International law firm SJ Berwin is celebrating a double win at last night's Private Equity News Awards for Excellence in Private Equity Advisory Services Europe 2011.

The firm won Fund Formation Team of the Year for the fifth time since these awards began in 2006.

And in addition, recently promoted funds partner Ed Hall was named Most Promising Rising Star in Private Equity Advisory from a shortlist of private equity investment advisers, lawyers and other professionals.

The winners were chosen by a distinguished judging panel comprising some of the world's most influential private equity fund managers.

Other advisers to private equity honoured at the awards included Deloitte, Rothschild and Goldman Sachs.

SJ Berwin funds partner Michael Halford said: "We're thrilled to have won once again. We've had an amazing year and according to Preqin have closed more European and international funds than any other law firm in the past three years. This award recognises the very high quality of our fundraising advice. We would like to thank our clients for their support and loyalty."
Senior Partner, Jonathan Blake, said: "This is an excellent result for the team and the excellent individuals in it. Funds is a core strength of our business and such accolades reflect the commitment and talent of our people and reaffirm our market leading stance in the industry."

Ed Hall said: "It's a great honour to be presented with this accolade. Having recently been made partner at the firm it's been a very rewarding time. I am proud to be part of such a brilliant team."

SJ Berwin was also recently voted Law Firm of the Year - Fund Structuring at the 2011 Unquote British Private Equity Awards.

The Private Equity News Awards for Excellence in Private Equity Advisory Services Europe 2011 recognise firms within European operations that have had the most success in their sector over the past year.