The legal industry has continued to be tested in 2019. An ever-saturated market has led to fiercer competition between firms, as junior and senior lawyers continue to command ever-higher pay packets. The culture of firms has also been scrutinised as diversity issues have come into focus and more unsavoury allegations over misconduct have emerged.

Against this backdrop, some firms have stood out as strong performers in a number of ways. Alongside the usual metrics of financial performance and standout mandates, we feel that many of the firms we have shortlisted for Legal Week’s Law Firm of the Year Award 2019 have shown real commitment in how they have sought to improve the diversity of their ranks and create an environment that welcomes a wider range of lawyers.