Shortlist revealed for 2025 Law Society Awards

A host of different law firms and individuals have been shortlisted in Birmingham Law Society's Legal Awards 2025.

There are 14 categories on offer this year with multiple nominations for Eversheds Sutherland, Trowers & Hamlins and Weightmans among others (scroll down for the full shortlist).

This year's judging panel is led by Neil Lloyd, managing partner of FBC Manby Bowdler in Wolverhampton, alongside Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Tina Attenborough, President of Derby and District Law Society.

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Mr Lloyd said: "The amount of talent, both firms and individuals, we have in this region has never been in doubt and the applications for this year's awards fully evidence that.

"It's been a delight reading through all the submissions and deciding on a shortlist was extremely difficult.

"Well done to all those that were nominated and good luck on the evening to those shortlisted. The other judges and I look forward to celebrating with you on the night."

Birmingham Law Society president Richard Port added: "It is my honour to congratulate every individual and organisation shortlisted for an award.

"The shortlist serves as a prime example of the talent and expertise thriving in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

"This year's awards reflect our ongoing commitment to recognising the many outstanding voices that contribute to our exceptional legal sector. To those nominated, I extend my heartfelt congratulations as well.

"Simply being nominated is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the incredible work that our legal professionals, academics and organisations do for our community.

"Please keep on doing what you do best. I wish the best of luck to everyone shortlisted."

Now in its 23rd year, interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place in January and the award ceremony takes place at the ICC in Birmingham on February 13.

Student Contribution of the Year

Gurpreet Chaggar, Aston University

Nathan Lynas, Birmingham City University

Gemma Prange, Birmingham Newman University

Samir Iqbal, BPP University

Ella Leigh Chambers, The University of Law

Apprentice of the Year

Tyla Glover, Bevan Brittan

Leanne Sorano, Eversheds Sutherland

Jade Williams, Irwin Mitchell

Tom Reeves, Weightmans

Trainee Solicitor of the Year

Mahnoor Butt, Anthony Collins Solicitors

Claudia Roberts, Mills & Reeve

Alexandra Hill, Trowers & Hamlins

Hannah Ling, Weightmans

Ryan Gardner, The Wilkes Partnership

Paralegal of the Year

Reccy Midigo, Burley Law

Katie Helps, DWF

Laurence Canoy, Pinsent Masons

Tabitha Butler, Weightmans

Wardah Faiz, Weightmans

Legal PA of the Year

Nikki Orton, Anthony Collins Solicitors

Dorata Mazurowska, Clyde & Co

Sue Dale, Eversheds Sutherland

Lisa Roots, TLT Solicitors

Claire Hanke, Veale Wasbrough Vizards

Solicitor of the Year

Kayleigh Tranter, Clyde & Co

Sophie Quinney, Clyde & Co

Becca Horley, Shoosmiths

Rachel Ford, Trowers & Hamlins

Lasya Nair, Weightmans

Junior Barrister of the Year (ten years' call and under)

Faye Edwards, No5 Barristers' Chambers

Sioned Davies, No5 Barristers' Chambers

Jane Talbot, St Ives Chambers

Queenie Djan, St Ives Chambers

Catherine Ravenscroft, St Philips Chambers

Barrister of the Year (over ten years' call)

Sunny Virk, The Barrister Group

Michelle Heeley KC, No5 Barristers' Chambers

Nicholas Cobill, No5 Barristers' Chambers

Christopher Buckingham, St Philips Chambers

Victoria Edmonds, St Philips Chambers

Partner of the Year

Sabina Kauser, Acuity Law

Rachael Morris, Clyde & Co

Kate Oliver, Harrison Clark Rickerbys

Benjamin Smith, Roythornes Solicitors

Matthew Giles, Squire Patton Boggs

In-House Lawyer of the Year

Bal Atwal Singh, West Midlands Police

Pardeep Lagha, Liverpool FC

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award

Anthony Collins

Gateley Legal

Higgs

Mills & Reeve

No5 Barristers' Chambers

Pro Bono Award

Birmingham City University Law Clinic

BPP University Law School: Social Impact Team

Eversheds Sutherland

Gowling WLG

Trowers & Hamlins

Law Firm of the Year (one to 49 employees)

Chase Morgan Solicitors

Spencer Shaw Solicitors

Wildings Solicitors

Law Firm of the Year 2025 (50+ employees)

DWF

Eversheds Sutherland

Gateley Legal

Mills & Reeve