Birmingham Law Society has unveiled the winners of its 2026 Legal Awards, celebrating the top legal talent across the region.
Fourteen winners were chosen from a shortlist of 69 outstanding individuals and firms across 14 categories. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony held at the ICC Birmingham on 12 February, hosted by local radio personality PJ Ellis, where attendees gathered to honour the exceptional quality of legal work in Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Matt O’Brien, President of Birmingham Law Society, said: “This year’s finalists and winners truly represent the breadth and depth of our legal community’s talent. From rising stars to seasoned leaders, their dedication, innovation and service to both clients and community are outstanding.
On behalf of Birmingham Law Society, I congratulate all the winners on their well-deserved success. Their achievements showcase the very best of what our region’s legal profession has to offer.”
The 2026 Legal Awards, which was proudly headline sponsored by Medical Expert Chambers can reveal the winners and finalists in each category: (winner in bold):
• Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year 2026 – Winner: Khadija Bashar (Birmingham City University).
Shortlisted: Hafsah Shahid (Birmingham City University); Halima Rahman (Birmingham City University); Jessica Stewart (The University of Birmingham Law School); Anaiah Ferdinand (The University of Law). (The judges also highly commended Jessica Stewart for her exceptional contributions.)
• Apprentice of the Year 2026 – Winner: Estelle Asante (Eversheds Sutherland LLP).
Shortlisted: Madison Timmins (Gateley Legal); Alex Hooper (Gowling WLG); Joe William Gallagher (Gowling WLG); Madalina Novac (Gowling WLG); Tom Reeves (Weightmans LLP). (The judges noted the category’s high calibre and gave special commendation to Tom Reeves for his promising future impact.)
• Trainee Solicitor of the Year 2026 sponsored by The University of Law – Winner: Hollie Gould (Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP).
Shortlisted: Abigail Evason (Bevan Brittan LLP); Jakub Mikulecky (Shakespeare Martineau); Govind Johal (Shakespeare Martineau); Jody Li (Squire Patton Boggs LLP).
• Paralegal of the Year 2026 – Winner: Poppi Hall (Enoch Evans LLP Walsall).
Shortlisted: Gurpreet Chohan (Pinsent Masons LLP); Mariana Drinkwater (Schofield & Associates); Rabiya Ishfaq (Weightmans LLP); Reuben Khara (Weightmans LLP).
• Legal PA of the Year 2026 sponsored by the PA Forum – Winner: Tracey Allsopp (Greens Solicitors Limited).
Shortlisted: Nikki Orton (Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP); Carol Page (Chase Morgan Solicitors); Sarah Coyne (Schofield & Associates); Ruby Mander (Weightmans LLP).
• Solicitor of the Year 2026 sponsored by Landmark Information Group – Winner: Joel Blake (The Wilkes Partnership LLP).
Shortlisted: Kadie Bennett (Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP); Nathan Miebai (Crown Prosecution Service); Emily Sharples (Trowers & Hamlins LLP); Kristian Campbell-Drummond (Weightmans LLP).
• Junior Barrister of the Year 2026 (10 years’ call and under) – Winner: Chloe Ashley (No5 Barristers’ Chambers).
Shortlisted: Aaron Luxton (3PB Barristers); Afiya Amesu (No5 Barristers’ Chambers); Alex Pritchard-Jones (No5 Barristers’ Chambers); Harrison Burroughs (No5 Barristers’ Chambers).
• Barrister of the Year 2026 (over 10 years’ call) – Winner: Baldip Singh (No5 Barristers’ Chambers).
Shortlisted: Muhammad Ul-Haq (Halcyon Chambers); Jonathan Barker (St Philips Chambers); Michelle Caney (St Philips Chambers).
• Partner of the Year 2026 sponsored by JM Glendinning Professional Risks – Winner: Gemma Bell (Devonshires Solicitors LLP).
Shortlisted: David Alcock (Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP); Rebecca Sherwin (Gateley Legal); Shazia Shah (Irwin Mitchell LLP); Richard Port MBE (mfg Solicitors).
• In-House Lawyer of the Year 2026 – Winner: Housing 21.
Shortlisted: Bela Viramgama (Henderson & Jones); Pardeep Lagha (NEC Group); Allia Khan (Polo Works); Chris Simmonds (Wolverhampton City Council).
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award 2026 – Winner: Sikhs In Law.
Shortlisted: Birmingham Black Lawyers; Sarah Bond-Williams (FBC Manby Bowdler); Abi Adeboyejo (The Tyro Lawyer Mentoring Programme); Weightmans LLP.
• Pro Bono Award 2026 – Winner: Birmingham City University.
Shortlisted: Gateley Legal; Sarah Wilkinson (Squire Patton Boggs LLP); The University of Law Real Estate Advice Line (REAL).
• Law Firm of the Year 2026 (1–49 Employees) – Winner: Tenet Compliance and Litigation.
Shortlisted: Burley Law Limited; Collective Law Solicitors Ltd; Hall Brown; Spencer Shaw Solicitors.
• Law Firm of the Year 2026 (50+ Employees) sponsored by St Philips Chambers – Winner: Weightmans LLP.
Shortlisted: Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP; FBC Manby Bowdler; Mills & Reeve LLP; The Wilkes Partnership LLP.
PJ Ellis, who compered the awards evening, commented: “It was a fantastic night celebrating Birmingham’s legal stars. The energy in the room was electric – each finalist had such an inspiring story. As host, I was honoured to shine a spotlight on these achievements and witness firsthand the pride and camaraderie in our legal community, here in Birmingham and the West Midlands.”
Birmingham Law Society’s annual Legal Awards are a highlight of the local legal calendar, celebrating excellence across the profession.
Birmingham Law Society is the largest local law society outside London, representing over 9,000 legal professionals. Now in its 24th year, the Legal Awards continue to showcase the dynamic talent, diversity and dedication within Birmingham and the West Midlands’ legal sector.
Each shortlisted nominee received the Society’s Hallmark of Excellence in recognition of their achievement in reaching the finals, underscoring the exceptionally high standard of entries this year.
