Start with the category criteria
Download the criteria before you begin. Use each assessment area to structure your response and ensure every claim directly addresses what the judges will score.
SUBMISSIONS
How to write an award-winning submission
A Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Awards submission is your opportunity to demonstrate the work, judgment and impact that distinguish you as an emerging legal professional.
Set aside enough time to review the category criteria, gather evidence, speak with clients and colleagues, and shape a clear account of your achievements during the assessment period. Strong submissions are specific, well supported and easy for judges to assess.
Make your role unmistakable
Explain what you personally contributed to each matter, transaction, hearing, initiative or client outcome. Distinguish your decisions and responsibilities from the work of the wider team.
Show impact with evidence
Support your achievements with measurable outcomes where possible. Include matter complexity, commercial value, client results, efficiencies, leadership outcomes, community impact or other relevant evidence.
Build a clear narrative
Give judges context, explain the challenge, describe your approach and show the result. A strong before-during-after structure makes complex legal work easier to understand and remember.
Use relevant supporting material
References, testimonials, media coverage, case studies, performance data and approved supporting documents can strengthen your submission when they directly substantiate the claims you make.
Write for an independent judging panel
Do not assume judges know your firm, organisation, practice area or matters. Explain specialist terms where necessary and provide enough context for your achievements to be assessed fairly.
Edit with discipline
Use the available word count carefully. Remove repetition, avoid unsupported superlatives and proofread every response. Ask a trusted colleague to review whether the submission is clear, credible and persuasive.
Ready to begin?
Review the categories and criteria before preparing your entry.
View Categories