JLD Pro Bono Awards: The winners

The great and the good of the legal world convened at the Law Society last night (Thursday) for the 10th Anniversary of the Junior Lawyers Division Pro Bono Awards.

The awards recognised outstanding pro bono work undertaken by students, trainees and junior solicitors. Cardiff Law School scooped the Student Team Award for its NHS Continuing Healthcare Advice Scheme. The scheme, set up in 2007 and involving 45 students, works closely alongside Age Concern Wales and the Alzheimers Society. Cardiff Law School was praised for exposing students to a unique legal educational experience, whilst those involved were commended for provided a service of the highest quality.

The winner in the Student Award category was Ali Asad Naqvi for his work in relation to the Shelter pro bono scheme in Hertfordshire. As part of its service, Shelter offers free legal advice and representation to anyone facing eviction as a consequence of rent or mortgage arrears.

The Trainee Award was collected by Sabrina Mahtani of Fisher Merdith in connection with her work relating to the Special Court for Sierra Leone; Rupesh Masani of Irwin Mitchell received a special commendation.

The judging panel, chaired by Kevin Poulter of the Junior Law Division Executive Committee, included the Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve QC MP, the Vice President of the Law Society Robert Heslett, the Shadow Solicitor General Jonathan Djanogly MP, the Pro Bono Envoy to the Attorney General Michael Napier CBE QC, and the Law Society Corporate Responsibility Coordinator Kate Walmsley.