Regional law firm Gardner Leader has won Excellence in Responsible Business at the prestigious national LawNet Awards.
The firm, whose Swindon branch is in Prospect Place, is also celebrating individual recognition, with trainee solicitor Bridget Skinner named as a finalist for Early Career Lawyer of the Year.
Held annually, the event brings together top-performing legal firms to celebrate achievements among independent practices across the UK and Ireland.
The Excellence in Responsible Business category highlights firms that demonstrate a commitment to their people, communities and the environment.
Gardner Leader stood out after receiving its B Corp Certification in June, joining a growing global movement of responsible, purpose-led businesses which have made people, planet and profit a strategic priority.
The UK is home to the largest B Corp community in the world with 3,000 organisations certified, among these, 40 are law firms.
Over the past two years, the firm has formally committed to putting people and planet alongside profit in its business decisions.
In doing so, it appointed environmental & social responsibility manager Chris Dale to drive forward changes and established working groups spanning environment, workplace wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, and community and charity.
These groups have led an extensive programme of initiatives from events with environmental experts to litter-picking lunchtimes and bee-friendly planting.
A dedicated wellbeing team now provides guidance on stress and neurodiversity and has launched both running and book clubs to encourage the wider team to connect beyond day-to-day work.
On fundraising, employees receive two paid volunteering days, while the firm matches funds raised for its nominated charities pound-for-pound.
Chris Dale said: “A tremendous amount of work has taken place over the last couple of years across the firm to ensure we meet our commitments as a responsible, purpose-led business and that the impact we have in our communities is a positive one.
"To receive recognition from our peers reaffirms the value of the steps we have taken and will inspire us to continue to build on this progress.”
As a business, Gardner Leader has amended its LLP Agreement, a legally binding set of written rules which govern how it is managed and operates.
It has also become a public supporter of the Better Business Act, a campaign calling on UK companies to balance people, planet and profit rather than prioritising shareholders alone.
The firm is measuring its carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 to inform a detailed carbon-reduction strategy and net-zero roadmap, and publishes an annual Impact Report to track progress.
Alongside the firm’s Excellence in Responsible Business award win, Bridget Skinner, who joined Gardner Leader in 2024, was also a finalist for Early Career Lawyer of the Year.
The category recognises exceptional early-career lawyers, with Skinner shortlisted for demonstrating legal knowledge, judgment, initiative and commercial awareness which have earned her responsibilities beyond what would normally be expected at her level of experience.
Managing Partner Derek Rodgers said: “Winning the Excellence in Responsible Business award is an important milestone and shows that the changes we have made and the direction we are taking are the right ones.
“Bridget’s nomination is also thoroughly deserved and recognises the vital contribution our next generation of lawyers make in supporting our commitment to providing outstanding legal advice and delivering peace of mind to all our clients.
"I have no doubt this will be one of many highlights in a successful career.”
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