Winner
Michael Schwarz - Bindmans LLP
Michael Schwarz's work has been seminal on key recent legal issues: the operation of undercover police, the Crown's obligations of disclosure, the fairness of the trial process, the legitimacy of civil disobedience, the articulation of campaigners' motives, threats to criminal legal aid and the integrity of the legal profession. Michael's success is testament to his strategic insight into the marriage between the law, politics and the media.
Highly Commended
Jules Carey - Tuckers Solicitors
Jules Carey gave his unflagging support to the family of Iain Tomlinson, under intense media pressure. He refused to be bowed by setbacks in the investigation, or the adverse CPS decision in the pursuit of justice. He is an energetic and creative fighter, who displays all the best qualities of a solicitor.
Suzanne Dibble - Virtual Law
Suzanne Dibble is the only UK lawyer whose practice focuses exclusively on “mums in business”. By implementing innovative client-focused services such as a Twitter and Facebook business law clinic, an out of hours service and downloadable templates with full support, Suzanne has developed a loyal client base who truly appreciate her client focus and commitment to client care.
Peter Garsden - Abney Garsden McDonald
Peter has helped develop law and practice in Child Abuse
Compensation from its infancy in 1994 to its advanced state in 2011 where historic cases can succeed out of time. He formed and is President of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers.
Shortlisted
Victoria Curran - Weightmans LLP
With three years PQE, Victoria Curran has shown the ability and commitment of a much more senior lawyer. Specialising in the niche areas of workplace violence and product liability, she has worked on a number of significant cases, and commands a loyal client base. Taking on pro bono, mentoring and charity work, Victoria works tirelessly to achieve results for clients, colleagues and the local legal community.
Neil Robson - Ward Hadaway
A true expert and accomplished advocate in the field of planning, Neil has acted in law-making cases for both major commercial clients and individuals. He has been rewarded with loyalty, gratitude and the utmost respect from those he represents.
Douglas Silas - Douglas Silas Solicitors
Douglas helps parents of children with special educational needs and provides free information to help people help themselves through his website. Douglas is disabled and has a rare and progressive neurological condition called Cerebellar Ataxia so has overcome personal adversity to practise as a solicitor.
Stephen Sowden - Hartnell Chanot Partners Ltd
Stephen Sowden has devoted much of the past year to helping grandparents gain access to their grandchildren. His unstinting devotion to his work and his non-feudal, problem solving approach to a particularly difficult and emotive area of law has given many grandparents the gift they thought they would never receive - access to their grandchildren.