Participating in the Law Society of NSW Awards provides an opportunity to showcase your contributions to the profession. Here are five top tips for crafting a compelling submission:

Understand the award criteria

• Thoroughly review the guidelines: Each award category has specific criteria that judges will use to evaluate submissions. Make sure you fully understand these and tailor your application accordingly.
• Note the criteria weighting: Each criteria has a specific weighting that is used to assess each nomination. Make note of the weighting of each question to ensure you are putting the most relevant information into the most weighted question.
• Highlight relevance: Clearly demonstrate how your achievements align with the criteria. Judges look for entries that directly address what the award seeks to recognise.

Showcase your impact

• Provide evidence: Use concrete examples and data to illustrate the impact of your work. Whether it's client testimonials, case outcomes, or community initiatives, evidence strengthens your claims.
• Focus on outcomes: Highlight the results of your efforts, such as improved legal practices, contributions to social justice, or advancements in the legal profession.

Tell a compelling story

• Craft a narrative: Your submission should tell a coherent story that connects your achievements to the broader goals of the legal profession. Make it engaging and easy to follow.
• Personalise your entry: Judges appreciate learning about your journey, challenges you've overcome, and what drives your passion for law. Personal anecdotes can make your submission memorable.

Polish Your Submission

• Review and revise: Take time to proofread and refine your submission. Errors or unclear writing can detract from your message.
• Adhere to guidelines: Follow all submission instructions carefully, including word limits, formatting, and deadlines. A well-organised and professional application reflects your attention to detail.

Get strong endorsements for the President’s Medal

• Seek high-quality references: Choose referees who can speak authoritatively about your work and its impact. A strong endorsement from respected figures in the legal community can add significant weight to your application.
• Align references with your submission: Ensure your referees are familiar with the award criteria and can highlight specific aspects of your work that meet those criteria.