Northamptonshire Law Society Awards Event 2021 Northamptonshire Law Society
As with so many great events last year, our Annual 2020 Awards fell victim to the Covid pandemic. The Society was delighted to take the 2021 Awards online, courtesy of Luke Carey and Ross New of the multimedia team at Shoosmiths. In a novel twist, BBC Radio Northampton presenter John Griff pre-recorded his compering at the Deco theatre. President Sharine Burgess had chosen a local charity, “Singing 4 breathing “to benefit from the event and it participated in the evening. Singing 4 breathing is an award-winning singing group for people living with respiratory conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Founder James Wyatt and his team of volunteers demonstrated their many achievements, including forming a new group for those suffering from the effects of Long Covid.
James Wyatt from Singing 4 Breathing explained how the charity was formed, and how it had grown since its creation in 2015.
President Sharine Burgess, in attendance of the Awards Event.
The shortlist was announced... The judges commented on the very high standard of entries this year and found it very difficult to shortlist. Congratulations to the finalists in each category:
Junior Lawyer:
Luke Thomas - Shoosmiths Jamie Christie - Wilson Browne
Solicitor of the year:
Sarah Cunliffe - Shoosmiths Sarah Franklin - Sarah Franklin Solicitors
Law Firm of the Year: Shoosmiths Wilson Browne
Community Person of the year:
the late Maria Cartwright - SP Law Naomi Edwards - Wilson Browne
The Sarah Banner Award - Sponsored by Shoosmiths This is a newly named award in honour of the late Sarah Banner. Many will recall Northamptonshire Law Society’s former president Sarah Banner. She was the youngest president that the society had had – and was destined for great things within the legal community. As an ambassador for the Society, she embodied the best of the profession but in a down to earth and very approachable manner. Sarah possessed a wonderful – and perhaps irreverent sense of humour. Sadly, Sarah’s journey came to a tragically short end in 2020 – she was just 40. Both nominees were very impressive – dedicated to their chosen specialism, and their contribution to pro bono work. Ultimately the winner, Jamie Christie proved that dedication by always reaching his targets and pushing himself along the way. He developed his role by building relationships with clients and not only giving legal advice but also emotional support. He was empathetic in his approach and the judges were particularly impressed by his non-traditional route to qualification and his focus on an increasingly important area of client care via The Court of Protection Team .
The recipient of the inaugural Sarah Banner junior lawyer of the year award was Jamie Christie.
www.northamptonshirelawsociety.co.uk
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