Law Society celebrates excellence

The outstanding achievements of professionals across the legal sector have been celebrated by the Law Society at a prestigious London ceremony presided over by the president of the Law Society, John Wotton, and BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain. Recognising outstanding work in areas central to the modern legal profession, the awards celebrated contributions to social responsibility, equality and diversity, as well as innovation in business practices and successful practice management.

The junior lawyer of the year award was won by Saadia Khan of Bindmans LLP, while Paul Hastings LLP was celebrated for its Excellence in Promoting Equality and Diversity. Other highlights included Northumbria University's Student Law Office winning the award for Excellence in Community Investment, and the recognition of Linklaters LLP's outstanding work in the area of environmental responsibility. The Excellence in Learning and Development Award was won by SJ Berwin LLP, while the prestigious Law Society Gazette Legal Personality of the Year award went to Jo Cooper of the Crown Prosecution Service.

Law Society President John Wotton said that striving for excellence is more important than ever due to the increased competition expected to result from the Legal Services Act. Praising the award winners, he said: "Winning an Excellence Award is more than recognition from professional colleagues. It is also a symbol of quality for members of the public highlighting professional excellence and a commitment to providing a high quality service to clients." Capping off an evening studded with such luminaries of the UK legal profession as Lord Bach, Baroness Hamwee and Edward Garnier QC MP, Wotton said: "The winners of these awards should be very proud of this superb accolade."