Congratulations to Our 2026 LLG Awards Winners

The 2026 LLG Awards brought together colleagues from across England and Wales for a night of celebration, recognition, and sector pride — and what a fantastic evening it was. From inspiring speeches to well‑deserved applause, the ceremony showcased the exceptional talent, dedication, and leadership that define local government legal practice.

This year’s finalists and winners demonstrated the very best of our profession: innovation, resilience, collaboration, and a deep commitment to public service. Whether developing future talent, delivering complex legal work, or driving meaningful change within their organisations, each nominee contributed something remarkable.

Below, we proudly celebrate the winners of each category:

Excellence in Training: Invicta Law

Junior Lawyer of the Year: Jessica Unsworth – Stockport Metropolitan Council

Legal Team of the Year: Litigation Team, Wolverhampton City Council

Legal Professional of the Year: Andrew Perriman of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council AND Anthea Lowe of Telford & Wrekin Council

Significant Contribution to Local Government Law & Practice: Helen Edwards of West Midlands Combined Authority

Suki Binjal Rising Star: Ifan Aslam of Stockport Borough Council

We also extend our warmest congratulations to those who were awarded Highly Commended and Commended across the categories. The strength of this year’s entries was exceptional, and the judging panels were unanimous in recognising the calibre and impact of the work being delivered across the sector.

Excellence in Training: Highly Commended: One Legal

Junior Lawyer of the Year: Highly Commended: Faye Cross of Forest of Dean

Legal Team of the Year: Highly Commended: Young People Legal Team - Warwickshire County Council AND Shared Legal Service for Cotswolds, West Oxfordshire, Forest of Dean

Legal Professional of the Year: Commended: Sophie Scullion of Warwickshire County Council

Significant Contribution to Local Government Law & Practice: Highly Commended: Andrea Lee of Bridgend County Borough Council

Suki Binjal Rising Star: Highly Commended: Nurainatta Katevu of South Cambridgeshire District Council

The evening was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, whose commitment to the profession helps us shine a spotlight on excellence across local government law. We are grateful for their continued partnership.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who entered, nominated, judged, supported, or attended. The LLG Awards are a celebration of our community - a community that continues to raise standards, champion public service, and deliver outstanding work for the benefit of residents and local authorities nationwide.

Congratulations once again to all our winners and runners‑up. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing the impact you continue to make in the year ahead.