A Dorset law firm has been nominated in more categories than any other firm in the prestigious 2018 Dorset Legal Awards.

Blanchards Bailey, which has offices in Blandford, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Weymouth, is up for six team awards and a community prize.

Expanding Blanchards Bailey will find out next February whether it has triumphed at a black tie gala dinner at Bournemouth International Centre.

The firm has been named finalists in the Company Commercial Team of the Year, Private Client Team of the Year, Property Team of the Year, Family Team of the Year, Dispute Resolution Team of the Year and Small Law Firm of the Year categories.

A Dorset Legal Awards panel comprising entrepreneur Dr John Knowles, retired judge John Ainsworth, Bournemouth Daily Echo business editor Darren Slade and QC Elizabeth McGrath will now interview each of the six teams as part of the judging process before coming to a decision.

Blanchards Bailey is also one of three finalists in the Contribution to the Community category for its entry which was based on initiatives demonstrating corporate social responsibility.

Blanchards Bailey principal and chief executive Alan Horne said: “We are delighted to have been named finalists in seven categories – the highest number of any legal firm – in the face of stiff competition.

“It is testament to the hard work throughout the year by our loyal and skilled team across our four offices.

“Their dedication to serving clients diligently is second-to-none and they consistently deliver the best possible legal advice.

“It is a privilege to be part of such a passionate team providing expert advice and guidance to individual clients and business leaders across Dorset and beyond.

“We look forward to February 23 to discover whether we have succeeded, but whatever happens you can be sure we will not be resting on our laurels, but remaining client-focused.”

The Dorset Legal Awards, sponsored by Ash Elite and QuoStar among others, brings together the legal community to celebrate the success of the county’s 200 regulated practices.

More than 1,000 qualified solicitors, legal executives and licensed conveyancers work in Dorset, along with thousands of legal and practice support individuals.

Blanchards Bailey is recognised by The Legal 500 as one of the top firms in the UK for the third year running with a record eight individuals singled out for their work.