2026 Winners
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Support Team Member Of The Year
Sasha Tilley, Paralegal- Sasha Tilley, Paralegal
- Brigstow Family Law
Many support professionals demonstrate excellent administrative skills; few combine those with Sasha’s depth of family law knowledge, instinctive understanding of client needs, commitment to developing colleagues, leadership in key operational functions and genuine dedication to the wider community. She consistently embodies the Brigstow Family Law’s values of professionalism, compassion, collaboration and excellence.
Other nominees
- Isabelle Mills, Manager, Business Support Services
- St John's Chambers
- Jordan Yandell, Practice Manager
- St John's Chambers
Isabelle Mills, Manager, Business Support ServicesIsabelle has been the driving force behind our first move in 20 years. She has completed it on top of her existing role and delivered a first class office which Chambers will be using for many years to come. None of it would have happened without her.
Jordan Yandell, Practice ManagerPractice Manager at St John’s Chambers, Jordan Yandell goes above and beyond to support his barristers and their practices. Whilst balancing a busy a busy home life with a young daughter and a baby on the way, Jordan excels at managing busy diaries and the practice development aspects of a modern clerk with calm confidence and dedication.
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Pro Bono Award of the Year
Dr Rachel Wood, Co-Chair- Dr Rachel Wood, Co-Chair
- West of England Pro Bono Committee
Rachel Wood is nominated for her outstanding contribution to pro bono across the West of England, as Co-Chair of the West of England Pro Bono Committee and Business and Law Clinics Director at UWE, where she strengthened regional engagement, supported key initiatives, and inspired future lawyers to embed pro bono in practice.
Other nominees
- Catherine Haworth, Solicitor
- Avon & Somerset Family Law
- Faye Mepham, Trainee Solicitor
- Simmons & Simmons
Catherine Haworth, SolicitorCatherine founded Haworth Family Law which delivers completely free family law advice to victims of domestic abuse, and training on domestic abuse and the family court. She funds this entirely on her own and has assisted over 200 people in the first year of launching.
Faye Mepham, Trainee SolicitorHIGHLY COMMENDED
Faye Mepham, Trainee Solicitor at Simmons & Simmons LLP, is nominated for her exceptional pro bono commitment, including establishing and coordinating a strategic partnership with Missing People UK, and assisting NCDV, RNIB and Oxfam with work improving access to justice for vulnerable communities.
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Rising Star Of The Year
Raegan Harris, Senior Paralegal- Raegan Harris, Senior Paralegal
- CMS
In four years, Raegan has progressed from Legal Secretary to Senior Paralegal at CMS Bristol, alongside studying CILEX qualifications. Her work ethic and efficiency sets her apart and she regularly takes responsibility for work typically undertaken by qualified lawyers and makes a huge contribution to colleague wellbeing and office culture.
Other nominees
- Summer Heal (nee Brown), Solicitor Apprentice
- Thrings
- Emma Orledge, Solicitor Apprentice
- Cobb Warren
Summer Heal (nee Brown), Solicitor ApprenticeSummer Brown, Thrings’ first legal apprentice, has combined exceptional legal performance with academic excellence, handling complex, high-value property matters while helping shape a successful apprenticeship pathway for future lawyers. Her resilience, professionalism and impact on clients and colleagues mark her out as one of the firm’s most exciting emerging talents.
Emma Orledge, Solicitor ApprenticeHIGHLY COMMENDED
Emma Orledge has shown exceptional determination, resilience and professionalism throughout her early legal career. While balancing academic study, a demanding caseload and significant caring responsibilities, she has become an invaluable member of Cobb Warren, delivering outstanding client service and demonstrating the commitment, ambition and potential of a future legal leader.
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Junior Lawyer of the Year
Sam Longmore, Associate- Sam Longmore, Associate
- Thrings
Sam Longmore’s exceptional technical expertise, commercial impact and client care have earned him recognition far beyond his years. A Chambers-ranked private client lawyer at just three years PQE, he one of the South West’s brightest legal talents and is the junior every partner wants in their team.
Other nominees
- Kieran Grainger, Associate
- Enable Law
- Sophia Beekmann, Associate Solicitor
- Watkins Solicitors
Kieran Grainger, AssociateAt just two years’ PQE, Kieran Grainger has demonstrated exceptional technical ability, leadership and client care. He secured outstanding outcomes in complex personal injury claims, including a challenging brain injury case, while contributing to the wider profession through rehabilitation advocacy, mentoring, legal clinics, charity partnerships and community engagement.
Sophia Beekmann, Associate SolicitorSophia has made an exceptional impact early in her legal career, securing life-changing SEND outcomes, improving Education Law systems, supporting junior colleagues and maintaining outstanding service during major caseload pressure. Her work combines specialist legal skill, resilience, leadership and a clear commitment to access to justice.
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Lawyer Of The Year
Sonya May, Senior Associate- Sonya May, Senior Associate
- VWV
Sonya May is an exceptional corporate lawyer whose contribution extends well beyond her client work. During the qualifying period, she has combined leadership of complex, high-impact transactions with a sustained commitment to Bristol and Bath’s business and innovation communities, whilst playing a significant role in developing colleagues within her firm.
Other nominees
- Gillian Clark, Partner
- Enable Law
- Judit Kerese, Senior Associate
- Stowe Family Law
- Abigail Ringer, Partner
- RWK Goodman
Gillian Clark, PartnerAs Head of Department, Gillian Clark has combined outstanding legal expertise with exceptional leadership, securing life-changing outcomes in complex clinical negligence claims, including an eight-year stroke case. Alongside developing future talent and growing team performance, she has strengthened Bristol’s specialist injury community through mentoring, charity partnerships and sector engagement.
Judit Kerese, Senior AssociateJudit Kerese combines exceptional technical expertise and client care with leadership that strengthens Bristol’s legal community. Promoted to Senior Associate during the qualifying period, she led a complex children matter to a life-changing outcome, mentors developing lawyers, delivers measurable pro bono impact and shares accessible family-law expertise with the public.
Abigail Ringer, PartnerAbigail Ringer, a Bath-based partner in RWK Goodman’s Clinical Negligence team, has had an exemplary year not only supporting clients through highly complex and large-scale claims, but also championing the local community and wider legal profession while developing her team.
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Team of the Year (Support)
Family Clerking Team- Family Clerking Team
- St John's Chambers
We support mentorship within the team and encourage upskilling wherever available to enhance knowledge that can then be shared both within Chambers and by bespoke training externally. Both of our junior clerks have been encouraged to self-develop as well as learn from Elaine and Marcus, and have started their respective courses via The Institute of Barristers Clerks in 2026.
Other nominees
- Support & Rehabilitation Team
- Irwin Mitchell
- Marketing & Events Team
- St John's Chambers
Support & Rehabilitation TeamThe Support & Rehabilitation team works with Irwin Mitchell’s legal teams to help clients access rehabilitation, healthcare, financial support, housing, equipment, and community resources following serious injury or illness. Through a holistic, client-centred approach, SRC’s promote recovery, independence, wellbeing, and improved quality of life for clients and their families.
Marketing & Events TeamWe have shown what a modern professional support team can achieve. We have transformed the St John’s brand, created a new digital presence, delivered an ambitious events programme, strengthened relationships across the legal community and supported our barristers and Chambers through a period of significant growth and change.
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Team of the Year (Legal)
Real Estate Team- Real Estate Team
- Freeths
Freeths’ Built and Natural Environment Team is making an impact in the Bristol area. Often innovative, they go above and beyond for their clients with work that makes a difference socially (St Philip’s Marsh Logistics and Distribution Hub) and environmentally (North Somerset Council Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Banking Programme).
Other nominees
- Corporate Team
- Freeths
- Charity Law & Governance Team
- VWV
Corporate TeamOsborne Clarke’s Bristol Corporate team delivers market‑leading corporate advice, underpinned by a strong, long‑standing presence in the South West business community. Acting for major clients on transformative deals across multiple sectors, the team combines innovation, multidisciplinary strength and outstanding client feedback, driving social impact and investment across the region today.
Charity Law & Governance TeamVWV’s Charity Law & Governance team supports its charity clients by using technical excellence, pragmatism and commerciality and deep sector understanding, with a focus on a wide range of charities and other social enterprises in and around Bristol, from historic local institutions to smaller community based organisations.
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Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year
Leah Burrows, Founder- Leah Burrows, Founder
- The BD Partner
My mission is to make business development effective and enjoyable for all in Bristol. Harbour Run Club encourages first-timers to try running; BD Without Barriers is a safe space for those who usually struggle with events, and Founders Lounge connects isolated entrepreneurs with fellow founders who understand. Inclusivity and positive energy at the heart.
Other nominees
- Burges Salmon
- LGBTQ+ Network Committee
- CMS
Burges SalmonSince 2020, Burges Salmon’s partnership with Women’s Work Lab has helped unemployed mothers overcome barriers to sustainable employment through tailored placements, mentoring, employability training and Insight Days. The partnership has supported five placements, five mentoring relationships and 25 Insight Day participants, with 60% of placement participants progressing into permanent roles.
LGBTQ+ Network CommitteeHIGHLY COMMENDED
The CMS Bristol LGBTQ+ Committee’s project “The Importance of Community” loudly and proudly promotes LGBTQ+ inclusion and supports our trans friends and colleagues in a way which has a real impact on our office and the wider Bristol professional community.
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Community Impact Award of the Year
Burges Salmon- Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon’s Responsible Business programme delivers lasting community impact across Bristol through volunteering, fundraising and strategic partnerships. Led by support for the Pony Farm Bus, alongside collaborations with Voscur and Avon Needs Trees, the firm’s people are helping create fairer opportunities, stronger communities and a more resilient future
Other nominees
- Foot Anstey
- Wards Solicitors
Foot AnsteyFoot Anstey’s Bristol-focused social mobility programme combines strategic investment, employee volunteering and partnerships with Young Enterprise, the Foyer Federation, UWE Futures, Bristol Works and the West of England Legal Careers Network. Its work has supported hundreds of young people, building confidence, employability skills, enterprise capability and access to professional role models.
Wards SolicitorsHIGHLY COMMENDED
At Wards, community engagement is part of who we are as a locally rooted law firm. Across our 13 offices, we strongly support the people and places around us. Our support is wide-ranging, but there is a common thread: we particularly want to support people who are vulnerable, at risk of loneliness or who otherwise may be overlooked.
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Sustainable Business of the Year
Clarke Willmott- Clarke Willmott
Clarke Willmott has embedded environmental sustainability across its operations through strong governance, science-based targets, and measurable action. Achievements include a 90% reduction in Scope 1&2 emissions, Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status, 61 tonnes of CO₂e savings from employee pledges, the Clarke Willmott Climategames Challenge and impactful community environmental volunteering.
Other nominees
- Buckles Law
- Freeths
Buckles LawBuckles Law has embedded sustainability into every aspect of its operations, from achieving B Corp Certification and implementing a firmwide Environmental Management System to empowering employees through its Green Group and responsible procurement practices. Through measurable action, accountability and continuous improvement across all offices, including its growing Bristol office and the wider Bristol area, Buckles is building a more sustainable legal business for the future.
FreethsHIGHLY COMMENDED
As a certified B Corp law firm, Freeths places sustainability and responsible business at the heart of its operations. Its Clean Energy, Waste & Sustainability practice supports clients across environmental law, clean energy and sustainable development, delivering projects that advance ESG ambitions and contribute to a net-zero future.
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Legal Innovation of the Year
Legal & Contracts Team- Legal & Contracts Team
- UWE
University of the West of England, Bristol Legal and Contracts team has developed an innovative self-serve process for research contracts. This process has provided a streamlined contracting process by incorporating available self-serve templates and guidance. The team has created a solution focused approach aligning with strategic aims of the university.
Other nominees
- South West Litigation Network
- Government Legal Department
South West Litigation NetworkThe South-west Litigation Network, launched in Bristol in July 2026, connects government litigators across national teams. Through training, knowledge-sharing, mentoring and local partnerships, it strengthens litigation capability, reduces professional isolation, improves collaboration and increases GLD’s regional visibility. The practitioner-led model supports consistent advice and can be replicated across offices
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Chambers of the Year
Albion Chambers- Albion Chambers
Albion Chambers has strengthened client service, expanded its recruitment and development programs, celebrated a historic High Court appointment, increased its social impact and enhanced governance standards. Through sustained investment in people, clients and communities, Albion continues to demonstrate ambition, innovation and excellence across every aspect of Chambers life.
Other nominees
- Guildhall Chambers
- St John’s Chambers
Guildhall ChambersWorking across the country, from the Bristol courts to the Supreme Court, Guildhall continues to enjoy a national reputation, but we are very firmly rooted in Bristol, supporting and investing in the region, its people and our clients. Guildhall is a busy, thriving, happy and successful place in every respect.
St John’s ChambersFor the combination of legal excellence, client service, innovation, people development, community contribution, we believe St John’s Chambers is a compelling choice for Chambers of the Year 2026.
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Law Firm of the Year (Boutique)
Estate Legal- Estate Legal
Estate Legal is a six-person Bristol boutique law firm achieving 37.9% revenue growth while delivering high-value local work and nationally significant property litigation. Directories ranked and director-led, we combine specialist expertise with exceptional client care, measurable community engagement, investment in Bristol talent and funded alternative CILEX pathways into the profession.
Other nominees
- Brigstow Family Law
- Brigstow Family Law
- Cobb Warren
- Cobb Warren
- Rothley Law
Brigstow Family LawBrigstow exemplifies the best of a boutique firm. It has achieved sustained growth, strengthened its reputation across the region, expanded its team, invested in the next generation of legal talent and deepened its commitment to the local community, establishing itself as a leading family law practice in the South West.
Cobb WarrenCobb Warren is a specialist housing management and property litigation boutique firm, delivering partner-led advice to housing associations across the South West. Combining sector expertise, exceptional client service and community commitment, the firm’s pragmatic, responsive approach has earned industry recognition and trusted adviser status throughout the social housing sector.
Rothley LawRothley Law is a Bristol boutique specialising in private client law, including Court of Protection, Private Wealth, and Disputed Wills. By removing fee targets and ensuring partner-led care, the firm has achieved national recognition, doubled its Bristol team, and projected £2.75m in revenue for 2026.
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Law Firm of the Year (Regional)
Barcan+Kirby- Barcan+Kirby
Barcan+Kirby has had a stand-out year. Widening access to legal careers, investing in colleague wellbeing, developing talent from within, growing sustainability and making a visible contribution to the Bristol community.
Other nominees
- Wards Solicitors
Wards SolicitorsHIGHLY COMMENDED
Wards Solicitors stands out from the competition with its accessible High Street branch network and its focus on continually improving client service. In the qualifying period, this includes opening a new office in Yate, carrying out an extensive client listening programme, recruiting more lawyers, launching an apprenticeship scheme and linking with new charities and community initiatives.
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Law Firm of the Year (National)
RWK Goodman- RWK Goodman
RWK Goodman is a UK top 100 firm with heritage dating back to 1873, with Bristol and Bath key offices for the firm’s long term strategic plan and growth – amplifying local legal talent on a national and international stage. The firm has achieved record revenue in the previous financial year and marked strong growth in the Bristol office, setting a platform for further excellence as one of the region’s leading law firms.
Other nominees
- Birketts
- Irwin Mitchell
BirkettsHIGHLY COMMENDED
Birketts’ Bristol office has rapidly established itself as a national force with deep local impact. In its first full financial year, it delivered exceptional growth, nationally significant client work, expanded specialist capability, meaningful community investment and inclusive talent initiatives, while showcasing Bristol’s legal expertise through its UK Top 50 platform.
Irwin MitchellIrwin Mitchell combines market-leading legal expertise with meaningful community impact. In Bristol, our nationally ranked top tier teams secure consistently excellent results for a diverse client base. The teams support local and national communities through charitable partnerships, advanced diversity and inclusion, and deliver nationally recognised advice from the South West.
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President's Outstanding Achievement Award
Jeremy Thring- Jeremy Thring
- Thrings
There are long careers in the law, and there are distinguished careers. Some, however, are both, leaving a lasting mark on the profession, organisations, clients and communities around it. The individual we are recognising tonight is one of the latter.
Having begun his legal training in 1957, he qualified in 1962 as a solicitor and notary and has devoted almost seven decades to the law and to communities across the South West. Remarkably, having turned 90 this year, he continues to practice, continuing a career and commitment without parallel in the Bristol and Bath legal community. A lawyer who changed the trajectory of his firm.
When he began in the law, Thrings was a respected but modest practice of around 40 people, serving landed estates, farming families and trusts. He recognised that the firm needed to evolve and, as Senior Partner from 1983 to 2000, became the driving force behind its transformation. He pursued mergers with strategic intent and saw the importance of the M4 corridor and drove the firm’s expansion into Bristol, Swindon and London. This laid the foundations for the Thrings of today, with more than 300 staff in its seven offices across the South West and South of England.
His achievement here was more than simply growing a law firm. He had the vision to see where the region was heading, the confidence to act on that vision and the leadership to create an organisation capable of serving it. His influence therefore extends far beyond the period in which he held formal leadership. The organisation that exists today is part of the legacy of the decisions he made then.
For all of his organisational and professional achievements, perhaps the most revealing measure of his career is the relationship he has built with his clients. His contribution to his clients has been as personal as it has been professional. He has represented families across generations, and the grandchildren of former clients are clients of his today, a relationship he treats as “a great honour,” regarding many as cherished friends rather than simply clients.
That warmth has expressed itself in ways beyond the conventional, from hiring a punt to rescue a client from a flooded house to patiently fielding a lengthy call from another about their parrot’s bad breath! It is this human element, one he insists no amount of technology can replace, that has defined his approach to practice.
A lifetime of service beyond the law, his contribution reaches well beyond his own firm and clients. He was President of the Bath Law Society from 1984 to 1986, the society now subsumed into Bristol Law Society and so he has a direct and personal connection to this society and this award!
Outside of the office, his commitment to public service and contributing to improve his community for everyone has been wide-ranging. He has served as Chairman, and later Prochancellor, of the University of Bath; and Chairman of multiple medical bodies, including the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust and the community Health Council. His leadership steered each through periods of significant growth. While his humble nature would claim he was just good at bringing in the right people, one factor was always constant – he was there! His decades of civic contribution were recognised with his being appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Avon and later of Somerset and, in 2003, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Bath. Taken together, these roles demonstrate something important about his character. He has repeatedly been prepared to give his time, judgement and experience to institutions that enhance the community around him. And he is not finished yet!
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about his career is that it is not simply a matter of looking backwards. At 90, he’s still working, still meeting clients and still mentoring colleagues! He remains interested in the future, particularly in the development of younger lawyers, always championing for investment in the next generation. When the firm chose to celebrate his 90th birthday in the office earlier this year, his response was characteristically selfless. He suggested that the money spent on the celebration would have been better spent on the team. That instinct, to place colleagues and clients above himself, has been the quiet constant running throughout his extensive professional career.
The President’s Outstanding Achievement Award exists to recognise an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the legal sector, their organisation and their clients, whether through a single achievement or over the course of a career. This individual helped transform a small local practice into a notable regional firm, building client relationships that have endured across generations and mentored those that followed him. He’s given decades of service not just to the legal profession but to civic, educational and health institutions that have benefitted thousands of people across the region. And, at 90, he continues to contribute. Living by the mantra that you “have to go out and meet life” . As he enters his tenth decade, he embodies exactly the standard of contribution the President’s Outstanding Achievement Award exists to celebrate.
I am delighted to announce that this year’s President’s Outstanding Achievement Award goes to Jeremy Thring!