I have always found John M Hayes to be reliable, efficient and accurate.
Ryan Reed, Director, H.F.T. Gough & Co Ltd
We were delighted to sponsor the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2013. At John M Hayes we have always specialised in Legal Aid Costing and we are proud to be the largest Costing firm in the country specialising in Legal Aid costs. We had a stand at the ceremony and held a free prize draw to win £100.00 Marks and Spencers vouchers. In addition to this David Smith, Rebecca Hopkinson and Ann Henderson were on hand to discuss costing queries.
The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards are a unique and much-needed opportunity to celebrate the work of legal aid practitioners. When LAPG started these awards they wanted to recognise the extraordinary hard work and dedication of lawyers who use their skills advising and representing some of the most vulnerable people in society. Many of these lawyers are an invaluable resource for their local communities, while others have a national reputation and attract clients from around the country. Each year the judges wade through over one thousand pages of nominations and supporting statements and debate the merits of every candidate.
After some fizz, chocolate and mingling the awards ceremony began. The ceremony started with a speech from Carol Storer O.B.E. who we noticed was still working and tweeting as she was making her way on to the stage! Jenny Beck of the Co-operative Legal Services followed by thanking Carol Storer O.B.E. for her outstanding contribution to the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) and the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards (LALYs).
The winners were announced by Lord Justice McFarlane and each received a glass trophy.
The winners were:
Leonie Hirst from Tooks Chambers received the award for Legal Aid Newcomer in the Barrister category and Nadia Salam from GT Stewart Solicitors took the prize in the Lawyer category.
The Family Legal Aid Lawyer went to Colin Mackey of Churchers Solicitors. Social and Welfare Lawyer went to Russell Conway of Oliver Fisher. Mental Health Lawyer was presented to Richard Nicholas of RMNJ Solicitors. Immigration Lawyer of the year, sponsored by John M Hayes, went to Hilton Von Herbet of Hackney Community Law Centre. Jane Hoyal of 1 Pump Court took Legal Aid Barrister of the year. Criminal Defence Lawyer was awarded to Margaret Gordon of Christina Khan/Imran Khan & Partners. The Legal Aid firm/Not-for-profit Agency went to Makin Dixon Solicitors. The last award to be given was for Outstanding Achievement. The award went to Mr Raju Bhatt who made a very inspiring speech thanking his team and praising everyone in the room for their contribution in Legal Aid work where clients are the most vulnerable. Mr Bhatt received a standing ovation.
The winner of the £100.00 Marks and Spencers vouchers was drawn this morning at our Camden office by Michael Austin. We are pleased to announce the prize will be sent to Rachel Carter of Wollen Michelmore Solicitors. Rachel was also nominated in the category of Family Legal Aid Lawyer for her exemplary support, emotional strength and integrity and her blog site dedicated to providing support for parents accused of harming their children. Congratulations Rachel!!
We are already looking forward to next year’s awards!
Thursday 4th July 2013