The winners of the auspicious 23rd Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards have been announced overnight, showcasing the top legal talent shaping the sector in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The President, Richard Port, MBE stating this year has been “…the most difficult year to judge in the history of the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.”
Held at the ICC Birmingham on Thursday 13 February, the glittering awards ceremony was hosted by PJ Ellis – Birmingham based radio DJ and former star of Big Brother – and celebrated the high calibre of legal work that takes place in Birmingham, whilst shining a spotlight on the exceptional quality of professional talent that the city’s legal community has to offer.
Richard Port MBE, President of Birmingham Law Society, said:
“This has perhaps been the most difficult year to judge in the history of the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, due to the record number of outstanding entrants. After careful deliberation, we are thrilled to have shortlisted 64 individuals and firms across 14 categories. The West Midlands and Birmingham continues to be home to some of the most influential and innovative legal professionals, and it’s an honour to recognise their exceptional achievements. The Birmingham Law Society is incredibly proud to celebrate this success at our prestigious awards ceremony.”
A record number of entries were submitted for this year’s awards, before an expert panel of judges made up of representatives from the legal and business sector whittled them down to the final 64 individuals and firms shortlisted across the 14 categories.
Among the winners, Becca Horley of Shoosmiths LLP fought off fierce competition in her category to be recognised as Solicitor of the Year 2025. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Claire Darley of FBC Manby Bowdler.
As well as being a celebration of our top legal talent, it was an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the President’s two chosen charities of the year: She Beasts CIC and Mankind Initiative – both of which support victims of domestic abuse. These local charities will each receive a share of the £3766 raised at the event, which saw an auction and balloon raffle where a signed poster of Tom Holland as Spiderman was up for grabs.
The full list of winners of the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2025 are:
Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year 2025 sponsored by Datalaw – Gurpreet Chaggar, The College of Legal Practice
Apprentice of the Year 2025 sponsored by Verify 365 – Tyla Glover, Bevan Brittan LLP
Trainee Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by The University of Law – Alexandra Hill, Trowers & Hamlins LLP
Paralegal of the Year 2025 sponsored by Landmark Information Group – Tabitha Butler, Weightmans LLP
Legal PA of the Year 2025 sponsored by the PA Forum – Claire Hanke, Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP
Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by Birmingham City University – Becca Horley, Shoosmiths LLP
Junior Barrister of the Year 2025 (10 Years’ Call and Under) sponsored by LEAP – Sioned Davies, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Barrister of the Year 2025 (Over 10 Years’ Call) sponsored by JM Glendinning Professional Risks – Michelle Heeley KC, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
Partner of the Year 2025 sponsored by JM Glendinning Professional Risks – Matthew Giles, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP
In-House Lawyer of the Year 2025 sponsored by Birmingham City University – Baljinder Singh Atwal, West Midlands Police
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award 2025 sponsored by Access Managed Services – Gateley Legal
Pro Bono Award 2025 sponsored by St Ives Chambers – Lottie Millington, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (1-49 Employees) sponsored by LEAP – Spencer Shaw Solicitors
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (50+ Employees) sponsored by St Philips Chambers – Gateley Legal
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 sponsored by St Philips Chambers – Claire Darley, FBC Manby Bowdler
This year’s awards are sponsored 3PB Barristers, Access Managed Services, Birmingham City University, Datalaw, Fazenda, JM Glendinning Professional Risks, Kangs Solicitors, Landmark Information, LEAP, PA Forum, St Ives Chambers, St Philips Chambers, The University of Law and Verify 365.
