Leading North West law firm Kirwans has been shortlisted for a prestigious legal award.

The firm, which has offices in Liverpool and Wirral, is in the running to be named Law Firm of the Year (1-5 partners) in the Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards 2011.

The short listing is recognition for the firm’s significant growth during the past 12 months - which has seen staff numbers increase by 20 per cent to more than 100 - and its dynamic and innovative approach towards key areas of the practice such as IT, marketing and staff development.

In January, Kirwans opened a fourth office at the Brunswick Business Park in Liverpool, taking floor space of 6,500sq ft in order to meet the firm’s ongoing expansion plans.

Simon Gibson, Managing Partner, said: “We are delighted that Kirwans’ continued growth in a challenging legal market has been recognised with a short listing for the Law Firm of the Year.

“We believe passionately in the importance of investing in good people and the best possible technology to ensure that the firm provides legal services of the highest quality allied to the best possible standards of client care.

“Our short listing for this prestigious Liverpool Law Society Award is a tribute to the immense hard work and dedication shown by the Kirwans team during the past year.”