers Weekly Icon Awards, recognising excellence, innovation and leadership in the legal profession, were held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, in Sydney.

>>Click here to read the full report on all the 2010 Lawyers Weekly Icon Award winners, and don't miss full coverage of the event in the special Lawyers Weekly 500^th edition, on desks on 27 August, 2010.