New annual awards programme recognises solicitors and legal professionals across the UK for their outstanding contributions to their communities
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Smokeball, a leading provider of legal practice management software, has announced the launch of the Smokeball UK Community Hero Awards, a new annual initiative celebrating legal professionals who go above and beyond to make a positive impact in their communities.
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The awards recognise individuals across the UK legal profession who dedicate their time, expertise and passion to causes beyond their day-to-day legal work — whether through supporting charities, championing diversity and inclusion, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, leading sustainability initiatives, or driving positive change within their local community.
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Unlike traditional legal awards that focus on commercial performance, the Community Hero Awards celebrate generosity, leadership and compassion, reflecting Smokeball’s belief that the legal profession has the power to strengthen and improve the communities it serves.
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About the Award

Nominations are open to the entire UK legal profession, not just Smokeball customers, and individuals can nominate a colleague, another legal professional, or themselves.
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Nominees will be considered across five categories

• Diversity & Inclusion – Supporting underrepresented communities within the legal profession or wider society
• Charity & Community – Supporting charities, fundraising initiatives or community organisations
• Education & Mentoring – Helping students, junior lawyers, or providing legal education
• Sustainability – Leading environmental or sustainability initiatives
• Community Leadership – Creating measurable positive change within local communities

To be eligible, nominees must work within the UK legal profession, be aged 18 or over, and live and work in the United Kingdom.
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The overall winner will receive a £500 travel voucher, a custom engraved crystal trophy, use of the Smokeball Community Hero Award 2026 logo, and a professionally produced hero video showcasing their story.
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Key Dates

• Nominations open: Monday 7 September 2026
• Nominations close: Monday 26 October 2026
• Finalists announced: Monday 9 November 2026
• Winner announced: Monday 7 December 2026

Quote from Alex Jenner, UK Country Manager, Smokeball

“Every day, we see solicitors and legal professionals across the UK quietly making an extraordinary difference — whether that’s mentoring junior lawyers, supporting local charities, or championing causes close to their hearts. These contributions often go unnoticed, and the Community Hero Awards exist to change that.

“At Smokeball, we talk a lot about powering people law — because behind every great law firm are great people. This award is our chance to celebrate those people, not just their professional achievements, but the difference they make in the lives of the clients and communities around them. We’re proud to bring the Community Hero Awards to the UK and can’t wait to hear the stories of the individuals making a real difference.”
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Judging Panel

Nominations will be reviewed by a panel of respected industry figures, including

• Kirsty Pappin, Founder, Aries Legal Practice Management
• Alex Jenner, UK Country Manager, Smokeball
• Amy Stonton, Head of UK Client Success Manager, Smokeball

How to Nominate

Nominations can be submitted at smokeball.co.uk/communityhero and will remain open until Monday 26 October 2026.
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