Award entry tips from long-standing judge, Ruth Shearn

I’ve been part of the judging panel at the Manchester Legal Awards for many years. During that time, I’ve read over 2,000 submissions into categories ranging from Trainee of the Year to Large Firm of the Year, and everything in between. It’s quite a task – enjoyable and interesting, yes, but also incredibly frustrating at times. I have the following advice for anyone submitting an award entry:

1. Answer the question – read the criteria before you start. Address the question and avoid going off at a tangent.

2. Avoid cut n paste – you’ve probably written entries for legal directories or other awards. Fine. However, simply copying and pasting from those will not impress – your submission needs to address the criteria at hand.

3. Evidence matters – back up your claims by providing concrete examples. Quantify your achievements by including numbers and specific details which will add credibility.

4. Pass the tissues – the judges are human so don’t be afraid to engage them emotionally. Let your passion and enthusiasm for your work shine through. Use examples to highlight the commercial – and personal – impact of your work.

5. Language, Timothy – you might be a lawyer or marketing professional who likes lots of words, but the judges appreciate brevity. Avoid jargon and use clear, concise language.

6. Different is good – think about what – genuinely – sets you apart. Saying that you have great people who provide a great service doesn’t quite cut it. It could be a really simple, seemingly small thing but it could make a big difference to your entry.

7. Stick to the rules – pay attention to the qualifying period, word count and deadline. You will probably be penalised if you stray outside the stated criteria.

8. Seek feedback – before you press enter, get a colleague to proof your entry. As well as spotting any typos, they’ll come at it afresh – just like a judge – and might identify areas for improvement.