Aneeka Muneer Sarwar stands as the only northern candidate for the Law Society’s local government seat.
Yorkshire’s legal community has the opportunity for northern representation in the upcoming Law Society Council election for the local government seat. Calderdale-based solicitor Aneeka Muneer Sarwar is among the candidates standing for the position, which is open to solicitors working in local government.
The seat became vacant following the passing of Suki Binjal in October 2024. Voting is open until 12.00 pm (noon) on Tuesday 4 March 2025.
A chance for northern representation on a national stage
Aneeka, currently principal solicitor (litigation) and deputy monitoring officer at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, is also the serving president of Lawyers in Local Government (LLG) for 2024/25.
She is the only candidate from the north, standing against three senior legal professionals from the south: Sharon Lee Bridglalsingh (Milton Keynes Council), Rachel McKoy (Newham Council), and Manjinder Kaur Nagra (Brighton & Hove City Council).
Who is Aneeka Muneer Sarwar?
Who is Aneeka Muneer Sarwar?With over 20 years’ experience in local government legal services, Aneeka has contributed to national policy discussions, including the LLG governance review and consultations on digital transformation in the justice system.
Her legal expertise spans governance, litigation, and complex legal matters at both regional and national levels. She also balances professional and personal commitments as a mother of four, keen hockey player, and open water swimmer.
Notably, while the other three contenders hold head of legal positions, Aneeka continues to manage teams while maintaining an active caseload as an operational lawyer.
“I want to know what’s happening on the ground,” Aneeka explained to the Yorkshire Legal News. “For example, I know that local government legal teams struggle with retention and recruitment. It’s so important to have that grassroots engagement so we can address the underlying issues.”
The unique challenges facing local government lawyers
Aneeka highlighted the distinct pressures faced by local government lawyers, such as at the intersection of legal ethics and employer expectations.
She also highlights where the Law Society can help in fostering collaboration through regional committees: “Sometimes when you go to court, [as a local government legal professional] you feel like you’re out on a limb. Other legal professionals don’t always understand what we do,” she explained. “So, the connections you have with other local authorities in legal services are important to understand shared working practice.”
Aneeka is particularly passionate about ensuring local government lawyers have a voice in shaping the modern court system. Reflecting on previous efforts to roll out a universal document-sharing tool for courts, police, and legal professionals, Aneeka pointed out the disparities in system access across local authorities. “That’s why it’s so important that local government lawyers have that voice in the Law Society,” she said.
With AI, digitalisation, and court reform at the forefront of her platform, she believes the Law Society must actively support local government lawyers in navigating emerging risks.
How eligible members can cast their vote
With Yorkshire’s legal community having the chance to see one of their own represent local government solicitors on the Law Society council, this election is an important one. Voting is open now, and solicitors working in local government are encouraged to cast their votes before the deadline on 4 March 2025.
Members eligible to vote will receive a voting ballot with a unique security code (USC) from the Law Society’s election scrutineer, UK Engage. Votes can then be cast at https://ballot.ukevote.uk/lawsoc/sign_in
Aneeka’s full personal statement is available from the Local Government Lawyer website, here.
Images provided by Aneeka Muneer Sarwar
Josie Geistfeld
Josie Geistfeld is Editor of Yorkshire Legal News. She welcomes comments and questions.