Birmingham legal awards shortlist revealed

167 individuals and firms have been recognised in Birmingham Law Society’s annual Legal Awards shortlist.

Birmingham Law Society is the largest local Law Society outside of London and the awards are a celebration of the best legal talent across Birmingham and the surrounding area.

Head Judge Neil Lloyd, managing partner of FBC Manby Bowdler LLP, alongside Anjum Khan, director of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Tina Attenborough, president of Derby and District Law Society, last week shortlisted the 14 categories that make up the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2025.

Richard Port, president of the Birmingham Law Society, said: "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!"

This year, the Law Firm of the Year categories have been revised based on employee size.

The shortlist is:

 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)

The winner of each category which will announced on Thursday 13 February at the awards dinner at the city’s iconic ICC venue.

Pictured: The 2024 award winners