LLG Awards 2024 - Winners and Highly Commended Announcement

LLG is incredibly proud to have hosted the LLG Awards 2024 on Friday, 7^th June 2024 at The Met Hotel in Leeds. The evening was a celebration dedicated to the exceptional achievements of our local government colleagues, and their teams.

The ceremony highlighted many innovative projects and outstanding leadership which are driving positive changes and improving services across our local authorities. We were inspired by the remarkable stories of perseverance and creativity, and showcasing the incredible impact that dedicated local government lawyers can have.

This year, LLG Awards celebrated five categories and a highly commended and winner within each category.

 

 

Excellence in Training Award

Winner

Warwickshire County Council won for their diverse approach to encouraging all entrance routes into the profession, financial investment in growing the profession, development program to encourage succession, and work around equalities and social mobility. Congratulations!

Highly Commended

Gloucestershire County Council was recognised for their Children’s Safeguarding Development Programme and creating a diverse and accessible route into the legal profession. Congratulations!

 

 

Junior Lawyer of the Year Award

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. Congratulations Samuel! We wish we could have celebrated with you in-person, but your winning trophy will be with you soon!

 

 

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. Congratulations!

 

 

Legal Team of the Year Award

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. Congratulations!

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. Congratulations!

 

 

Legal Professional of the Year Award

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. Congratulations!

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. Congratulations!

 

 

Significant Contribution to Local Government and Practice Award

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. Congratulations!

 

Congratulations! Your achievements inspire us all to continue striving for the highest standards in local government. Thank you for your outstanding contributions, and may your passion and leadership continue to drive positive change in the years to come.