64 individuals and firms have been recognised in Birmingham Law Society’s annual Legal Awards shortlist, which has been announced today.
The auspicious event is one of the highlights of the Birmingham Law Society calendar. Birmingham Law Society is the largest local Law Society outside of London and the awards are a celebration of the best legal talent across Birmingham and the surrounding area.
Head Judge Neil Lloyd, Managing Partner of FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, alongside Anjum Khan, Director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Tina Attenborough, President of Derby and District Law Society, last week shortlisted the 14 categories that make up the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2025.
Neil Lloyd commented:
“The amount of talent, both firms and individuals, we have in this region has never been in doubt and the applications for this year’s awards fully evidence that. It’s been a delight reading through all the submissions and deciding on a shortlist was extremely difficult. Well done to all those that were nominated and good luck on the evening to those shortlisted. The other judges and I look forward to celebrating with you on the night.”
President of the Birmingham Law Society, Richard Port MBE added:
“”It is my honour to congratulate every individual and organisation shortlisted for an award. The shortlist serves as a prime example of the talent and expertise thriving in Birmingham and the West Midlands. This year’s awards reflect our ongoing commitment to recognising the many outstanding voices that contribute to our exceptional legal sector.
To those nominated, I extend my heartfelt congratulations as well. Simply being nominated is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the incredible work that our legal professionals, academics, and organisations do for our community. Please keep on doing what you do best!
I wish the best of luck to everyone shortlisted!””
This year, the law firm of the year categories have been revised based on employee size.
The shortlist can be exclusively revealed below.
Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year 2025 sponsored by Datalaw
- Nathan Lynas, Birmingham City University
- Gemma Bowen, Birmingham Newman University
- Samir Iqbal, BPP University
- Gurpreet Chaggar, The College of Legal Practice
- Ella Leigh Chambers, The University of Law
Apprentice of the Year 2025
- Tyla Glover, Bevan Brittan LLP
- Leanne Sorano, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
- Jade Williams, Irwin Mitchell LLP
- Tom Reeves, Weightmans LLP
Trainee Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by The University of Law
- Mahnoor Butt, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
- Claudia Roberts, Mills & Reeve LLP
- Ryan Gardner, The Wilkes Partnership LLP
- Alexandra Hill, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
- Hannah Ling, Weightmans LLP
Paralegal of the Year 2025 sponsored by Landmark Information Group
- Reccy Midigo, Burley Law Limited
- Katie Helps, DWF LLP
- Laurence Canoy, Pinsent Masons LLP
- Tabitha Butler, Weightmans LLP
- Wardah Faiz, Weightmans LLP
Legal PA of the Year 2025 sponsored by the PA Forum
- Nikki Orton, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP
- Dorota Mazurowska, Clyde & Co
- Sue Dale, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
- Lisa Roots, TLT Solicitors
- Claire Hanke, Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP
Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by Birmingham City University
- Kayleigh Tranter, Clyde & Co
- Sophie Quinney, Clyde & Co
- Becca Horley, Shoosmiths LLP
- Rachel Ford, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
- Lasya Nair, Weightmans LLP
Junior Barrister of the Year 2025 (10 years’ call and under)
- Faye Edwards, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Sioned Davies, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Jane Talbot, St Ives Chambers Ltd
- Queenie Djan, St Ives Chambers Ltd
- Catherine Ravenscroft, St Philips Chambers
Barrister of the Year 2025 (over 10 years’ call)
- Michelle Heeley KC, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Nicholas Cobill, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Christopher Buckingham, St Philips Chambers
- Victoria Edmonds, St Philips Chambers
- Sunny Virk, The Barrister Group
Partner of the Year 2025 sponsored by JM Glendinning Professional Risks
- Sabina Kauser, Acuity Law
- Rachael Morris, Clyde & Co
- Kate Oliver, Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited
- Benjamin Smith, Roythornes Solicitors
- Matthew Giles, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
In-House Lawyer of the Year 2025
- Baljinder Singh Atwal, West Midlands Police
- Pardeep Lagha
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award 2025 sponsored by Access Managed Services
- Anthony Collins LLP
- Gateley Legal
- Higgs LLP
- Mills & Reeve LLP
- No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Pro Bono Award 2025
- Birmingham City University Law Clinic
- BPP University Law School: Social Impact Team
- Lottie Millington, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
- Gowling WLG (UK) LLP
- Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (1-49 Employees) sponsored by LEAP
- Chase Morgan Solicitors
- Spencer Shaw Solicitors
- Wildings Solicitors LLP
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (50+ Employees) sponsored by St Philips Chambers
- DWF LLP
- Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
- Gateley Legal
- Mills & Reeve LLP
- Roythornes Solicitors
All nominees are invited to an interview mid-January with independent judges from a range of backgrounds including:
- Anjum Khan, Director, Asian Business Chamber of Commerce
- Bill Barton, Director and Past President, Leeds Law Society
- Coralie McKeivor, Senior Vice-President, Bristol Law Society
- Daniel Skermer, Director, Founder & Coach, PA Forum
- Donna McGrath, Founder, The In-House Lawyers’ Coach
- Fiona Ledden, Vice-President, Manchester Law Society
- James Mannouch, President, Liverpool Law Society
- Janine McKinney, Past President, Nottinghamshire Law Society
- Joanna Hughes, Founder and Director, Joanna Hughes Solicitor Apprenticeships
- Mark Taylor, Co-Founder, Element45
- Neil Lloyd, Managing Partner, FBC Mandy Bowdler LLP
- Raj Kandola, Director of External Affairs, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
- Rebecca Mander, CEO, GuruYou
- Tina Attenborough, President, Derby and District Law Society
The winner of each category which will then be announced on Thursday 13th February at the glittering awards dinner at the city’s iconic ICC venue.
To book your tickets or to find out more information about the remaining sponsorship opportunities, please click here.
