Freeths powerhouse lawyer named Woman of the Year at Bristol Women in Business Awards

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.”