The Greatest Show on Earth: the Family Law Awards 2016

Family lawyers in England and Wales celebrated their many successes and outstanding achievements at the sixth annual Family Law Awards last night

Over 500 family lawyers attended the Family Law Awards (principal sponsor 4PB) at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and commitment throughout the year amongst the nominees and the profession as a whole.

The excitement was palpable as soon as guests arrived for the drinks reception and revellers watched in wonder as stiltwalkers and acrobats set the tone for a special night. As ever, the sense of camaraderie and companionship that has come to define the family law community was on full display throughout the evening. Sir Mark Hedley once again expertly hosted what was arguably the most magical Awards ever.

The newly added categories for Regional Chambers of the Year in addition to the new Regional Family Law firm of the Year, which has been split into five regions: London, Midlands, North, South and Wales, proved very popular in ensuring that all corners of the country were equally represented.

The shortlist and winners were chosen by a judging panel made up of the heads of the Family Law Bar Association, Resolution, CILEx and the Association of Lawyers for Children, along with Family Law and LexisNexis editors and executives.

In keeping with tradition, three of this year's awards were voted for by the family law community (Chartered Legal Executive or Paralegal, Commentator and the Clerking team awards).