The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards are now in their ninth year and are a unique celebration of the invaluable work done by solicitors, barristers, legal executives, paralegals and other advisors working in the publicly-funded sector.These lawyers are dedicated professionals who commit themselves to improving the lives of the poorest and most socially disadvantaged people in society, without looking for substantial financial reward or public recognition.

The awards are organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group on behalf of the profession. The awards are non-profit-making and are the only awards organised by and for the grassroots legal aid profession.

Nominations

The judges, chaired by Cherie Booth QC, will be making 10 awards this year. The award categories are:

Outstanding achievement (sponsored by Manches LLP)
Criminal defence lawyer (sponsored by Criminal Law Solicitors Association)
Family legal aid lawyer (sponsored by Resolution)
Legal aid firm/Not-for-profit agency (sponsored by Matrix)
Legal aid barrister (sponsored by Trimega Labs)
Mental health lawyer (sponsored by Allen & Overy)
Immigration lawyer (sponsored by NatWest)
Social and welfare lawyer (sponsored by TikitTFB)
Young legal aid solicitor (sponsored by Legal Services Commission)
Young legal aid barrister (sponsored by Irwin Mitchell LLP)

Deadline

The closing date for nominations for the this year's awards is Wednesday 27 April 2011 and the presentation ceremony will be on Tuesday 28 June 2011 in London.

Please click here to download the nomination form.