Sarah Goodridge and Rebecca Stevens from Withy King and Daniela Nickols from Mowbray Woodwards have been shortlisted for Bristol Law Society’s annual legal awards which recognise the brightest and best legal talent working in Bristol and Bath.
Sarah Goodridge, pictured, a chartered legal executive in Withy King’s commercial property team, is among the finalists for the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) of the Year Award. 
Her contributions to CILEx and the local community through her work with schools and colleges were recognised earlier this year when she won the CILEx’s President’s Award.
Sarah, who followed CILEx’s earn-as-you-learn route into the law, said: “I’m delighted to be considered for this award. I’m passionate about helping to raise the profile of CILEx and vocational training as a rewarding route into the legal profession.”
Rebecca Stevens is a member of Withy King’s family team and has particular expertise in dealing with complex cases involving children. She has been shortlisted for the Pro Bono Individual of the Year Award.
Rebecca, pictured below, has already been recognised nationally for her role in helping to support a father with learning difficulties in his battle to prevent his young son from being adopted, without Legal Aid or any other means to pay for his defence.
She said: “It’s an honour to make the shortlist and to have another opportunity to raise awareness of the devastating impact that Legal Aid cuts are having, particularly on the most vulnerable members of our society who I believe we have a duty to protect and support.”
Daniela Nickols, pictured below, is on the three-strong shortlist in the Solicitor of the Year category. Daniela has practised family law throughout her professional career and specialises in all areas of children work with a particular interest in child care cases. 
As a member of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel she has significant expertise acting for guardians appointed by the court to act for children and acting directly for competent children.
The awards will be presented at Bristol Law Society’s annual dinner at the Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bristol, on the October 15. The BBC’s legal correspondent Clive Coleman will act as master of ceremonies.
Bristol Law Society president Michael Gupwell said: “Thank you to everyone who nominated in this years’ process and our particular congratulations to everyone who received a nomination. The nominations really are testament to the great legal work that is undertaken by both firms and individuals across the Bristol and Bath region. The judging panel had the unenviable task of shortlisting from the many nominations received, nominations which show the amazing work done the length and breadth of our region.”
