Birmingham wins legal services category at MJ Awards 2013

The authority saw off stiff competition in the category, which was sponsored by Lawyers in Local Government and DAC Beachcroft. The citation read: "Judges were impressed by how the winner's legal team was at the very heart of a highly complex scheme to redevelop the city's station as a key gateway."

The other finalists were: LGSS Law (Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire County Councils); Essex County Council; London Borough of Lambeth; the London Boroughs of Merton and Richmond; Nottinghamshire County Council/EM Lawshare; and Oxford City Council.

The top award of the evening – best achieving council – went to the London Borough of Merton. Derby City Council and Staffordshire County Council were highly commended.

Other category winners included:

• Delivering better outcomes: Bedford Borough Council and Gateshead City Council;
• Democratic Services: Cheshire West and Chester Council;
• Public Private Partnership: Derby City Council;
• Shared Services: Babergh District Council/Mid Suffolk District Council;
• Trading Standards and Environmental Health: Birmingham City Council.

This was the 10th anniversary of the awards.