A ceremony at the Law Society’s Hall, Chancery Lane, saw six solicitors honoured as ‘Legal Heroes’ for making what the event’s judges decided was ‘a long-lasting difference to the lives of others’. Law Society president Mark Evans praised all the contribution of all the shortlisted solicitors.
He added: 'The Legal Heroes ceremony is a chance to celebrate some of those dedicated individuals who selflessly support their local communities. These are people who use their skills and expertise to assist those in need demonstrating values that are at the heart of our profession.'
The first winner announced was legal aid lawyer Rakesh Veja, nominated for his extensive pro bono work and for founding charitable initiatives, including the Leicester South Food Bank Community Legal Clinic.
UK immigration and human rights lawyer Harjap Singh Bhangal won for championing minority communities through free legal education via TV and radio, and high profile advocacy, including supporting families of crime victims. Presenting the award, awards judge Mark Stephens praised Bhangal’s ‘admirable advocacy’ that ‘led to meaningful change’.
James Netto, a specialist in cross border relocation and abduction cases, working mostly pro bono, used DNA evidence to identify the British army fathers of children conceived when the soldiers were based in Kenya. Paternity recognition was achieved for people from teenagers to some in their 70s.
Glyn Maddocks, founder the Centre for Criminal Appeals, has dedicated himself to overturning wrongful convictions, acting largely pro bono. Awards judge Peter Watson-Lee highlighted the case of Maddocks’ client Paul Blackburn, a learning disabled teenager at the time of his conviction, who had been accused of the rape and attempted murder of a nine year old. His conviction was ruled unsafe after 27 years and repeated appeals.
Keeley Lengthorn was recognised for her work helping to secure bereavement rights for those affected by miscarriage and baby loss by, awards judge Amanda Gill said, ‘harnessing her own experience’. The UK government this week announced that women and their partners who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks will be entitled to up to two weeks of unpaid leave.
Amy Wallhead learned British Sign Language signing during Covid lockdowns, and then set out to change deaf people’s access to legal advice, including founding the Advisers for Deaf Network and delivering nationwide BSL-informed outreach.
Closing the ceremony, Mark Evans said hearing the stories of shortlisted and winning solicitors had a strong ‘emotional impact’ on him.
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