Leading law firm Freeths’ Real Estate Director Coralie McKeivor has won Woman of the Year – Gamechanger, at the Bristol Women in Business Awards 2026.

 

The Bristol Women in Business Awards recognise the people and companies transforming Bristol’s working culture, championing gender-balanced leadership, flexible working, inclusive policy change and dismantling long-standing barriers for women in the workplace. Since its launch in 2019, the Bristol Women in Business Charter has highlighted pioneering employers and role models helping women thrive in their careers.

 

The Woman of the Year – Gamechanger award recognises someone who has challenged the status quo, broken down significant barriers and acted as a catalyst for systemic change within her industry.

 

The judging panel praised Coralie for being “a true embodiment of the phrase ‘Be the change you want to see’,” highlighting her courage and persistence in driving a step change in disability awareness across the professional sector. They commended the way she has “moved disability inclusion from the sidelines to the centre of the conversation” through advocacy from the boardroom to grassroots mentoring, noting that the positive statistical impact of her initiatives shows how “one person’s determination to be visible and vocal can dismantle long standing barriers and redefine what inclusive excellence looks like.”

 

Commenting on her success, Coralie McKeivor said: “I’m incredibly honoured to receive this award. Hearing the judges describe me as someone who ‘embodies the phrase, be the change you want to see’, is deeply moving, and it reinforces why disability inclusion and wider equity work matter so much. I’m passionate about driving meaningful change, whether that’s challenging perceptions at a senior level or supporting colleagues through mentoring and everyday visibility.

 

“The shift we’re seeing across Bristol’s business community is inspiring, and I’m proud to contribute to moving inclusion from the sidelines to the centre of the conversation. This recognition means a great deal, and it strengthens my commitment to pushing for workplaces where everyone can truly thrive.”

 

ENDS

 

ABOUT FREETHS

 

Freeths is a top 50 commercial law firm, trusted by leading private and public sector clients including Centrica PLC, ENGIE, Aldi, Mercedes-Benz UK, Tarmac, Experian, and Lloyds Bank.

 

Recognised for its landmark High Court victory for 555 sub-postmaster clients against the Post Office – one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British legal history – Freeths continues to advise on the subsequent GLO and Horizon Convictions Redress compensation schemes.

 

As a certified B Corporation (B Corp), Freeths is committed to responsible business practices, demonstrating its focus on delivering the highest standards of environmental and social impact, governance and inclusion. This commitment is reflected in accolades such as Proud Employer ‘Champion’ status from Stonewall, Gold accreditation from Investors in People (2025), Tommy’s Champion status (2025), and recognition as a Top 30 Employer by Working Families (2025). Freeths is also featured in the Legal 500 Green Guide 2026 for its sustainability leadership.

 

An award-winning firm, Freeths has been named Law Firm of the Year at the City AM Awards 2025 and the Legal Business Awards 2024, and was runner-up for UK Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards 2025.