Stephens Scown has been crowned Best Employer and Law Firm of the Year (£4m+ turnover) at the Devon & Somerset Law Society Legal Awards 2026, in recognition of its continued growth, innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients.
The double success highlights the firm’s distinctive approach to legal services, combining high-quality expertise with a values-led culture as an employee-owned, B Corp certified and Certified Net Zero business. Over the past year, the firm has continued to expand its presence across the South West, invest in innovation and technology, and strengthen its reputation for client service. 
Stephens Scown was also shortlisted in five other categories on the night, including Client Experience, Sustainability, Team of the Year for its Family team, Paralegal of the Year for Ed Bidder and Solicitor of the Year for Benitia Knowles-Wright.
The Law Firm of the Year award recognised achievements including the firm’s landmark Supreme Court victory for Thatchers in its long-running trademark dispute with Aldi, its continued strategic growth and its focus on delivering outstanding client experiences.
Meanwhile, the Best Employer award acknowledged the firm’s longstanding commitment to employee engagement, wellbeing and development. As the UK’s first large employee-owned law firm, Stephens Scown has built a workplace culture that empowers people, supports career progression and creates a strong sense of shared ownership and purpose.
Managing Partner, Richard Baker, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised as both Best Employer and Law Firm of the Year. For us, those two awards go hand in hand. The better we are at creating an environment where talented people can thrive, develop and build long-term careers, the better service we can provide to our clients.”
“Our success has always been built on strong relationships, whether with clients, colleagues or the communities we serve. Being employee owned gives our people a genuine stake in the future of the business, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.”
“These awards recognise not only the strength of our legal expertise and commercial performance, but also our belief that investing in people is fundamental to delivering outstanding client outcomes. We’re delighted that the judges have recognised the difference that approach continues to make.”
The awards were presented at a ceremony attended by legal professionals from across Devon and Somerset. The event featured a keynote address from Dean Dunham KC (Hon), one of the UK’s most recognised consumer law experts and media commentators, and was hosted by broadcaster David “Fitz” FitzGerald.
The awards cap another successful year for Stephens Scown, which has continued to challenge traditional models within the legal sector through its employee-owned structure, responsible business credentials and commitment to balancing commercial success with positive social and environmental impact.
With offices across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, the firm continues to support businesses, organisations and individuals throughout the region and nationally, combining regional roots with national influence and a clear focus on helping clients achieve their ambitions.
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