Paris Smith took home the coveted award at the South Coast Deals Awards 2026, an event which celebrates excellence across the region’s corporate finance and dealmaking community. The judges said Paris Smith stood out for “the many high-profile deals they completed across the South Coast”, recognising the quality, breadth and impact of the firm’s corporate work during the year.
The achievement reflects a real team effort across Paris Smith’s Corporate, Commercial & Finance Department, with colleagues working collaboratively to support businesses, entrepreneurs, lenders and investors on significant transactions across the South Coast. The Corporate team has representation across the firm’s Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth offices, ensuring clients can access specialist corporate, commercial & finance expertise throughout the region.
James McNeil, Head of the Corporate, Commercial & Finance Department at Paris Smith, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been named Corporate Law Firm of the Year. This award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication, expertise and commitment of our whole team, and of the trust placed in us by our clients and our professional contacts/referrers across the South Coast. The judges’ comments about the high-profile deals completed by the firm are especially pleasing because they reflect the depth of experience within the department and the collaborative way in which we work. It has truly been a team effort, and we are very proud to see that recognised.”
Paris Smith’s Corporate team advises on a wide range of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, disposals, restructurings, investments, debt & equity finance, shareholder arrangements and corporate governance matters. The award underlines the firm’s role as a trusted adviser to businesses across Hampshire, Dorset and the wider South Coast.
About Paris Smith
Paris Smith LLP is a leading regional law firm with offices in Southampton, Winchester and Bournemouth. The firm provides legal services to businesses, individuals and organisations across the South Coast and beyond, combining specialist expertise with a long-standing commitment to its clients and local communities.
PR enquiries to:
Sue Murphy
Practice & BD Director
E: sue.murphy@parissmith.co.uk
T: 07436 339318