Yorkshire’s finest lawyers were lauded for their work over the past year at the 2015 Yorkshire Legal Awards, organised by Barker Brooks Communications.
Karen James was named as the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year for 2015 and Robert Smith QC, was recognised for his lifetime’s work with the Presidents’ Award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, which took place on 22 October at New Dock Hall in Leeds.
James a partner and head of residential conveyancing at Ramsdens Solicitors, was described by the chair of the judging panel, Marilyn Stowe from Stowe Family Law, as a solicitor who was “storming ahead” of her competition, making her a “very deserving winner”.
Robert Smith QC, from New Park Court Chambers, was praised as a “specialist criminal practitioner, a consummate and skilful cross-examiner” and “an excellent role model”.
Other big winners on the night were Chadwick Lawrence, who scooped a double victory in the Residential Property and the Employment Law Award.
Almost 500 guests were present at New Dock Hall in Leeds to see the winners pick up their awards, which were presented by Steph McGovern, the BBC breakfast news presenter.
Marilyn Stowe said that she was thrilled to be a part of the judging process and that she and her fellow judges were impressed by the level of nominations that they had assessed.
Stowe was joined by an eminent panel of judges including Alistair MacDonald QC – New Park Court Chambers; Rachel Baldwin – President of the Sheffield Law Society; Jill Dickinson – Sheffield Hallam University; Peter Wright – DigitalLawUK; David Wright – MKB Solicitors; Colin Gilbert – President of the Leeds Law Society; Judge Geoffrey Kamil; and Jasmine Cawkwell – Chair of the Leeds Junior Lawyer Division.
The guests also raised £1,730.30 for the Awards’ nominated charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Launched in 2000 by Barker Brooks Communications to recognise the outstanding talent across the region, the Yorkshire Legal Awards ceremony is a key date in the legal calendar. The glamorous black tie affair offers professionals the chance to come together for a memorable evening of celebration.
To view all the winners on the night please click here.
