Two Withy King lawyers come out on top at Bristol Law Society awards

Two of our lawyers - Sarah Goodridge and Rebecca Stevens - were among the winners announced at Bristol Law Society’s annual legal awards which recognise the brightest and best legal talent working in Bristol and Bath.

Sarah Goodridge, who is a Chartered Legal Executive in our Commercial Property team in Bath, won Bristol Law Society’s Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) of the Year Award. She was recognised for her contributions to CILEx and the local community through her work with schools and colleges

Rebecca Stevens works in our Family team in Swindon and has particular expertise in dealing with complex cases involving children. She won Bristol Law Society’s Pro Bono Individual of the Year Award 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.

Commenting on her award, Sarah said: “I followed CILEx’s earn-as-you-learn route into the law and 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.”

Rebecca added: “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.”

The awards were presented at Bristol Law Society’s Annual Dinner held at the Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bristol, on the 15th October. The BBC’s Legal Correspondent, Clive Coleman, acted as master of ceremonies.