Bristol’s top lawyers, law firms and support teams are preparing to go head-to-head in Bristol Law Society’s annual awards scheme.
The flagship black-tie event, which this year takes place on November 2, acts as a showcase for the excellence of the legal profession in the city.
The 14 awards to be presented on the night recognise individual law students, juniors, lawyers and support team members while the firms that have gone the extra mile in areas such as pro bono, community engagement and diversity, inclusion & wellbeing will also be championed.
The two Law Firm of the Year awards – for up to 20 partners and for over 20 partners – are always hotly contested.
This year Barcan+Kirby face off against The Family Law Practice for the former while Ashfords, Foot Anstey, Freeths and Osborne Clarke will compete for the later.
A President’s Outstanding Achievement Award will also be announced on the night.
This year, the event will raise money for Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (SARSAS).
SARSAS is an integral support service for the region, providing vital and inclusive access to counselling and support for all individuals affected by rape and sexual abuse, as well as training and campaigning for survivors.
The full Bristol Law Society Annual Awards Dinner 2023 shortlist is:
Law Student of the Year: Francesca D’Argenio, University of Law; Mia Clothier, Osborne Clarke; Danielle Cooper, UWE Bristol; Hannah Spode, BPP University, Bristol; Victoria Williams, Weston College
Support Team Member of the Year: Rebecca Barrett, Senior Legal Secretary, Family Team, Barcan+Kirby; Karen Canning, Finance Manager, Bristol Law Centre; Lilly Drakoulakou, Business Development Manager, Enable Law/Foot Anstey; Dawn Goodman, Practice Manager, The Family Law Practice
Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing Champion of the Year: Human Resources Team, Barcan+Kirby; Burges Salmon; Polly McBride, legal director, DAC Beachcroft; Shakespeare Martineau
Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year: Emily Hooper, Paralegal, Simmons & Simmons Mark Wilden, Barrister, 3PB Barrister
Junior Lawyer of the Year: Katy Jordan, Associate, Stowe Family Law; Emma Page, Associate, Thrings Solicitors; Becky Panton, Banking Associate, TLT; Laura Pearce, Solicitor Apprentice, DAC Beachcroft; Mamunul Wahid, Associate, Clarke Willmott
Legal Innovator of the Year: Retail & Consumer Sector Team, Foot Anstey; FutureLaw Team & Competition Team, TLT
Chambers of the Year: Albion Chambers; Guildhall Chambers; St John’s Chambers
Lawyer of the Year: Victoria Day, Court of Protection Executive, Clarke Willmott; Kay Hobbs, Future Energy Partner, TLT; Jackie Linehan, Legal Director, Enable Law; Naomi O’Brien, Head of New Build Conveyancing, Barcan+Kirby
Team of the Year: Bath Law Clinic Financial Services Litigation Team, Clarke Willmott Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence Clerking Team, St John’s Chambers, Planning & Infrastructure Team, Womble Bond Dickinson
Community Engagement Award of the Year: Burges Salmon; Irwin Mitchell; Wards Solicitors; West of England Legal Early Careers Network (WELCN)
Sustainable Business of the Year: Osborne Clarke;Womble Bond Dickinson
Law Firm of the Year (up to 20 partners): Barcan+Kirby; The Family Law Practice
Law Firm of the Year (over 20 partners): Ashfords; Foot Anstey; Freeths; Osborne Clarke
President’s Outstanding Achievement Award: To be announced on the night
