2007 HELM Awards
Young Lawyer Award - Chris Bennett, Davis LLP
Marketing is a critical part of every business, yet not a skill that has traditionally been taught in law school. This award recognizes a young lawyer who has intuitively understood the value and role of marketing within their practice, and has achieved significant business success as a result of integrating these skills.
Congratulations to Chris Bennett of Davis LLP. Bennett has taken his love of video gaming, developed a marketing strategy and pioneered a niche market in his firm through an astute understanding of the industry he was targeting. He understands the role of media to enhance profile and image, and has created a draw in this brand new area of law. His results say it all...with a significant increase in revenue, the success of his blog www.VideoGameLawBlog.com in an overloaded blog environment, the development of a new practice, and becoming a partner at the young age of 35 years.
www.davis.ca/en/lawyer/Chris-Bennett
Firm/Marketer of the Year - Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP
This award recognizes the marketing accomplishments of a law firm from strategy to implementation. This can be for a single marketing program, or in recognition of a series of strategic marketing activities that took place over an 18 month period (ending with the nomination submission deadline).
Alexander Holburn Holburn & Lang LLP was selected to receive this award for creating not only one memorable campaign, but two simultaneously. Generally, the goal was to create ad campaigns that spoke to the culture and values of the firm, while celebrating its people. It was hoped that additionally, the ads would increase name recognition within certain target markets, and demonstrate the diversity of the firm's services. Their "Student Life Campaign", was geared towards recruiting the next generation of lawyers, and their "Fresh Thinking Campaign" emphasised their personable and unique approach to the business of law in ways that would be meaningful to potential lawyers and staff, and demonstrate share values with key clients. Both campaigns were designed in collaboration with Skunkworks Creative Group – a Vancouver Advertising and Marketing Agency.
These well executed advertising programs were developed from their internal marketing infrastructure, used tools such as focus groups and client interviews, and there were clearly stated, measurable outcomes. The marketing messages were fresh, and the corresponding advertisements were filled with images of happy people that left their audience wanting to learn more.
www.ahbl.ca
Lifetime Achievement Award - John W. Elwick, Partner, Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP
There are certain lawyers in the legal community who stand out for their expertise, leadership and community involvement. Generally, these lawyers are motivated by a desire to "give back" or to "do the right thing" to support and bring honour to the profession of law as well as the practice of law. These lawyers are outstanding marketers for the legal community. This award recognizes their vitally important contribution.
John W. Elwick of Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP earned this award in recognition of his high-regarded within the legal and business communities . Not only has he been a practicing lawyer for 39 years but he is also respected as a mentor, a past managing partner, and an international networker. Letters of recommendation for John in support of his nomination - which came from both the legal and the business communities - described his wide range of contributions. For example, "his career has inspired many lawyers - especially our younger practitioners"; "he is creative and innovative in his approach as to how he reviews an issue and moves forward"; "his regard for our people and his understanding of and care for our business is extremely high"; "he has balanced his professional success with his role as a dedicated husband and father". In a city full of very accomplished lawyers, John's career and contribution have definitely stood out. However, he assured attendees that while many recipients of lifetime achievement awards are given such honours as their swan song, he had no intentions of stopping his law practice any time soon!
www.ahbl.ca/people/lawyers/john_elwick
Managing Partner Award - William Westeringh, Managing Partner of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
In a law firm, the Managing Partner acts as the Corporate President: He or she is ultimately responsible for the accomplishment of the business objectives of the firm. The purpose of this award is to recognize a Managing Partner who has truly demonstrated leadership by guiding the firm through the coordination and implementation of strategy and tactics resulting in the achievement of key business objectives.
Congratulations to William Westeringh, Managing Partner of Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP , who is being recognized today for strategic leadership at his firm. Through his focus on profitability, leadership, and support of the firm's growth strategy, this managing partner established a "think tank" to develop action to reinforce the marketing/business portfolio of the firm. He is furthering their client service focus and has built a team that supports change and forward thinking in law. Most notably, he was a driving force behind positioning his firm as the "Official Legal Counsel to the Vancouver Canucks & Orca Bay Entertainment". The judges were impressed by his creativity, commitment and ability to get his firm to stand behind this unique initiative.
www.fasken.com
Corporate Social Responsibility - Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
Law firms are an astoundingly large charitable contributor, both financially and through expert advice, to our community. This award recognizes a law firm for outstanding commitment to community service - be that through education, monetary support, or other forms of leadership.
Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP has been selected to receive the award for excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility. This firm has a well thought out philosophy and has demonstrated a commitment to making a difference to a multitude of not-for-profit organizations within Lower Mainland Communities. Two significant examples of the commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility are: Over $1 Million as a Leadership Gift towards UBC Faculty of Law, and over $465,000 to the United Way of the Lower Mainland. These contributions are generous especially when compared to the size of the firm. Their contributions are not limited to dollars alone. The Farris Trial Experience Program conducts ProBono work in the city, their lawyers participate in community events, and for nearly 10 years they have given to the Canadian Blood Services blood donors program, which has won them awards for the "most total donations". Our judging panel gave them two thumbs up for their commitment, and strategic focus towards serving a variety of local charities.
www.farris.com