Held at the ICC Birmingham on Thursday 14th March, the glittering awards ceremony – created by Birmingham Law Society, the largest Law Society outside of London – was compered by Peter Hill – who appeared on Dragons Den and is an acclaimed host and comedian – and celebrated the exceptional quality of professional talent that the city’s legal community has to offer.
Alice Kinder, President of Birmingham Law Society, said: “The Legal Awards have once again exemplified the diverse range of talent in our region and placed Birmingham firmly on the map as a dynamic, progressive and influential legal hub. I am delighted that this year, we have been able to reward talent in three brand new categories and ensure that every contribution to our profession can be appropriately recognised. I hope that by celebrating these achievements, we can continue to set an inspiring precedent for future generations.
It is now exactly one month until I run the Manchester Marathon in aid of my chosen President’s charity, the Social Mobility Foundation. Whilst talent is everywhere, opportunity is not, and as established professionals, we must work together to change that. I would like to thank everyone that supported the charity during the evening. In doing so, you have helped to empower individuals from all backgrounds to fulfil their potential and achieve their goals.”
Over 300 entries for this year’s awards were shortlisted to a final 70 nominees (individuals and firms) before the 14 winners were selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives of the Birmingham Legal community. The Lifetime Achievement award was solely chosen by the President, Alice Kinder.
The full list of 2024 winners are:
- Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year – Eleanor Ford, The University of Law (Birmingham)
- Apprentice of the Year – Ellie Brookes, Pinsent Masons LLP (Birmingham)
- Trainee Solicitor of the Year – Drew Wilson, Gateley Legal (Birmingham)
- Paralegal of the Year – Lily Emmett, Weightmans LLP (Birmingham)
- Legal PA of the Year – Carol Page, Chase Morgan Solicitors
- Solicitor of the Year – Shereen Johal, Shoosmiths LLP (Birmingham)
- Junior Barrister of the Year (10 years’ call and under) – Grace Gwynne, No 5 Barristers’ Chambers (Birmingham)
- Barrister of the Year (Over 10 years’ Call) – Sophie Garner, St Philips Chambers (Birmingham)
- Partner of the Year – Marissa Jacquet-Smoothy, Grove Tompkins Bosworth
- In-House Lawyer of the Year – Laura Stockin, Legal Ombudsman
- Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award – Gateley Legal (Birmingham)
- Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Award – The Litigation Programme
- Regional Law Firm of the Year – The Wilkes Partnership LLP (Solihull)
- National Law Firm of the Year – Shoosmiths LLP (Birmingham)
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Sarah Ramsey, The University of Law (Birmingham)
This year’s awards are sponsored by Birmingham City University, Access Managed Services, BPP University Law School, Cornwall Street Barristers, Eminent Crisis Management Group, Fazenda, Index Property Information, JM Glendinning, Keele University School of Law, Landmark Information Group, LEAP Legal Software, No5 Barristers’ Chambers, St Ives Chambers, St Philips Chambers, The College of Legal Practice and The University of Law.
The Social Mobility Foundation – Birmingham Law Society’s chosen charity of the year – was joined by over 500 representatives from Birmingham’s legal and business community.
Alice will be running the Manchester Marathon on 14 April 2024 to raise money and awareness for the Social Mobility Foundation and is delighted to have raised £3000 for the charity during the evening.
