This award was presented to the new or trainee solicitor with up to five years' post-qualification experience considered by the judges to have made the greatest positive impact on the public perception or reputation of the profession during the year June 2006 to June 2007.
In March 2007 Mr Carey became an international observer with human rights charity Peace Brigades International. As part of this team Mr Carey provided international protective accompaniment to Guatemalan human rights lawyers and other human rights defenders who were at risk of violence. Guatemala was scarred by a brutal thirty-year armed conflict in which an estimated 200,000 people were killed. Daniel, in his work in Guatemala , recognised how important it was to tackle impunity to develop a culture of respect for human rights and strengthening democracy in Guatemala and that Lawyers are key to this process.
Joint winner: Meinir Evans (Merlin Phillips Incorporating KTP - Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan)
Ms Evans practised in the valley town of Pontypridd, in the heart of the Wales valleys. The area she worked is known as one of the poorest areas in South Wales where the elderly make up the biggest percentage of the population. In June 2007, Denzil Lush, The Master of the Court of Protection, awarded Ms Evans the Solicitors for the Elderly Patron and Presidents Award for England & Wales in recognition of her high degree of professionalism in working for the older client. Ms Evans also set up and ran the free legal clinic at the Rhondda Taff Ely Community Cancer Centre and, as a result, developed strong links with Age Concern, and groups concerned with Parkinsons disease, and Heart support Diabeticies to name but a few.
Shortlisted: Andrew Campbell (Withy King Solicitors - Bath)
Mr Campbell launched a 'motorcycle law practice' featuring some of the highest profile cases of their kind in the UK. It was established in recognition of the tireless efforts Mr Campbell made in championing the rights of victims of motorcycle accidents. Since June 2006 Mr Campbell achieved several legal firsts, provided pro bone advice to hundreds of bikers, highlighted the legal rights of bikers at rallies and festivals as well as a weekly column which he secured free of charge in Motorcycle News.