Winner
Naomi Bentley-Lawson - Warwickshire County Council
With five years PQE Naomi is already an expert in her field of child protection, and has earned the respect of Warwickshire County Council’s social workers and all 24 experienced lawyers she leads. Naomi is unflappable and intelligent, bringing the sort of common sense to law that cannot be taught.
Shortlisted
Rashidah Conroy - General Social Care Council
Rashidah won the first conviction against an unregistered social worker. This is significant for the social work profession, who work with the UK's most vulnerable people, and need to have public trust in their professionalism and expertise. Rashidah's continuing investment in improving the General Social Care Council is a great example to the staff in this important organisation.
Sarah J Lee - Bank of America
Having undeniable legal acumen, expertise honed by hard-won experience and unassailable integrity, Sarah J. Lee provides cutting edge legal advice, leadership on major issues and of senior staff and mentors and recognises others' contributions. Her contributions span the continuum from transactions to policy-making to advising on the ever-changing regulatory landscape.