The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, a key highlight of the region’s legal calendar, celebrates top legal talent in Birmingham and its surrounding areas. As the largest local Law Society outside London, these awards are a premier recognition of excellence.
Head Judge Neil Lloyd of FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, joined by Anjum Khan of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Tina Attenborough of Derby and District Law Society, finalized the shortlist for 14 categories ahead of the 2025 awards ceremony.
Neil Lloyd commented:
“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.”
President of the Birmingham Law Society, Richard Port MBE 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!”
The shortlist can be exclusively revealed below:
Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year 2025
- Gurpreet Chaggar, Aston University
- Nathan Lynas, Birmingham City University
- Gemma Prange, Birmingham Newman University
- Samir Iqbal, BPP University (Birmingham)
- Ella Leigh Chambers, The University of Law (Birmingham)
Apprentice of the Year 2025
- Tyla Glover – Bevan Brittan LLP (Birmingham)
- Leanne Sorano – Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (Birmingham)
- Jade Williams – Irwin Mitchell LLP (Birmingham)
- Tom Reeves – Weightmans LLP (Birmingham)
Trainee Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by The University of Law
- Mahnoor Butt, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP (Birmingham)
- Claudia Roberts, Mills & Reeve LLP (Birmingham)
- Alexandra Hill, Trowers & Hamlins LLP (Birmingham)
- Hannah Ling, Weightmans LLP (Birmingham)
- Ryan Gardner, The Wilkes Partnership LLP (Birmingham)
Paralegal of the Year 2025 sponsored by Landmark Information Group
- Reccy Midigo, Burley Law Limited
- Katie Helps, DWF LLP (Birmingham)
- Laurence Canoy, Pinsent Masons LLP (Birmingham)
- Tabitha Butler, Wightmans LLP (Birmingham)
- Wardah Faiz, Weightmans LLP (Birmingham)
Legal PA of the Year 2025 sponsored by the PA Forum
- Nikki Orton, Anthony Collins Solicitors LLP (Birmingham)
- Dorata Mazurowska, Clyde & Co (Birmingham)
- Sue Dale, Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (Birmingham)
- Lisa Roots, TLT Solicitors (Birmingham)
- Claire Hanke (Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP (Birmingham)
Solicitor of the Year 2025 sponsored by Birmingham City University
- Kayleigh Tranter, Clyde & Co (Birmingham)
- Sophie Quinney, Clyde & Co (Birmingham)
- Becca Horley, Shoosmiths LLP (Birmingham)
- Rachel Ford, Trowers & Hamlins LLP (Birmingham)
- Lasya Nair, Weightmans LLP (Birmingham)
Junior Barrister of the Year 2025 (10 years’ call and under)
- Faye Edwards, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Sioned Davies, No5 Barristers’ Chambers
- Jane Talbot, St Ives Chambers Ltd
- Queenie Djan, St Ives Chambers Ltd
- Catherine Ravenscroft, St Philips Chambers (Birmingham)
Barrister of the Year 2025 (over 10 years’ call)
- Sunny Virk, The Barrister Group
- Michelle Heeley KC, No5 Barristers’ Chambers (Birmingham)
- Nicholas Cobill, No5 Barristers’ Chambers (Birmingham)
- Christopher Buckingham, St Philips Chambers (Birmingham)
- Victoria Edmonds, St Philips Chambers (Birmingham)
Partner of the Year 2025 sponsored by JM Glendinning Professional Risks
- Sabina Kauser, Acuity Law (Birmingham)
- Rachael Morris, Clyde & Co (Birmingham)
- Kate Oliver, Harrison Clark Rickerbys Limited
- Benjamin Smith, Roythornes Solicitors (Birmingham)
- Matthew Giles, Squire Patton Boggs (UK) LLP (Birmingham)
In-House Lawyer of the Year 2025
- Bal Atwal Singh – West Midlands Police
- Pardeep Lagha
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award 2025
- Anthony Collins LLP (Birmingham)
- Gateley Legal (Birmingham)
- Higgs LLP
- Mills & Reeve LLP (Birmingham)
- No5 Barristers’ Chambers (Birmingham)
Pro Bono Award 2025
- Birmingham City University Law Clinic
- BPP University Law School: Social Impact Team
- Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (Birmingham)
- Gowling WLG (UK) LLP (Birmingham)
- Trowers & Hamlins LLP (Birmingham)
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (1-49 Employees)
- Chase Morgan Solicitors
- Spencer Shaw Solicitors
- Wildings Solicitors LLP (Birmingham)
Law Firm of the Year 2025 (50+ Employees) sponsored by St Philips Chambers
- DWF LLP (Birmingham)
- Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP (Birmingham)
- Gately Legal (Birmingham)
- Mills & Reeve LLP (Birmingham)
- Roythornes Solicitors (Birmingham)
This year, the Law Firm of the Year categories have been revised based on employee size.
The winner of each category which will then be announced on Thursday 13th February at the glittering awards dinner at the city’s iconic ICC venue.