Celebrating the best of Leicestershire law.
The county's diverse and vibrant legal scene celebrated local industry talent at the Leicestershire Law Society Awards 2024 at Athena on Friday, May 17.
The active legal community is recognised each year by the Leicestershire Law Society, commending talent, dedication, and innovation in the field.
Eleven awards were received by law firms large and small, chambers and key influential staff members and leaders.
Two of the awards were not open to nomination: the Long Service Award was awarded to Steve Morris who was nominated for consideration to the LLS Executive Board which agreed his 48-years’ service deserved recognition; and the President’s Award – this year chosen by current President Bhumika Parmar, founder and director of BP Legal – was taken home by LLS committee member and past president Christl Hughes MBE for her dedication to the advancement of the legal community.
Bhumika said: "The night was a resounding success. It was an absolute joy to celebrate with the winners and I am overwhelmed by the talent and dedication displayed by everyone. It was a fantastic evening of networking and connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for law."
Organised and hosted annually by the President of the year, Bhumika has used her position to promote the work of Leicestershire-based legal professionals by building connections with local businesses.
She organised the ceremony in collaboration with headline sponsor ReviewSolicitors – a platform that allows transparency in the legal sector and accountability among the industry’s professionals.
"One of my main aims during my post was to build relationships with local businesses and that’s because small businesses have this amazing ability to empower others," Bhumika commented.
"With them on board, our finalists, judges and guests have benefitted from new networks, industry visibility, community engagement, cross-referrals and access to resources and expertise.
"Together, these businesses have made this year’s awards ceremony truly a celebration of excellence in the legal profession in Leicestershire.”
Other companies who sponsored the event were University of Leicester, KCH Garden Square, OWNZ Group, De Montfort University, Holistic Family Mediation & Coaching, Trident, The One Clinic, Kazzoo IT Solutions, and Bev Sankey Healthy Living Coach.
Nominations across the nine categories were investigated and diligently whittled down by this year’s panel of distinguished judges.
The eight Judges for 2024 were Gavin Dilkes of Synergy Personnel Services; Dr Glynis Wright MBE of The Alternative Divorce Company; District Judge Dewinder Birk; Linda Lee of Weightmans; Alan East of De Montfort Law School; District Judge Nahied Asjad; Mehmooda Duke MBE of Moosa Duke; and Steven Evans of University of Leicester.
Michael Hanney, CEO at headline sponsor ReviewSolicitors, said: “As the CEO of ReviewSolicitors, I firmly advocate for transparency and accountability within the legal sector. It is with great pride that we are the headline sponsor of the Leicestershire Law Society Awards for the second year in a row.
"These prestigious awards are vital in acknowledging the outstanding dedication and skill present in Leicestershire’s legal community. Client reviews play a pivotal role in this process, offering invaluable insights into the daily efforts solicitors make on behalf of their clients.
"These awards not only enhance the stature of the profession but also motivate our solicitors to achieve and maintain the highest standards of excellence, guided by the feedback and experiences of those they serve.”
And the winners are…
Small Law Firm of the Year
Sponsored by KCH Garden Square
Thaliwal & Veja Solicitors
Trainee / Paralegal of the Year
Sponsored by De Montfort University
Zainab Girach (Crystal Law Solicitors)
Chambers of the Year
Sponsored by Kazzoo IT Solutions
The 36 Group
Large Law Firm of the Year
Sponsored by OWNZ Group
Josiah Hincks Solicitors
Junior Solicitor of the Year
Sponsored by Holistic Family Mediation and Coaching
Naomi Bond (Nelsons)
Support Staff of the Year
Sponsored by Bev Sankey Healthy Living Coach
Mandy Bradbury (Hollingsworths)
Solicitor of the Year
Sponsored by Trident
Asema Natha (Weightmans)
Legal Executive of the Year
Sponsored by University of Leicester
Sue Roberts (Affinity Law)
Barrister of the Year
Sponsored by The One Clinic
Miss Alexandra Scott (2 New Street Chambers)
The President’s Award
Christl Hughes MBE
The Long Service Award
Steve Morris (Dodds Solicitors)
