Andrew Byrne. Founder and Mick Eardley, Co-Founder and Sales and Marketing Director of National Legal Alliance
The National Legal Alliance (NLA) was honoured at the UK Legal Awards 2024 as the ‘Best Law Firm Support Network’ for its pioneering efforts in offering quality networking opportunities to legal professionals while addressing issues of isolation and mental health.
The award highlights the network’s commitment to fostering a supportive and resilient legal community. Established in 2020 with the purpose to combat loneliness during the pandemic, the network has grown significantly since its inception with various law firms and partners having signed up to the alliance.
Qualified solicitor and founder of the National Legal Alliance, Andrew Byrne, said: “Being named the ‘Best Law Firm Support Network 2024’ is a magnificent achievement for us because that’s what we do, we help lawyers.”
“We are so much more than a lunch club. This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and the positive impact we’ve had on the legal community. Over the years, we’ve grown from a small support network into a vital resource for lawyers across the country both for business networking and promoting mental health awareness.The attitude towards mental wellbeing for lawyers is improving compared to how things were when I started practising law almost 30 years ago. Our growth has been driven by a commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of our members, and this award highlights the success of our efforts.”
The National Legal Alliance has expanded to encompass over 50 law firms, actively encouraging its members to step away from their desks and foster connections.
Originally named the Northern Legal Alliance, the group later opened upto law firms, giving them discounted access to a network of service providers, free networking lunches, conferences, and more.
Recently, it launched a wellbeing service called métier legal lifestyle protect to support lawyers who are struggling with burnout and poor mental health challenges.
The organisation said it hopes the service will expand to include discounted gym memberships, healthy recipes, and a charity partnership with LawCare to encourage lawyers to take care of their mental health and bodies.
It has also recently partnered with legalCadre, which helps law firms develop people-focused strategies to enhance culture, engagement and wellbeing. Mick Eardley, Co-Founder and Sales and Marketing Director, said: “All of the partnerships that we do are aimed to help as many legal professionals as possible. “We are constantly improving our services and adding new collaborations to make sure everyone feels valued, included, recognised, and supported.”
“Being recognised as the “Best Law Firm Support Network 2024” reflects NLA’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This is not just a celebration of our success but a reminder of the responsibility we bear in driving meaningful change in the industry.”
The awards were hosted by leading B2B business publication, SME News.
Awards Coordinator, Kaven Cooper, said: “Our best-in-class winners are truly making waves for their industry. “I’m delighted to have had the opportunity to recognise and reward them for their contribution to their clients. Congratulations again, you deserve it.”
