New Zealand law firms and lawyers have been chosen as finalists in the Australian Financial Review Client Choice Awards 2017. The awards, which are researched by Australian consultancy Beaton Research, will be presented in Sydney on 7 March 2017.

The awards are made to professional services providers in law, accounting, consulting engineering and management consulting, and are open to New Zealand and Australian entrants.

New Zealand finalists are as follows:

Best law firm (revenue A$50-$200 million)

Bell Gully, Chapman Tripp and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts are the New Zealand finalists, along with two Australian law firms.

Market Leader: New Zealand

Bell Gully and Chapman Tripp are finalists along with one consulting engineering and one accounting firm.

Most Client Focused Lawyer

Tim Sherman from Chapman Tripp is a finalist along with four Australians.

Industry Award: Financial and Insurance Services

Bell Gully and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts are finalists with two Australian firms.