Past winners

Winner - Samuel Pitchford, Pembrokeshire County Council, triumphed for his work on the Celtic Freeport project, accelerated rollout of floating offshore wind energy, innovative approach to recovering owed funds, and glowing testimonials from his colleagues.

Highly Commended - Nkencho Okonta, London Borough of Hackney, earned recognition for his dedication to qualifying as a lawyer, forensic approach to disclosure in a high-profile Judicial Review claim, and impressive testimonials.

Winner - Brighton and Hove Council Legal Services secured the award for their outstanding work recovering costs for securing Grade II listed Royal Albion Hotel, leading judicial review challenging Home Office policy, and promoting well-being, inclusivity, and talent retention within their authority. 

Highly Commended - Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Legal Team was commended for their contributions to the Family Drug and Alcohol Court Project, regeneration project, and establishment of a well-being steering group representing equalities and diversity.

Winner - Cath Whitehead, West Northamptonshire Council, won the Legal Professional of the Year Award for establishing an in-house legal team, leading in a judicial review case related to land sale, and embedding well-being, equity, diversity, inclusion, and learning and development initiatives. 

Highly Commended - Alison Freeth, Warwickshire County Council, was recognised for her contribution to Bristol University's 'Discharge of Care Orders' study, work on the accelerated procedure for discharging care orders, and promoting careers within local government.

Doreen Forrester-Brown received the award for her lifetime commitment to local government law and practice, advocating for the sector, and spearheading a governance review revolutionising LLG's future.