It was a successful night for Thompsons Solicitors at this year’s Scottish Law Awards. The firm picked up two prestigious awards, Litigation Team of the Year and Legal Personality of the Year.

In awarding the prize for Litigation Team  of the year the Judges, chaired by Hector MacQueen of the Scottish Law commission, were impressed by the work Thompsons have done in the North Sea Helicopter fatal accident Inquiry, Pleural Plaques litigation and mass litigation on a local scale helping people affected by a HIV scare at a dental practice in Ayrshire.

Commenting on the award, Thompsons Partner Wendy Durie said “This is something the whole firm can be very proud of. We’ve all worked extremely hard and its lovely that this has been recognised by Hector and the rest of the judging panel. Many of these cases are rooted in issues that are very close to Thompsons heart, for example the Pleural Plaques Litigation, and as a firm we will continue to fight on issues like north sea safety and justice for asbestos victims.”

The judges also awarded Thompsons Partner Patrick McGuire one of the nights most unique awards, Legal Personality of the Year. This was done in recognition of Patrick’s central role in some of the country’s most high profile cases. Patrick is a well-known face on television and in the press as he works for clients affected by the Vale of Leven C-difficile outbreak, the scandal caused by faulty surgical mesh implants and the hundreds of Scottish Women affected by the faulty breast implants produced by the French firm PiP.

Patrick said he was honoured to have been recognised and that it was totally unexpected, he said “It’s extremely humbling to have been chosen by the judges to receive this award. As there’s no nominations for this one I had no idea the judges were considering me. I think it’s important that we as a profession realise its important how the public view lawyers. Many of the cases I deal with are high profile so it’s really gratifying to know that Hector and the other judges felt my work gives a positive profile to the profession.