More than 400 legal professionals, law firms, legal departments and other legal businesses have been nominated for an inaugural UK awards that set out to promote diversity within the legal profession.

The Women in Law Awards, which are being supported by The Global Legal Post, will take place in London on 2 June.

More than 800 nominations were submitted to the organisers, media company Incisive Media, which translated into 400 nominees.

Nominated law firms include Baker McKenzie, Clyde & Co, DAC Beachcroft, Mayer Brown and Paul Hastings while companies including Barclays, Huawei and Schroders are also represented.

The awards aim to serve as a catalyst to help shape the gender diversity debate by disseminating best practice and challenging some of the cultural and business norms that continue to hold women back.

Categories include Woman of the Year, Mentor of the Year and Outstanding Returner of the Year, which recognises the challenges associated with returning to work after a long break.

There is a two stage process to reach the shortlist, and nominees must make their submissions by today (Friday).

The judging panel includes Evelyn Styles, UK and Ireland general counsel at Hays; Kathleen Russ, senior partner at Travers Smith; Joanna Harris, head of responsible business at Simmons & Simmons; Tuvia Borok, executive director and senior counsel, legal department, Goldman Sachs; and Nicholas Cheffings, chair of PRIME, an alliance of law firms across the UK that is committed to improving access to the legal profession through work experience.

These awards are the latest in a series of diversity events delivered by Incisive Media, including The Women in Insurance Awards, The Women in Accountancy and Finance Awards and The Women in Investment Awards.

Nominees should click here to enter their submissions.