Judges said Herbert Smith Freehills was a “success story with corporate clients” and that they submitted an “outstanding application”.

There was a strong list of contenders for Law Firm of the Year, but Herbert Smith Freehills came out on top against Ashurst, Baker & McKenzie, Clayton Utz, DLA Piper, Gilbert + Tobin, King & Wood Mallesons, Minter Ellison, Norton Rose Fulbright and Salvos Legal.

Herbert Smith Freehills picked up another award during the night, with partner Philippa Stone being awarded Dealmaker of the Year.

Boutiques were also recognised on the night, but Nexus Law Group stood out and took home the Boutique Law Firm of the Year award.

One judge said Nexus Law Group was a “leading boutique law firm that has successfully implemented innovative practices to add value for its clients".

There were 10 strong finalists for the Boutique Law Firm of the Year but Nexus took top place above AdventBalance, Argyle Lawyers, Bespoke, Coleman Greig Lawyers, Keypoint Law, McCabes Lawyers, Webb Henderson, Wotton + Kearney and Wrays Intellectual Property.

“Nexus Law Group [...] has re-engineered [and] reborn itself as a ‘dispersed’ law firm model offering greater flexibility and innovative offerings – and pricing – to clients than most traditional law firms can do,” another judge said.

“Their use of OpenLaw cloud-based technology is innovative, exciting and commendable. Coupled with extremely good lawyers this allows Nexus Law Group to punch above its weight,” the judge continued.

The full list of Australian Law Award winners can be found here.

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