Kent law firm Brachers has been shortlisted for three categories in the South East Dealmakers Awards: ‘Corporate Law Firm of the Year’, ‘Corporate Lawyer of the Year’, and ‘Deal of the Year (£10m-£40m)’.
The awards celebrate the achievements of professional advisers across the region and recognise the most significant transactions of the past year.
This recognition follows an outstanding year for the Brachers team, including winning the Kent Corporate Finance Alliance ‘Deal of the Year’ with Kreston Reeves for Orchard Plumbing’s transition to employee ownership, and being named in The Times ‘Best Law Firms 2026’ for Company and Commercial – the only Kent firm recognised in this category.
James Bullock, head of Corporate and Commercial at Brachers, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved this year. These nominations reflect the dedication and expertise of the team and the strong relationships we’ve built with our clients and professional partners.
“We’ve worked on a diverse range of transactions from employee ownership to cross-border M&A, all with the aim of helping businesses grow and succeed.”
Joanna Worby, Brachers’ managing partner, added: “Being shortlisted in three categories is a fantastic achievement and a real endorsement of the quality and impact of our work.
“Our Corporate team consistently delivers strategic advice and practical solutions that make a tangible difference to businesses across the South East. I’m delighted to see their efforts recognised.
“Our nomination for ‘Corporate Law Firm of the Year’ highlights the complex, high-value transactions we have delivered, supporting growth, succession, and investment across the South East.
“James Bullock, shortlisted for ‘Corporate Lawyer of the Year’, brings nearly 30 years of experience and is ranked Band 1 by Chambers and recognised as a Leading Partner by Legal 500. His leadership has been key to building one of the region’s most respected corporate teams.
“Finally, our ‘Deal of the Year (£10m-£40m)’ nomination recognises our work with Orchard Plumbing, which stands out for its strategic use of employee ownership to achieve a shareholder exit while preserving the company’s legacy and culture.
“It represents one of the largest EOT transactions in the region, demonstrating the viability of this model for substantial businesses.
“We are proud to support businesses across Kent and beyond, helping them achieve their goals through expert legal advice and a client-focused approach.”
Winners of the South East Dealmakers Awards will be announced on Thursday 19 March 2026.
