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Charlotte Smith, Junior Lawyer of the Year 2025
City of Wolverhampton, Legal Team of the Year 2025
Peter Endall, Significant Contribution to Local Government and Practice 2025
With just one week to go until entries close for this year’s LLG Awards, now is the time to take that step, back yourself, and showcase the work that’s shaping local government across the country. Every year, these Awards shine a spotlight on the people and teams whose dedication, creativity and resilience keep our communities moving forward. And if there’s one message our past winners want you to hear, it’s this: don’t leave it to the last minute — your work deserves to be recognised.
As the countdown begins, we’re celebrating the voices of those who’ve stood on the LLG stage before you. Their stories show exactly why entering matters — not just for the accolade, but for the confidence, connection and long‑term impact that follow.
🌟 “Awards like this help you realise your efforts weren’t wasted.”
Peter Endall, Significant Contribution to Local Government 2025, Warwickshire County Council
For Peter, winning was more than a trophy — it was a moment of clarity in a demanding profession.
“Getting endorsement from colleagues did give me a sense of achievement. Sometimes while you’re dealing with the daily grind you might catch yourself wondering if it’s all worthwhile, but awards like this help you realise your efforts weren’t wasted.”
Peter’s work on public‑facing infrastructure — rail stations, schools, roads — has shaped the communities he serves. Having that recognised publicly was a powerful reminder of the difference local government professionals make every day.
His advice to anyone hesitating?
“Well worth having a bash. Even if you don’t win, the ceremony is a valuable social networking opportunity.”
🌟 “It reflects the hard work of everyone within Legal Services.”
Legal Team of the Year 2025, Commercial Property, City of Wolverhampton
For Wolverhampton’s Commercial Property team, the Award was a celebration of collective excellence — not just one project or one person.
“We were absolutely delighted… One of our key aims was to ensure that every member of the team received the recognition they deserved.”
They were especially proud that the judges recognised how their legal work aligns with the Council’s wider vision and their commitment to community engagement, including the Growing Our Own initiative.
“To see this recognised (especially as many of the team started their careers with the Council as work experience students, apprentices and paralegals) is fantastic.”
And the impact didn’t stop at the ceremony.
“We have continued to grow our own and to focus even harder on championing our achievements… We recently organised a quiz with lots of friendly banter and competition, which brought us further together.”
Their message to this year’s potential entrants?
“Anyone interested should apply – the application process is rigorous and really challenges applicants to bring out their best. It is absolutely worth it in the end.”
🌟 “Winning the award meant everything to me.”
Charlotte Smith, Junior Lawyer of the Year 2025, North West Leicestershire District Council
Charlotte’s story is a reminder of how transformative recognition can be early in your career.
“As a junior lawyer it is common to have doubts about your ability… so to read the nomination and all the positive testimonials was really uplifting and gave me a massive boost.”
Her nomination highlighted major contributions, including creating the Council’s digital equality impact assessment form and implementing a new case management system — projects that pushed her out of her comfort zone and accelerated her development.
“The level of detail that went into my nomination and the amount of positive feedback from clients really hit home for me.”
Winning didn’t just validate her work — it fuelled her next steps.
“It boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue developing my skills… I have also just passed my SQE2 exams and been admitted to the roll of solicitors, and winning this award definitely provided me with the boost I needed.”
Her advice to other junior lawyers?
“Go for it – don’t underestimate your achievements and take the chance to celebrate your progress!”
With the deadline fast approaching, this is the moment to pull your entry together.
Here’s why:
And remember:
Every year, we hear from brilliant professionals who say they wish they’d submitted an entry but ran out of time. Don’t let the deadline sneak up on you.
Your Work Deserves to Be Seen — Submit Your Entry Before It’s Too Late
Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a rising star, or part of a team delivering exceptional service, the LLG Awards are your platform to celebrate the work that keeps local government strong, resilient and innovative.
You have one week left. Take the step. Tell your story. Give your achievements the spotlight they deserve.
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