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City office of UK practice took home two of the top awards while both University of Law and Gateley were also double recognised
Shoosmiths was the big winner at last night’s Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2024.
The 22nd annual event saw financial disputes associate Shereen Johal crowned solicitor of the year and the practice winning the national law firm title.
Sarah Ramsey, who has been dean of The University of Law in Birmingham for nearly seven years, was honoured with the lifetime achievement award, while the Jewellery Quarter institute’s Eleanor Ford won outstanding student contribution.
Other winners on the night across 14 categories included Ellie Brookes of Pinsent Masons, named apprentice of the year, and Gateley Legal which was a double winner in the diversity and inclusion and trainee solicitor categories
This year’s ceremony featured three brand new awards for 2024 – outstanding student contribution, legal PA and junior barrister.
Birmingham Law Society president Alice Kinder 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. While talent is everywhere, opportunity is not and, as established professionals, we must work together to change that.”
The awards were held at the ICC in Birmingham and hosted by comedian Peter Hill.
The event also supported the Social Mobility Foundation which is the law society’s chosen charity for the year and which works with young people and employers to open up career paths for those from diverse backgrounds.
The full list of 2024 winners is below and click through here to read this year’s shortlist:
Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year
Eleanor Ford, The University of Law
Apprentice of the Year
Ellie Brookes, Pinsent Masons
Trainee Solicitor of the Year
Drew Wilson, Gateley Legal
Paralegal of the Year
Lily Emmett, Weightmans
Legal PA of the Year
Carol Page, Chase Morgan Solicitors
Solicitor of the Year
Shereen Johal, Shoosmiths
Junior Barrister of the Year (ten years’ call and under)
Grace Gwynne, No 5 Barristers’ Chambers
Barrister of the Year (Over ten years’ Call)
Sophie Garner, St Philips Chambers
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 Law Society Pro Bono Award
The Litigation Programme
Regional Law Firm of the Year
The Wilkes Partnership
National Law Firm of the Year
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