Birmingham Law Society unveils winners of its 2023 Legal Awards

Gowling WLG, Irwin Mitchell and the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee were among the winners at last night's 2023 Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.

The 21st annual ceremony, held at the ICC, celebrated excellence within the city's legal profession across 12 different categories (scroll down for full list of winners).

In addition, Eileen Schofield, founder of Schofield & Associates, was handed a lifetime achievement award.

Law Society president Tony McDaid said: "The judging panel had an immensely difficult task selecting this year's winners due to the phenomenally high standards of nominees.

"The West Midlands is blessed with some of the legal sector's most influential and sector-leading firms and individuals - all of whom choose to flourish here in our region. The Birmingham Law Society is proud to be part of its success and honour it with this fantastic awards ceremony."

Over 250 entries for this year's awards were shortlisted down 58 nominees before the 12 winners were selected by a panel of judges made up of representatives of the Birmingham legal community. The event was hosted by TV broadcaster Emma Jesson.

Trainee Solicitor of the Year

Monika Gagat, Squire Patton Boggs

Apprentice of the Year

Renee Tombs, Bevan Brittan

Paralegal of the Year

Liberty Green, Weightmans

Solicitor of the Year

Fiona Farrell, Irwin Mitchell

Barrister of the Year

Louise Corfield, No5 Barristers' Chambers

Partner of the Year

Christopher Plumley, Trowers & Hamlins

Pro Bono Award

William Horwood, St Philips Chambers

Equality and Diversity Award (Law firm)

Bridging the Bar

In-House Award

Birmingham Organising Committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Law Firm of the Year (Sole practitioners and firms up to five partners)

Fountain Solicitors

Law Firm of the Year (Regional)

Higgs

Law Firm of the Year (National)

Gowling WLG

Lifetime Achievement Award