Bath lawyers Sarah Goodridge and Rebecca Stevens from Withy King and Daniela Nickols from Mowbray Woodwards were among the winners at last night’s prestigious Bristol Law Society annual legal awards.
Daniela, who specialises in all areas of children work at Mowbray Woodwards, collected the coveted Solicitor of the Year title. 
Sarah, a chartered legal executive in Withy King’s commercial property team, won the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) of the Year Award while Rebecca, a member of the firm’s family team, collected the Pro Bono Individual of the Year Award.
The awards, which were presented in front of 370 guests at Bristol Law Society’s annual dinner, recognise the brightest and best legal talent working in Bristol and Bath.
The Solicitor of the Year award, sponsored by Paragon Costs Solutions, goes to an exceptional individual who has made an outstanding contribution either to their firm, client work or the legal sector.
Daniela, pictured above, has practised family law throughout her professional career and as a member of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel has significant expertise acting for guardians appointed by the court to act for children and acting directly for competent children.
The Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year award, sponsored by the University of Law, recognises the individual who has demonstrated a strong and dedicated commitment to the supply of pro bono work for the benefit of individuals, organisations and the region.
Rebecca, pictured left, gained national recognition earlier this year 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: “I feel honoured to have been recognised in this way, not so much for the role I played in supporting this particular client, but for the opportunity to highlight the devastating impact that Legal Aid cuts are having on vulnerable people who I believe it is our duty to help and protect.”
Sarah, pictured below, made it a double celebration for Withy King with her success in winning the Chartered Legal Executive (CILEx) of the Year title, sponsored by Bristol Law Society Recruitment and which is awarded to the law student who has “shown exceptional endeavour and commitment to their studies of the law and has achieved curricular activities”. 
Sarah, who followed CILEx’s earn-as-you-learn route into the law, also won the CILEx’s President’s Award earlier this year for her contributions to CILEx and the local community through her work with schools and colleges.
Sarah said: “I am a great advocate of vocational training. I am delighted to receive this award and will continue to work hard to raise the profile of CILEx among people looking for a rewarding career in the law.”
The awards were presented by the BBC’s legal correspondent Clive Coleman. The lead sponsor was UWE for the sixth year and the event raised money for St Peter’s Hospice.
The full list of winners is:
Law Student of the Year (sponsored by Wessex Searches)
Sarah Carter (University of Law)
Support Team Member of the Year (sponsored by Damar Training)
Amanda Jennings (Barcon + Kirby)
Junior Lawyer of the Year (sponsored by UWE)
Zina Ruffino (Watkins)
CiLEX of the Year (sponsored by Bristol Law Society Recruitment)
Sarah Goodridge (Withy King)
Pro Bono Individual of the Year (sponsored by The University of Law)
Rebecca Stevens (Withy King)
CSR Firm of the Year (sponsored by DPS Software)
Irwin Mitchell
Barrister of the Year (sponsored by Legal Cost Finance)
Leslie Blohm QC (St Johns Chambers)
Chambers of the Year (sponsored by Hobs Reprographics)
St Johns Chambers
Solicitor of the Year (sponsored by Paragon Costs Solutions)
Daniela Nickols (Mowbray Woodwards)
Law Firm of the Year – up to and including 15 partners (sponsored by Willis)
Barcan + Kirby
Law Firm of the Year – over 15 Partners (sponsored by Lloyds Bank)
Osborne Clarke
President's Outstanding Achievement Award (sponsored by The Law Society)
Andy King (Avon & Bristol Law Centre)
Photos from the awards dinner will appear in next week's Bath Business News e-bulletin
