Pannone was named the Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Firm of the Year at the 2026 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

The awards shine a spotlight on the top law firms, lawyers and in-house legal departments across the whole of the north, recognising the exceptional work done in the past 18 months.

The nominations and winners are selected based on Legal 500’s market-leading, independent research, drawing from the latest Legal 500 UK 2026 research. The winners are selected by a judging team led by Legal 500 UK regions editor Amy Ulliott, UK regions deputy editor Edgar Tate, and senior research editor Allan Cohen, supported by the research team, which produces the UK guide every year.

Commenting on the win, Pannone partner Sarah Bazaraa, said: “We’re really proud of this award which recognises the firm’s long-term commitment to developing, nurturing and promoting talent. I joined the firm as a trainee and been promoted to partner so have experienced first-hand the value of being mentored and forging a career in such a supportive culture.”

Senior partner, Paul Jonson, added: “As a Manchester firm up against some global and national firms, it’s very pleasing to be recognised for our culture. As a values-led organisation, diversity, inclusion and equality is in our DNA and we’re grateful to our people, clients and partners who are all key to this success.”