Dedication, integrity, and innovation

We're in the grip of awards season, with the BAFTAs over, the Brits tonight, and Oscars just around the corner. Most pressing, however, is the deadline for submissions for the Solicitors Journal Awards: Recognising brilliance in a changing legal world, on 29 February. A flashy awards ceremony is not only a good excuse to dress up in your finery or to take a sharp tongue to the fashion choices of others, but is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the best of the best in the legal world.

When it comes to measuring talent, it comes in many forms, whether it be musical, theatrical, or for innovating, playing a critical role in the market, or developing the next big thing. When it comes to success in law, however, talent sometimes takes a back seat. For lawyers, like actors or musicians, hard work still counts but, unlike performance artists, it is our integrity that sets us apart. A skilled actor can play the part of a solicitor and a musician can set a soundtrack to it, but on the front-line of legal services, we must empathise, educate, guide, and support our clients. Acting isn't enough. Whether dealing with commercial cases or individual matters, as solicitors our integrity must be assured but should nonetheless be recognised.

With integrity comes responsibility. You cannot fail to have heard about Stephen Fry's overly dramatic yet self-imposed exile from Twitter following his stint as host at the BAFTAs last week. His reference to award-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan as a 'bag lady' drew gasps from the audience on the night, but the response on social media sites was more audible. Criticism of the host was quick and cutting, but it was his unapologetic, expletive-ridden riposte that was more damaging and which could prove to threaten Fry's 'national treasure' status.

In the legal sector, we are answerable to more than the Twitterati. Success can be achieved (or lost) through many channels. First and foremost, it comes from clients by whom we are judged on how well we deliver our services and live up to their expectations. From time to time, our performance may also be considered by the courts, which hold us to account and determine our legal reasoning. Then there are our colleagues and peers, on whom we are reliant for referrals of work and placement in the lawyer league tables. The role of awards for our profession can, therefore, seem superfluous and self-congratulatory. It was with this in mind that Solicitors Journal looked at what has gone before and, in its 160th year, will do things a little differently.

The Solicitors Journal Awards will focus on what makes solicitors celebrated in the digital age. Rather than presenting categories that solely celebrate commercial success or rely on past glories, the eclectic and pre-eminent judges will look at the dedication, integrity, innovation, and determination of solicitors in their client-led work across the breadth of the profession.

Of course, there will be no losers, apart from those who fail to nominate. The spectacular night will be hosted by Andrew Marr (who I am sure will not have a bad word for anyone), and a fitting tribute to the 160 years that SJ has been serving the legal community in its own innovative way.

Nominations for the Awards will close on 29 February 2016, so take some time to nominate your colleagues or yourself, and let everyone know the important work that the profession is doing, especially in these tough times.

Kevin Poulter is SJ's editor at large and a legal director at Bircham Dyson Bell @kevinpoulter