Top law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts, was awarded excellence awards for Large Law Firm of the Year and Employer of Choice at the New Zealand Law Awards 2020 last night.

The firm’s exceptional deal making skills were also recognised, scooping the following categories:

• M&A Deal of the Year – Vodafone New Zealand acquisition
• Debt Market Deal of the Year – Acquisition financing of Vodafone New Zealand
• New Zealand Deal of the Year – Vodafone New Zealand acquisition

Senior Associate Igor Drinkovic also was awarded an excellence award in the Young Private Practice Lawyer of the Year category. The judges praised Igor’s commercial astuteness, having acted on many of New Zealand’s most significant and complex deals.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Chief Executive, Andrew Poole says “These awards are a great acknowledgement of the value we create for our clients, and the commitment that everyone in our team brings to their work.”

“It’s also a good way to wrap up the year, following the firm being named as New Zealand Law Firm of the Year by Chambers and Partners, and more recently, New Zealand Deal Team of the Year at the Australasian Law Awards.”

The New Zealand Law Awards celebrate excellence within the legal profession, recognising outstanding achievements advising on the country’s largest and most complex deals, commitment to delivering excellent client service, and leading legal expertise.

The awards were announced via a virtual ceremony last night, and a full list of the winners can be found here.