Solicitor Advocate of the Year 2012

Winner

R Craig Connal QC, Pinsent Masons LLP
A long-standing glass ceiling was smashed by Craig Connal QC in 2011, when he became the first solicitor advocate to lead a civil appeal before the Supreme Court.

Shortlisted

Kenneth Carr, Sternberg Reed Solicitors
Kenneth Carr is an exceptional solicitor advocate, working in serious crime. He combines a distinctive style and immense preparation to produce what was commended to one jury as 'a masterclass in advocacy'.

Simon Natas, Irvine Thanvi Natas Solicitors
Simon Natas is a solicitor advocate with a strong interest in civil liberties, with a number of high profile successes to his name. These include the High Court DPP v Harvey, where he overturned a conviction for swearing at police officers, making headline news.

Sandra Paul, Hodge Jones & Allen LLP
Sandra Paul has been nominated for outstanding advocacy in difficult cases. She had a notable triumph earlier this year in the landmark case of R v Peacock, a sensational and salacious case which involved having to take the jury through obscene video material, and persuade them that human rights considerations outweighed the alleged public need to prosecute.