Our star continues to rise with the results from the 2009 New Zealand Law Awards. Held in November the ceremony was another big occasion, and one we had good reason to celebrate at. Nominated in nine categories, we were winners in four particularly important areas:

• Mid-sized Law Firm of the Year Award
• Corporate and Commercial Law Award (2nd year running)
• Employment Law Award (3rd year running)
• Employer of Choice Award (51 - 100 employees category)

In addition to these wins we also had runner-up placements in four further categories:

• Family Law Award - individual nomination: Helen (Henny) Fairgray
• Banking and Finance Law Award
• Property Law Award
• Insurance Law Award

The New Zealand Law Awards is the only annual official recognition based on direct feedback from clients. It's an industry highlight - as excellence in service is recognised by those it affects most.

With information carefully gleaned from thousands of votes the awards reflect a range of criteria. Ultimately, firms that provide the most proactive, efficient and cost-effective service will rise to the top during this process. It also helps if these firms have repeatedly shown a genuine understanding of their client's business, and delivered timely, commercially pragmatic solutions.

We are extremely proud that our firm's continued hard work has been recognised in such an important forum. This appreciation from our clients is testament to the commitment of our people and, after our successes in 2008, is proof that the ongoing dedication to the highest quality service is worth every effort.

Our sincere thanks goes out to our clients for putting us in this winning position and for their ongoing support throughout the year.