Former Law Society of England and Wales president Lubna Shuja collected the Outstanding Achievement award for her record-setting achievements in the legal profession, including being the first Asian and first Muslim to lead the society since it was established in 1825. She was also only the seventh woman president in the society’s history when she led it between 2022 and 2023. As a working class, state-school educated lawyer, she understands the importance of social mobility and the challenges candidates from non-traditional backgrounds typically face when trying to pursue a career in the law. That meant diversity and inclusion was central to her work as Law Society president, having sought to increase women representation in senior leadership positions, particularly those from Asian, Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds. She also used her time as president to reduce inequalities and issues faced by solicitors with disabilities and those with caring responsibilities, while also seeking to improve access to justice more broadly having been instrumental in holding the government to account over its lack of engagement with its own independent report into criminal legal aid.

Shortlist: Afsheen Nasr, Ronald Fletcher Baker; Caroline Green, Browne Jacobson; Charlotte Proudman, Proudmans; Christina Warner, 33 Bedford Row; Fallon Alexis, QEB Hollis Whiteman; Hilary Meredith-Beckham, Hilary Meredith Solicitors; Jo Farmer, Lewis Silkin; Kate Aubrey-Johnson, Garden Court Chambers; Rós Ní Dhubháin, Freshfields; Shareen Gault, Insights Learning and Development; Sultana Tafadar, No5 Barristers’ Chambers (Highly Commended)

Children Not Numbers’ co-founder Somaya Ouazzani won the Woman of the Year award in recognition of her efforts to champion diversity and inclusion, and her work at Children Not Numbers helping children in Gaza with life-saving medial support, education and international advocacy. As co-founder of the organisation she provides strategic leadership on operations and programme delivery while ensuring accountability, compliance and impact across the its goals to improve the health, safety, education and rehabilitation of children in Gaza. Somaya’s work is underpinned by a commitment to equality and ethical standards in all aspects of Children Not Numbers’ activities, be it enabling women in law, healthcare or humanitarian aid, or making sure every child in Gaza has access to health, safety and opportunity. A judge commented: “Somaya’s work in founding and building Children Not Numbers into an organisation representing children’s rights in Gaza, operating at response and societal change-management levels is deeply humbling – a worthy winner.”

Shortlist: Anna Worwood, Penningtons Manches Cooper; Claire Keast-Butler, Cooley; Claire Kelly, Oracle Solicitors; Dóra Petrányi, CMS; Kelly Thomson, RPC; Kizzy Augustin, Mishcon de Reya; Paula Jefferson, Clyde & Co; Reena Parmar, Freshfields; Sally Dallow, Womble Bond Dickinson

Kathleen Harris took home the Law Firm Leader of the Year – International Law Firm award for her work co-chairing Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer’s diversity and inclusion committee and her industry-wide efforts to advocate for inclusivity in the legal profession. For example, she has improved pathways into the firm by creating business internship roles for a diverse range of university students, and helped transform how the firm’s leadership identifies and supports its future legal talent pipeline so opportunity is accessible to all. This included strengthening the firm’s partnership with social mobility charity upReach by embedding the REAL (Relative Education Attainment Level) Rating into its recruitment process, which ensures socio-economic background is factored into a candidate’s potential. She has also championed a partnership with the Bright Network, which supports more than 850,000 diverse students and graduates to boost underrepresented talent in the profession. “Excellent demonstration of paving the way for the future generations from a DEI perspective,” a judge said.

Shortlist: Afsheen Nasr, Ronald Fletcher Baker; Julie McConnell, Brodies, Kim Lehal, RWK Goodman; Lindsey Kidd, HM3 Legal; Natalie Darko, Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors; Pauline Wild, Forbes Solicitors (Highly Commended); Sharon Needle, Needle Partners; Victoria Wright, White & Black

The Wilkes Partnership’s managing partner Eleanor Holland won the Law Firm Leader of the Year – National/Regional Law Firm award in recognition for her work to modernise the firm’s operations and reshape its culture (all while strengthening financial performance). Those modernisation efforts have included upgrading the firm’s digital infrastructure and advancing diversity, inclusion and social mobility. She launched the firm’s first DEI committee and strategy and created a formal DEI governance process across appraisals, recruitment, career progression, accessibility and community impact. Those initiatives are already delivering results: 43% of the firm’s partners are now women, while trainee recruitment has opened up to candidates with diverse backgrounds through community outreach and education programmes. The firm’s new Pathways programme is also designed to support internal career progression, helping five female associates make partner in 2025. Other leadership initiatives have included expanding the firm’s mental health first aid provision and introducing a firm-wide bonus so all employees can share in the firm’s success. “Highly regarded by colleagues and clients,” a judge noted.

Shortlist: Clare Murray, CM Murray; Emma Cleveland, Cleveland & Co (Highly Commended); Hannah Needle, Tapestry Compliance; Joanna Grant, Fenchurch Law; Kathryn Paterson, 3 Verulam Buildings; Mihaela Padure, Forest & Co; Sarah Dodd, Tree Law; Silvia Van den Bruel, Hausfeld; Yuhua Yang, Thornhill Legal

Hilary Meredith-Beckham scooped the Law Firm Leader of the Year – Boutique Law Firm award for her diversity and inclusion work and her advocacy for armed services personnel and their families. Throughout her career, she has acted in a number of precedent-setting cases and successfully campaigned for changes in the law, all while managing life as a single mother. In 2025, she won a nine-year legal battle by securing a settlement on behalf of more than 400 UK armed forces personnel who suffered physical and psychological side effects after being prescribed the anti-malaria drug Lariam. She also provides pro bono support to the armed forces community as founder and chair of the Royal British Legion Solicitors Panel and helping service personnel access rehabilitation. Last year, Hilary commissioned a research project ‘Life After Service’ to help improve the lives of veterans in the UK. A judge said: “Hilary’s work for members and families of the armed services, including that delivered pro bono, changes lives.”

Shortlist: Helen Kennedy-Shamir, Checkatrade; Mary Bowie, Verisk; Shareen Gault, Insights Learning and Development

CM Murray legal chief Beth Hale won the General Counsel of the Year award for her mentoring work and efforts to promote inclusion in the legal industry. As the firm’s GC, she has driven internal policy development around culture and respect to ensure accountability, including renewing the firm’s policy on sexual harassment and bullying prevention and implementing annual training. She has also led initiatives to create a more supportive workplace, such as developing a wellbeing policy and improving family-friendly policies (including equal and extended paid family leave and baby loss and bereavement provision). Beth balances her role as GC with a client practice, pro bono work, family commitments and external leadership activities. In addition to her work at CM Murray, Beth chairs the pastoral care committee at the Employment Lawyers Association where she has also helped develop the association’s anti-sexual harassment policy. A judge noted: “A living example to us all – great lawyer and great in her GC role.”

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Shortlist: Danae Shell, Valla; Emily Gill, LEVRA; Georgina Sundown, ABC Chambers Solutions; Kate Burt, HiveRisk; Kelly White, Number Fifteen Legal; Melissa Davis, MD Communications; Sharon Thomas, Global Counsel Forum

Family law specialist Amanda Bell picked up the Business Leader of the Year award in recognition of her work co-founding SeparateSpace – a legaltech company helping families amicably navigate divorce – and being an active voice in the female founder community. Amanda believes access to justice is a DEI issue and her goal as CEO at SeparateSpace is to provide accessible, child-centric family justice given that traditional legal advice remains unaffordable for many people, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and women. Inclusion is built into SeparateSpace’s offering by providing a low-cost digital service that ensures advice is in plain English, reducing barriers for people with varying confidence and financial means. She also works to improve diversity in the legal profession through mentoring programmes such as African & Caribbean Diversity and leading the gender equity group at a local school. A judge commented: “Forward-thinking leader with the legal credentials to back the innovation.”

Shortlist: Beth Petch, Trowers & Hamlins; Kamaljeet Kaur, The Parenting Apart Programme; Kate Dempsey, Farrer & Co; Lily Kalati, Ropes & Gray; Lolade Sowunmi, The Stephen James Partnership; Luisa Asta, Astraea Group; Martine Eneas, University of Portsmouth; Misha Salehuddin, University of Leeds; Natasha Hedges, Quastels; Sarah Woodward; Higgs; Vanessa Pritchard, Hogan Lovells

Psychiatric-nurse-turned-legal-adviser Vicki Brown won the Unsung Hero award for her diversity and inclusion work as a teaching fellow at the University of Portsmouth’s Legal Advice Clinic. Her mission is to provide an accessible and supportive environment for students and clients of all backgrounds, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard and respected. As a teaching fellow, Vicki strives to promote equity and encourage students to consider the social impact of law, combining practical legal skills with qualities such as empathy and fairness. She has worked with a group of refugee learners in Portsmouth, providing tailored legal support and public legal education lessons, ensuring marginalised communities get the assistance they need. She also launched CLE Connect, a law fair designed to help students network and connect with non-profit organisations and community partners, with her work strengthening the clinic’s reputation for innovation and impact. “The extension of her work outside of legal education to benefit the community is impressive,” a judge enthused.

Shortlist: Charlotte Rice, Davis Polk; Francesca Ainsworth, Lewis Silkin; Helen Armstrong, RPC; Khatija Hafesji, Monckton Chambers; Kimberly Roberts, BCLP; Dr Laura Lintott FCIArb, Visiting Fellow at King’s College London; Laura Todd, Utility Warehouse; Lorna Parkin, Tapestry Compliance; Rachel Chan, 42BR Barristers (Highly Commended); Sascha Grimm, Cooley; Tamsin Morris, Mills & Reeve

Utility Warehouse head of legal Laura Todd was named Returner of the Year in recognition of her achievements since coming back to work following the birth of her third child. These included negotiating the company’s new energy platform contract while also guiding the business through a challenging collective consultation redundancy process. She is a passionate advocate for social mobility, having been the first generation in her family to attend university despite growing up in one of Birmingham’s most socially deprived areas. As a diversity and inclusion champion, she seeks to break down barriers and create opportunities for those from non-traditional backgrounds, drawing on her own personal experiences to help others. That includes her work with programmes like Mothers in Law to provide mentoring and support for pregnant in-house lawyers, including managing their maternity leave planning and return strategies. A judge said: “Her contribution through mentoring and practical advice for other women demonstrates her commitment to the profession.”

Shortlist: Audrey Cherryl Morgan, Garden Court Chambers (Highly Commended); Charlotte Proudman, Proudmans; Emma Sutton KC, Serjeants’ Inn Chambers; Emma Price, 5 Essex Chambers; Jennifer MacLeod and Jagoda Klimowicz, Brick Court Chambers; Kira King, South Square Chambers; Natalie Darko, Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors; Rachel Chan, 42BR Barristers; Sultana Tafadar KC, No5 Barristers’ Chambers; Turan Hursuit, Old Square Chambers

One Essex Court’s joint head of chambers Sonia Tolaney KC was crowned Advocate of the Year in recognition of her successes juggling her leadership role and family responsibilities (as a mother of two young children) with a portfolio of high-value disputes work. Her leadership at One Essex Court (as the first woman and ethnic minority to be elected joint head of chambers) has included putting in place a new remit for its women’s committee to help women thrive at all stages of their careers, while also seeking to boost female representation in the profession and improve racial diversity through a targeted increase in Black pupillage applications. Her high-profile disputes work also included assisting Mastercard with a settlement in the landmark Merricks v Mastercard class action, persuading the Competition Appeal Tribunal to uphold the settlement following a challenge from the litigation funder in the case. “An inspirational role model,” a judge praised.

Shortlist: Ash Tiwari, Baker McKenzie; Courtney Thorne, Cooley; Elena Rey, Brown Rudnick; Jessamy Gallagher, Freshfields; Sharon Needle, Needle Partners

Linklaters’ corporate partner Mei Lian won the Dealmaker of the Year award for both her diversity commitments and her transactional prowess over the past year. She provides mentoring for female associates and arranges other activities to support women, such as female-friendly networking events. She also strives to support social mobility in the profession by working with disadvantaged children to promote law as a viable career choice. 

Shortlist: Charlotte Hill, Penningtons Manches Cooper; Chhavie Kapoor, Mishcon de Reya; Daniella Mandel, Baker McKenzie; Davina Given, RPC; Emma Ager, Clyde & Co; Juliet Schalker, Debenhams Ottaway; Louisa Robbins, Clyde & Co (Highly Commended); Michelle Sloane, RPC; Rosehana Amin, Clyde & Co; Victoria Pigott, Mishcon de Reya

Tughans’ head of planning and environmental law Maria O’Loan took home the Disputes Lawyer of the Year award in recognition of her litigation and advisory work, as well as being a diversity and inclusion champion. At Tughans she leads an all-female team and as chair of the firm’s ESG committee, she has embedded inclusion and equality into the firm’s strategy, culture and decision making. She is also a founding committee member of Women in Planning Northern Ireland, through which she provides free and accessible professional development sessions to support women, public-sector planners and those returning to work. Standout disputes work includes the No Gas Caverns case to oppose the creation of underground gas storage caverns at Larne Lough, resulting in a precedent-setting ruling that means ministers can’t unilaterally take environmental decisions that are inconsistent with Northern Ireland’s climate obligations. A judge said: “Good evidence of internal D&I support and advancement.”

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Shortlist: Elizabeth Duncan Lee, NCC Group; Joanne McIntosh, Pinsent Masons; Sarah Fellows, Stobbs IP; Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake, Charles Russell Speechlys; Shu Shu Wong, Haynes and Boone; Yuhua Yang, Thonhill Legal (Highly Commended)

Cooley’s London cyber, data and privacy practice leader Guadalupe Sampedro collected the Commercial Lawyer of the Year award for her data-related work and recognition of her many years of diversity and inclusion advocacy. Some of those advocacy efforts have included co-launching the ‘In Private’ forum for senior women privacy experts to network and engage in discussions, as well as mentoring associates and paralegals in Cooley’s London office and actively participating on DEI-related events. Her data work has involved contract drafting for high-profile global clients, ensuring agreements are compliant with the fast-changing data regulation backdrop such as the Digital Operational Resilience Act and other data privacy obligations. Claire Keast-Butler, co-partner in charge of Cooley’s London office said under Guadalupe’s leadership, the cyber, data and privacy practice has become a go-to in the capital, advising hundreds of clients on data matters. A judge: An outstanding commercial lawyer with credible and sustained D&I leadership.”

Shortlist: Elizabeth Duncan Lee, NCC Group; Joan Scott, Nissan Motor UK; Laura Todd, Utility Warehouse; Mary Bowie, Verisk; Melissa Rose, University of Plymouth; Nicola Eames, NCC Group

Children Not Numbers lawyer Kate Takes was named In-house Counsel of the Year in recognition of her commitment to social justice and diversity and inclusion, and her guiding belief that every child should be afforded fundamental rights including medical care, education and family life. Having first volunteered at Children Not Numbers for more than a year, she formally became the organisation’s legal manager in September last year. To support its advocacy efforts for children in Gaza, Kate helped draft and contribute to several reports, including a submission to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child where she highlighted the dearth of medical treatment available in Gaza and the challenges in securing medical evacuation. She also presented Children Not Numbers’ education programme during the UN Human Rights Council Social Forum. “Kate’s human rights work for Children Not Numbers, right at the most harrowing end of legal services provision, is humbling and makes her a worthy winner,” a judge commended.

Shortlist: Emily Smith, Norton Rose Fulbright; Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake, Charles Russell Speechlys; Ugo Ebhogiaye, Trowers & Hamlins BCLP associate

Olivia Wint won the Rising Star – International Law Firm award in recognition of her dedication to forge a career in the law despite the social hurdles she faced. As a recipient of the Law Society’s Diversity Access Scheme scholarship, she has first-hand experience of how diversity initiatives can offer a pathway for those from non-traditional backgrounds (in Olivia’s case, a first-generation university graduate from a single-parent household). She is now giving back by volunteering to help review and shortlist the scheme’s applications, as well as volunteering for mentoring schemes and speaking on panels to inspire others. As a data privacy lawyer, her expertise was honed from her operational data protection roles before qualifying as a solicitor, valuable industry experience that has made her a pragmatic and commercially-minded lawyer. “This is exactly what we are looking for – someone who has defeated all the odds to qualify and made exceptional professional advancement in a short period of time,” a judge praised.

Shortlist: Alexandra Hastings-Smith, The Wilkes Partnership; Anna Ziarkowska, Lege Expertia; Charlotte Keys, The Wilkes Partnership (Highly Commended); Emma Richardson, Eversheds Sutherland; Rebecca De Stefano, Slater Heelis Solicitors

Hay & Kilner associate Georgia Whitfield picked up the Rising Star – National/Regional Law Firm award for her efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the legal sector. As well as taking an active role in shaping inclusion policies at her firm, Georgia also engages with local community groups and professional networks to support LGBTQ+ professionals and allies, including co-authoring a Law Society Gazette article on the practical steps firms with limited resources need to take for Pride inclusion. She authored and implemented Hay & Kilner’s diversity strategy and has led initiatives such as gender-neutral drafting guidance and neurodiversity training, while also playing a key role in the firm’s involvement in the national Pride in Practice event. As the only North East-based member of the Law Society’s LGBTQ+ committee, she is working to ensure smaller firms and regional interests are not overlooked in broader diversity initiatives. A judge commented: “Inspiring career story and despite any adversity, continues to pay it forward with EDI in the legal sector.”

Shortlist: Demica Kaur Nettleford, Hausfeld; Dr Khrystyna Khanas, Astraea Group; Jessica Pinches, Black Antelope Law; Natasha Janagol, Montrose Solicitors; Rebecca de Winter, Culver Law; Rachael Parker, CM Murray

Proudmans’ solicitor Manveet Chhina took home the Rising Star – Boutique Law Firm award in recognition of how she overcame adversity and channelled her lived experience to champion diversity in the profession. Having grown up in an abusive household, escaped an abusive relationship and fought the system to regain custody of her first child, she recognised that vulnerable people need support not judgement, ditching her plans to be a hairdresser and studying to become a lawyer instead. Manveet’s goal is to improve access to justice for marginalised groups. She helps vulnerable clients through trauma-informed representation, enabling them to participate in litigation safely, while also providing legal support beyond any funding constraints. She has a clear focus on child and victim safety and protecting families from domestic abuse. An awards judge said: “Manveet has turned her personal experience to the benefit of her legal practice.”

Shortlist: Ella Thorpe, University of Plymouth; Hannah Leslie, Insights Learning and Development; Sherena Masharani, Centrica

Government Legal Department (GLD) pupil barrister Karen Safo Barnieh Olutogun won the Rising Star – In-house Lawyer award for her drive and commitment to build a legal career despite the disadvantages she faced. Growing up in social housing, Karen self-funded Bar school before landing a job as a commercial contracts specialist with the City of London Police. In addition to her legal work, she founded Youth Development Ghana at just 15 to campaign on unfair trade and child labour, while she also co-founded cycling community Black Women on Wheels and sits on the Sport England ‘This Girl Can’ advisory panel. In her new role at GLD, she strives to bring a social justice and equality lens to contracts and policy, while during her time at the City of London Police she led a high-risk contract dispute that resulted in £800K in financial redress, £225K in recovered service credits and the prevention of £250K in unnecessary expenditure. A judge said: “Very impressive DEI influence and impact.”

Shortlist: Paige Jones, 5 Essex Chambers (Highly Commended); Creanna Dodson, Church Court Chambers; Charlotte McDonald, 42BR Barristers; Sophie Stevens, 9BR Chambers; Srishti Suresh, Coram Chambers (Highly Commended)

Nexus Chambers criminal barrister Ife Thompson collected the Rising Star – Barrister award for her work to advance diversity and inclusion through her legal practice, community leadership and public education. Before being called to the Bar, she founded Black British cultural education and wellness group BLAM UK and a legal observing organisation. Her practice specialises in youth justice, language-based injustice and racially aggravated matters, pioneering the use of racial trauma and Black language experts to challenge discriminatory views in the criminal justice system. One standout case involved Ife defending a 22-year-old Black university graduate for tweeting a racial term to another Black user, highlighting concerns about the criminalisation of Black languages. Ife successfully argued that the CPS had failed to consider the defendant’s Article 10 rights or the cultural and linguistic context of Black British English, raising concerns under the Equality Act 2010. “Already shaping legal discourse and professional practice well beyond career stage, positioning her as a clear future leader of the Bar,” a judge praised.

Shortlist: 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square; Addleshaw Goddard; Cleveland & Co; Forbes Solicitors; Haynes and Boone; In-House Legal Solutions (Highly Commended); Quastels; Womble Bond Dickinson.

London-headquartered Duncan Lewis Solicitors was named Law Firm of the Year for its efforts to embed diversity, inclusion and social responsibility into its culture and ensure its DEI strategy is central to decision making and long-term planning. Those efforts revolve around three key pillars: representation and leadership diversity, inclusive workplace culture, and social mobility and access to law. The firm’s workforce is 81% female, with 51% of employees also from ethnic minority backgrounds, while at a leadership level, 74% of directors are women and 59% are from ethnic minority backgrounds. It has expanded its disability inclusion, supporting 130 staff with ‘reasonable adjustments’ and 80 with flexible or hybrid work arrangements. It has introduced 21 DEI-related policies including menopause, pregnancy loss and neurodiversity support. And it has also provided opportunities to 102 candidates via the government’s former KickStart Scheme, with 32 joining the firm permanently. A judge commented: “A category-defining firm showing how inclusive practice can be sustained at scale while advancing access to justice.”

Shortlist: Mosaic Insurance

NCC Group’s in-house team won the Legal Department of the Year award in recognition of its diversity and inclusion strategy that was built into the formation of the department when it was established just 18 months ago. The department’s DEI strategy is underpinned by equitable access, inclusive design and diverse representation, with a multicultural, female-led and disability-inclusive team of 14 professionals. Another key element of the strategy is ethical and inclusive technology use. Assistant general counsel Nicola Eames has helped implement AI-enabled tools that can support colleagues with different levels of technical or legal experience. Nicola has also helped build an inclusive recruitment process, while also pushing for equality and inclusion among NCC Group’s suppliers, with a focus on contracting pathways that better support small and mid-size enterprises or organisations with limited legal resources. “Best in the category with a large and diverse team with DEI at the centre of recruitment,” a judge said.

Shortlist: Girls Human Rights Hub (Highly Commended); IFALE - International Aspiring Leaders; International [Future] Barrister Mentorship; LawCare; Neurodiversity in Law; Superwomen of Colour; The BAME Woman in Law; The CILEX Foundation; The Legal Neurodiversity Network; Urban Lawyers

Family justice advocacy group Right to Equality collected the Not-for-Profit Organisation or Representation Body of the Year award for its efforts to prevent harmful family court practices that endanger survivors, while also seeking to influence law, policy and judicial practice. Right to Equality supports mother and child survivors of abuse who are retraumatised, silenced or disbelieved in private law proceedings, helping prevent wrongful child removal and ensuring family court professionals understand abuse dynamics. The organisation is working to ensure the family court system prioritises child safety, successfully leading to the repeal of the presumption of contact doctrine that otherwise could place children at risk from abusive parents. Right to Equality’s efforts helped with the creation of a cross-party working group, preparing amendments to repeal the presumption such as addressing issues around parental responsibility and the role of unregulated experts. A judge commented: “A successful collaborative campaign which has changed judicial processes and legislation to protect children and adult victims of abusive parents.”

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Shortlist: HiveRisk; MD Communications; Mosaic Insurance; The Stephen James Partnership

Female-founded legaltech company SeparateSpace won the Supplier of the Year award for creating a platform that provides easy-to-digest divorce guidance and improves access to justice. The platform acts as an AI-powered online companion that guides people through separation and divorce, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional legal advice at a time when legal aid cuts means many vulnerable people can’t achieve fair outcomes during divorce proceedings. The guide includes plain-language insight, practical checklists, document templates, webinars and links to mediation and child-focused professional support. Since launching in 2024, SeparateSpace has helped more than 17,000 people online, with more than 6,000 people downloading free resources from the site. The aim is to reduce stress and costs when navigating divorce, ensuring any budget for in-person legal advice is spent well. “Impactful work in this space, with real evidence of business growth that supports their clients,” a judge praised.

Shortlist: Ann-Maree Blake, Quastels; Elizabeth Lukama, Future Trainee Associate Freshfields; Ellie Hecht, InnLegal; Helen Ripley, Rosenblatt Law; Maria O’Loan, Tughans; Mellissa Akinya, Government Legal Department and Black Lawyers Circle; Reena Parmar, Freshfields (Highly Commended); Shaanil Senarath-Dassanayake, Charles Russell Speechlys; Venetia Chatzimichali, Blythe Liggins; Yinsey Wang, Fidelity International

Enyo Law’s Lucinda Orr picked up the Mentor of the Year prize for her dedication to mentoring and helping colleagues and other aspiring lawyers to reach their full potential. As well as supporting trainees at her firm, she is also responsible for paralegal recruitment and progression at Enyo. She also mentors sixth form students and others through the Sutton Trust and the Social Mobility Foundation, while through her Inn she mentors scholarship applicants and pupillage candidates. Lucinda’s philosophy is to help underrepresented talent gain access to Oxbridge places and careers in the law, but she also supports her mentees at any stage of their journeys – all in her free time. One of Lucinda’s standout mentorship experiences is through the Social Mobility Foundation where she is currently helping a mentee who comes from a deprived area of Wembley and suffers from dyslexia and ADHD. Lucinda helped her secure a place at Cambridge and is now helping her with a law conversion course. “A terrific outcome… shows the wider pay it forward impact she has had,” a judge commented.

Shortlist: Anthony Metzer KC, Goldsmith Chambers; Christina Warner, 33 Bedford Row; Karen Kabweru-Namulemu, 1GC Family Law; Kate Aubrey-Johnson, Garden Court Chambers (Highly Commended); Nia Marshall, Exchange Chambers; Ruth Reid, 3TG Barristers; Turan Hursit, Old Square Chambers

Garden Court Chambers’ family law barrister Amanda Meusz was named Mentor of the Year – Barrister for the work she does mentoring care-experienced aspiring lawyers through mentoring charity Lawyers Who Care (LWC). She also provides training for other mentors in trauma awareness and to professionals across the family justice system to promote trauma-informed legal representation. Amanda believes that the family justice system would be greatly enhanced by the lived experience of care-experienced lawyers, who may not consider a career in the legal profession because of structural inequalities and prejudice. Her mentorship approach is based on listening and being authentic and open-hearted, while also understanding that care-experienced mentees may face many triggers when practising law and therefore empowering them to take reasonable adaptations to avoid triggering any trauma responses. A judge said: “Excellent, high quality motivated work in an area often neglected.”

Shortlist: Emily Helliwell, Culver Law; Fiona Fleming, Farrer & Co (Highly Commended); Lindsay Jack, Law Society of Scotland; Lolade Sowunmi, The Stephen James Partnership

Addleshaw Goddard’s inclusion manager Carolene Ayaka won the Diversity Champion of the Year – Specialist Role award for her work managing the firm’s DEI strategy and promoting gender and ethnic diversity. One initiative she launched and developed is the firm’s global Parental Pod Programme which supports parents before, during and after parental leave and takes into consideration needs such as LGBTQ+ families and neurodivergent children. She helped promote a reverse mentoring programme that paired senior leaders with junior colleagues from diverse backgrounds, and she also led initiatives to attract and nurture Black talent, including engaging with UK Black Business Week, IAMBLACK and the Black Counsel Forum. These efforts have helped improve the firm’s gender and ethnic diversity and cultivated a culture of inclusion and respect, while enhancing career prospects for colleagues from diverse backgrounds. “Impressive range of initiatives and evidence of their impact,” a judge enthused.

Shortlist: Farrer & Co (Highly Commended); Norton Rose Fulbright; Mishcon de Reya; Penningtons Manches Cooper; Boyes Turner; Haynes and Boone

Addleshaw Goddard took home the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative or Programme of the Year – Community Focused award in recognition of its flagship work experience scheme that is designed to boost social mobility at the firm. The Legal Explorer Programme is open to Year 12 and Fifth Year students across England, Scotland and Ireland and runs for 10 months from October to August. The programme offers monthly skills workshops, mentor meetings and a week of hands-on paid work experience, with participants receiving a laptop, travel expenses and other networking benefits. The initiative is managed by the firm’s diversity team, with the 2024 cohort all coming from state-school backgrounds, 70% of whom were female, 50% ethnically diverse and 44% first-generation university students. “The profile of the students is diverse and will make a difference to intake,” a judge noted.

Shortlist: HGF (Highly Commended); Forbes Solicitors; BCLP; Norton Rose Fulbright; Fragomen; QEB Hollis Whiteman; Gibson Dunn & Crutcher

Nottingham-headquartered Freeths won the Diversity and Inclusion Initiative or Programme of the Year – Firm Focused award in recognition of its efforts to bolster workplace inclusivity. The firm’s diversity networks REACH and Rise hosted four listening sessions – two on racial and religious marginalisation and two on allyship. This gave colleagues the opportunity to speak openly about their fears of marginalisation and the wider impact of rising societal tensions on psychological safety and belonging. Learnings from these sessions will be embedded into the firm’s DEI and wellbeing strategies, helping promote a culture of inclusion, trust and empowerment. Those learnings included providing trauma-informed training for managers, structured allyship programmes and inclusive leadership refreshers. The project was also supported by the firm’s diversity team, its wellbeing manager and senior leadership, with 90% of participants rating the sessions as excellent or very good. “Excellent innovative initiative which addresses many of topical concerns currently impacting on those from minority ethnic backgrounds due to the extreme right wing views expressed by politicians, the media and other commentators,” a judge lauded.

Shortlist: Amanda Wright, Haynes and Boone; Emilia Tambwe, Baker McKenzie; James Smither, Freshfields (Highly Commended); Kathryn Britten, AlixPartners

Neurodiversity in Law chair Emily Mae Christie was named Diversity Champion of the Year – Legal Services Professional for her work supporting and promoting inclusion for neurodivergent people across the legal profession. Having been diagnosed with ADHD, she joined the board of Neurodiversity in Law shortly after, helping save the organisation from collapse in 2023, strengthening governance and securing charity status in 2024. Some of her efforts to champion neurodiversity inclusion have included supporting Briefed’s ‘Neurodiversity at the Bar’ training and creating an online campaign sharing the experiences of neurodiversity legal professionals. All of that has helped build the charity’s reputation and give it the credibility to influence regulatory change. A judge said: “Significant effort over and above the day job to shape policy, legal education and support for the legal profession. Stand out winner.”

Shortlist: Róisín Ryan, Siemens; Roshni Thakrar, Inclusiviteam; Yinsey Wang, Fidelity International

Government Legal Department (GLD) counsel and Black Lawyers Circle founder Mellissa Akinya won the Diversity Champion of the Year – In-house Lawyer award for her efforts to improve pathways into the profession for those from underrepresented backgrounds. She launched GLD’s first CILEX apprenticeship scheme and founded five diversity networks that support more than 1,000 members. She is also lead for the Government Legal Profession’s Summer Diversity Scheme and provides inclusion training for senior leaders. As founder of Black Lawyers Circle, she has sought to boost Black representation in the legal industry, with the organisation providing upskilling and mentoring to more than 2,000 aspiring and practising lawyers. In addition to all of that, she also serves as a voluntary diversity officer, where she leads GLD’s equity, diversity and inclusion agenda, helping embed a culture where everyone can thrive. “Mellissa has helped thousands of people – the numbers alone merit this award,” a judge commented.

Shortlist: Alia Lewis, TV Edwards; Sarah Richardson, Russell-Cooke; Yanoulla Kakoulli, Judge and Priestley; Kate Molan, Penningtons Manches Cooper; Nicola Dawn, Forbes Solicitors; Shu Shu Wong, Haynes and Boone; Emma Bartlett, CM Murray (Highly Commended); Olivia Wint, BCLP

Bexley Beaumont lawyer Alice Kinder was named Diversity Champion of the Year – Private Practice Lawyer in recognition of her efforts to promote social mobility in the legal profession, shaped by the challenges of her own working-class upbringing. She is the founder and chair of the Birmingham Law Society (BLS) social mobility subcommittee and a social mobility ambassador for the Law Society of England and Wales. She also served a term as the youngest BLS president in its more than 200-year history, during which time she launched the Social Mobility Pledge and raised £10,000 to support student programmes. As well as her efforts to widen access to the legal profession, her employment law practice often involves supporting vulnerable clients on workplace disputes around unconscious bias and discrimination, while also seeking to proactively shape fairer workplace cultures. “She is truly bettering things,” a judge commended.

Shortlist: Hanisha Patel, 7 Bedford Row; Nia Marshall, Exchange Chambers (Highly Commended); Ruth Reid, 3TG Barristers; Sam Townend KC, Keating Chambers; Sophie Stevens, 9BR Chambers; Sultana Tafadar KC, No5 Barristers’ Chambers; Turan Hursit, Old Square Chambers; Yaa Dankwa Ampadu-Sackey, Four Brick Court Chambers

QEB Hollis Whiteman’s junior Fallon Alexis was crowned Diversity Champion of the Year – Barrister for her commitment to advancing diversity, inclusion and social mobility across the legal profession. Those efforts have included being a founding member of the 10,000 Black Interns at the Bar initiative and founder of QEB Hollis Whiteman and Bacon’s College annual mock trial. The 10,000 Black Interns scheme is a national programme providing advocacy training and experiences that give interns practical insights into a career at the Bar, while the mock trial competition for schools in Southeast London is aimed at encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to consider a legal career. Fallon also regularly provides education outreach and mentoring, including talks and workshops in schools, colleges and universities to promote opportunities at the Bar for young people from all backgrounds. A judge said: “Excellent set of achievements with long-lasting commitment to impact.”