Gwent businesses were among the winners at the inaugural Wales Legal Awards.

Watkins and Gunn, which has offices in Newport, Pontypool and Cardiff, picked up two awards - Family Law Team of the year and Private Client Team of the Year - while Baneswell-based HPJV was named Criminal Team of the Year.

Insurance firm Admiral Group plc, which employs more than 1,000 in Newport city centre, picked up the title of In-house Team of the Year.

Established by boutique firm Lux Family Law in partnership with Grapevine Event Management and the Wales Fast Growth 50, the awards celebrated excellence in all parts of the legal community including claimant law, corporate and commercial, employment, property and construction, residential and conveyancing, and commercial litigation.

A sold-out dinner saw a total of 50 finalists from 30 different legal businesses across Wales compete for awards in 16 different categories.

The Wales Legal Team of the Year was awarded to Acuity Law, while the outstanding Contribution to the Welsh legal profession went to Alan Meredith, former managing partner at Eversheds.

Charlotte Leyshon, of Lux Family Law, said: “I was thrilled to see the best talent working in the legal profession in Wales today recognised at tonight’s awards. In creating the Wales Legal Awards, we have focused on celebrating the achievements of the many specialised and talented teams to be found across the length and breadth of Wales and which make a massive contribution to a vibrant Welsh legal industry."

Dale Williams, founder of main awards sponsor Yolk recruitment, said: “This evening has demonstrated that legal sector in Wales is as exciting as any of its comparable professional services counterparts. I am delighted that the Wales Legal Awards have shone a spotlight to highlight the people and businesses representing this most exciting of landscapes and we’re proud to be able to support such a needed and deserved platform to showcase the best of the best within Wales.”