International law firm Pinsent Masons has been named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards.

A panel of general counsel from some of the UK’s largest corporate firms awarded the accolade to Pinsent Masons for its work across the UK, including Northern Ireland.

It follows a year of strong financial performance, continued international expansion and a sustained approach to innovative service delivery.

Pinsent Masons posted FY14/15 revenue of £362.4 million, up 12% on the previous year, and established a presence in Australia, opening offices in Sydney and Melbourne to better service intra-Asia Pacific infrastructure development.

Last year also marked the firm’s decision to acquire a majority stake in Cerico, the regulatory compliance solutions business.

Paul McBride, partner and head of the Belfast office at Pinsent Masons, said: “When Pinsent Masons entered the Northern Ireland market almost four years ago, we said we were here to deliver world-class legal servicing to local clients.

“This award, regarded as a key bell-weather by the profession, vindicates that bold statement and we are delighted to have won it. Our growing team of almost 100 people supporting landmark regional projects and clients, means the best the UK can offer is on Northern Ireland’s doorstep.”

At the ceremony Pinsent Masons was also awarded Energy & Infrastructure Team of the Year, and has recently been recognised amongst other industry awards, including Most Innovative Law Firm in Europe at the FT Innovative Lawyer awards, and Law Firm of the Year in Paris at the renowned Trophées du Droit awards.

Richard Foley, senior partner at Pinsent Masons, added: “This is a fantastic achievement for the firm. We have a clear strategic vision with a defined sector focus and drive for innovative service delivery. The recognition we’re achieving demonstrate the strides we’re making in becoming a market leader in our core sectors.

“Our international expansion, fresh thinking approach and careful investment in our people and sectors is what our clients really value, and it is listening and working collaboratively with them that enables us to continue moving forward.”