Northamptonshire Law Society Awards Event 2021

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

Law Firm of the Year: Shoosmiths Wilson Browne

Solicitor of the year:

Sarah Cunliffe - Shoosmiths Sarah Franklin - Sarah Franklin Solicitors

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.

Both firms demonstrated their commitment to corporate social responsibility and provided impressive examples of commercial growth and notable case work over a particularly demanding time.

Both have rightly received national recognition for their work - however the judges felt that Wilson Browne demonstrated an eagerness to grow the firm whilst holding on to their core principles of serving and supporting their local community.

The Winner of the Law Firm of the Year 2021 was Wilson Browne.

Wayne Jenkins accepting the award on behalf of Wilson Browne.

The Fiona Moore prize -Solicitor of the year – Sponsored by Wilson Browne

Both nominees scored highly with the judges. But the winner Sarah Franklin particularly impressed with her achievements as a family law practitioner. Sarah had also developed a locally and regionally important specialism linked to her passion, motorsport. Sarah also demonstrated her commitment to pro bono work. The judges were also impressed by her initiatives to ensure effective support for clients and colleagues during the pandemic.

The Winner of the Sarah Banner Award 2021 Sarah Franklin. As pictured here with Milo, accepting the award.

Community Person of the Year- Sponsored by Hawsons Chartered Accountants

This category provided a particular challenge for the judges - all the nominees deserve acknowledgement for their outstanding commitment and sense of social conscience in supporting others in the community. But one nomination stood out that of the late Maria Cartwright of SP Law, her personal kindness to clients and colleagues shone through.

Sadly, Maria passed away recently –a sad loss to her family, friends, colleagues, and clients alike. The award was accepted on behalf of her family by her daughter Shelley.

Maria’s remaining children, Liss and Matt, were able to attend virtually.

Maria’s family said, Shelley Cartwright accepting the award on behalf of her family.

“Mum had a huge impact on so many; not only her family and friends, but also the people she worked with and the clients she met. She certainly wouldn’t have wanted a fuss, but would be very touched to receive this award, which is a true reflection of her dedication, and the support Mum gave to the community.

Mum had the natural ability to make everyone feel happier after a conversation with her, genuinely caring about people and going out of her way to make them smile. Mum’s sense of humour and willingness to be involved really shone through.

Kind, and considerate, Mum always thought of others first. She enjoyed organising charity events, making a difference to so many by doing all she could to raise as much as possible. We are super proud of her achievements and are keen to continue to support these charities.

There has always been a link between Northamptonshire Law Society and UON, but in recent years, a more pro- active relationship has developed to provide support and advice to the upcoming legal talent, in addition to the annual prize awarded to UON students.

Final year Law students Sherelle Atuba and Daniel Siggins received top marks in their dissertations and announced as the winners of the Best Undergraduate Dissertation Award.

Student, Sherelle Atuba, said, “I had an unconventional journey to university. From the ages of 12 to 17 I had been to several schools, of which I had either been suspended or expelled. I did a lot of self-reflection and worked hard to get into university. I was pleasantly surprised to be nominated for Best Undergraduate Dissertation and honoured to be a recipient of the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. To be acknowledged for the work I put into my dissertation is rewarding in many ways, considering my background, and I am extremely grateful.”

Student Daniel Siggins commented, “I was absolutely delighted to have received the Best Dissertation award from the Law Society. I have thoroughly enjoyed my course at the University of Northampton, it is exciting looking to the future and all the opportunities my time at Northampton studying law has given me. Special thanks to my dissertation supervisor Sarah Willis and all my lecturers on my degree course for their continued support and outstanding guidance. I leave the University of Northampton with a degree and this award, but also fond memories, great friends and the chance of a fantastic future.”

The President (on behalf of the Society) wished Daniel and Sherelle every success in their future careers.

As the Online awards event drew to a close, the President gave special thanks to our patrons for their continued support...

Daniel

Sherelle

- THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON - LANDMARK INFORMATION GROUP - HAWSONS CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS - CHARTLANDS CHAMBERS - MARSH We very much hope that the awards event of 2022 will see us being able to mingle and network and enjoy a more traditional evening celebrating all that is great within the legal community of Northampton. We look forward to seeing you there!