The law firm was recognised for its exceptional contribution to addressing productivity and skills gaps and for delivering innovative interventions.

The awards ceremony, attended by nearly 300 senior executives from legal and business services firms, took place at the Institute of Directors in London on Thursday 27 March.

William Fry was recognised for its “STRIVE” coaching programme which offers a novel alternative to the traditional method of developing trainee lawyers. The personalised one-to-one coaching programme enables trainees to build self-awareness and make an impactful contribution to the firm.

This project was spearheaded by learning and development manager Lisa McGoldrick, who, along with other members of the professional development team, is an accredited performance coach.

Sinead Kelly, director of professional development at William Fry, said: “I am delighted that the firm’s trainee coaching programme, STRIVE, has won this prestigious award.

“This award recognises our innovative approach to developing our trainee solicitors, offering one-to-one tailored performance coaching. William Fry is proud of our investment in performance coaching as a valuable source of learning.”

Stephen Keogh, managing partner of William Fry, added: “Congratulations to our professional development team on this well-deserved win.

“The STRIVE programme is a shining example of how we nurture our people and help them shape their careers. This achievement truly demonstrates our dedication to providing best in class people development for all William Fry employees.”

The firm was also shortlisted in two other categories at the awards.

It was shortlisted in respect of its TechReg Connect software solution, which was introduced under the leadership of partner and head of technology Leo Moore.

It was also shortlisted for its collaboration with Mercer Global Investment Managers (MGIM) to develop ‘best in class’ fund documents for MGIM’s European fund solutions business, a project led by asset management and investment funds partner John Aherne.