Birmingham Law Society has revealed the winners of its 2021 Legal Awards.
Held online last night, the awards recognised members of Birmingham's legal community across 12 categories including apprentices, pro bono work and small, local and national practices.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Steven Jonas in his 40th year of being a solicitor.
Other winners on the night included Eversheds Sutherland, Sydney Mitchell and Averta Employment Lawyers.
Inez Brown, President of the Birmingham Law Society, said: "Recognising the achievements and contributions of Birmingham's legal professionals was particularly poignant given the challenges over the last 12 months.
"We were extremely pleased to have such a great turnout despite the changed nature of the award format this year."
This is the 20th year the legal trade body has hosted the awards, but the first time the event has been held virtually due to the current restrictions around the pandemic. Last year's event had to be cancelled.
The 2021 winners are:
Trainee Solicitor of the Year
Demi Hughes – Squire Patton Boggs
Apprentice of the Year
Beth Walters – Eversheds Sutherland
Paralegal of the Year
Emily Morris - DWF Law
Solicitor of the Year
Kishma Bolaji – Shoosmiths
Barrister of the Year
Esther Gamble – No5 Barristers' Chambers
Partner of the Year
Clive Read – VWV
Excellence in Client Service - Private Clients
Private Legal Services Team – Anthony Collins Solicitors
Excellence in Client Service - Business Clients
DWF International Arbitration and Litigation – DWF Law
Birmingham Law Society Pro Bono Award
Birmingham Legal Advice Clinic – Squire Patton Boggs, Eversheds Sutherland, Bevan Brittan and Gowling WLG
Law Firm of the Year (National)
Eversheds Sutherland
Law Firm of the Year (Regional)
Sydney Mitchell
Law Firm of the Year (Sole practitioners and firms up to five partners)
Averta Employment Lawyers
Lifetime Achievement Award
Steven Jonas – Jonas Roy Bloom
