It’s this time of year again where legal aid lawyers are recognised for their work and achievements under recognition of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, in its eighth year running.  The awards recognise the achievements of legal aid lawyers in the frontline of providing services in both criminal and civil legal aid.

Trimega sponsored the Social & Welfare Lawyer of the Year Award category which was awarded to Kathy Meade from Tower Hamlets Law Centre.  Trimega congratulates Kathy as a Solicitor and Caseworker who has shown dedication to providing vital services to some of the poorest communities in the UK.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to leading legal aid barrister Michael Mansfield QC for his career at the Bar spanning 40 years.  Michael’s commitment to publicly-funded work includes key historical events:  the Orgreave miners, Guildford Four and Birmingham Six appeals, the Marchioness disaster, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, and the Stockwell shooting.  Upon accepting this award, Michael urged practitioners to fight threatened cuts in the legal aid budget.

Special congratulations also goes to the rest of the winners of the various categories:

Criminal defence lawyer - Peter Mahy, whose case before the European Court of Human Rights (S and Marper v UK) established it is unlawful to retain the DNA of innocent people.

Young legal aid solicitor - Katherine Craig, who specialises in actions against the police.

Young legal aid barrister - Adam Straw of Tooks Chambers for his work representing families at inquests.

Family legal aid lawyer - David Jockelson who has trained in psychotherapy and as a parenting workshop facilitator.

Mental health lawyer - Sophy Miles who has a raft of reported cases, including JE v DE, which was a leading decision about deprivation of liberty and mental capacity.

Immigration lawyer of the year - Amie Henshall who was praised for her ability to put vulnerable clients at ease.

Legal aid barrister - Mark Henderson who is highly regarded for his immigration work.

Legal aid firm/Not-for-profit agency - Just for Kids Law/Lawrence & Co which goes the extra mile to provide mentoring and other services to its young clients.