Dunedin law firm Wilkinson Adams - a finalist in three separate national awards - has been voted the best place for lawyers to work in New Zealand.
At the annual 2010 New Zealand Law Awards, held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum last night, Wilkinson Adams was named employer of choice for law firms with up to 50 staff, a category which encompassed most legal practices in New Zealand, organisers said.
Wilkinson Adams' history goes back to the 1870s.
The company was described as a generous employer, which looked after staff and provided a caring environment.
"The firm's low staff turnover showed its staff appreciate their great workplace, where they are encouraged to take the opportunity to improve themselves," organisers said.
Wilkinson Adams was also a finalist for the Prendos property & construction law award. Further, it was, with the Dunedin Community Law Centre, a co-finalist for the College of Law community service in law award for providers of pro bono, not-for-profit legal advice, services to community and charitable organisations and voluntary humanitarian work.
• Premium award winners:
Large law firm of the year: Duncan Cotterill. Mid-size law firm of the year: Cooney Lees Morgan, Tauranga. Boutique law firm of the year: Chen Palmer, Wellington. Regional-suburban law firm of the year: Niemand Peebles Hoult, Hamilton. In-house counsel team of the year: Housing New Zealand Corporation. Barrister of the year: Rob Fisher, Auckland. Employer of choice: Wilkinson Adams (1-50 employees); James & Wells (51-100 employees, and overall winner); Duncan Cotterill (101+ employees). Community service in law: Bell Gully, winner, Simpson Grierson, highly commended.
