Five lawyers reach Asian women awards final

Five lawyers have reached the finals of awards designed to reward the achievements of Asian women. The women feature in three of the nine categories in the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

Denton Wilde Sapte partner Farmida Bi is nominated in the 'Professional of the Year' category, along with 25 Bedford Row's Kim Hollis QC, a criminal defence specialist and the first Asian female silk. Lovells pro bono manager Yasmin Waljee is also nominated in the same category.

The 'Entrepreneur of the Year' category features lawyer Shainaul Kassam, who last year founded her own niche firm Fortune Law.

Another finalist is Ruby Sayed, a junior barrister at 11 Pump Court, who practises in family and childcare law. Sayed is praised for her activities for the Asian Women's Resource Centre.

The award winners will be announced on 26 May.