Mike takes lifetime prize at ceremony
LEADING lawyers from Manchester’s legal scene have been recognised at the Manchester Legal Awards.
The ceremony, which was hosted by John Hyde of the Law Society Gazette, a leading commentator on the legal profession, saw the best of Manchester’s legal community gather at the Midland Hotel to celebrate the sector’s achievements.
The Manchester Legal Awards principle sponsor is Interlink Recruitment with Docutech Office Solutions as reception drinks sponsor. The president’s chosen charity this year is Prevent Breast Cancer.
The sold-out event culminated with Mike Devlin picking up the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to the legal profession.
Speaking about the award, Fran Eccles-Bech, chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, said: “Mike was a clear choice for this award due to his illustrious career in the industry.
“His reputation speaks for itself and we’re pleased to give this coveted accolade to someone so worthy”.
Other individuals to pick up awards on the night were Ian Lewis of JMW Solicitors who was named Partner of the Year and Jaime Hamilton QC of Nine St John Street who was named Barrister of the Year.
Amanda Lea of DWF Law was named Solicitor of the Year and Annie Hennis of Trowers & Hamlins received the award for Trainee/Paralegal of the Year.
Irwin Mitchell was awarded Large Law Firm of the Year while Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors picked up the award for Medium Law Firm of the Year and Burton Copeland was named Small Law Firm of the Year.
Fran Eccles-Bech, chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, said: “What an evening it has been. It’s been a great chance to commend some of the hard work in the region’s legal scene. Each year we are astounded by the sheer amount of high-quality work on display and this year has been no exception.”
All entries, with the exception of Lifetime Achievement, were assessed against five criteria. Leading lights from the business community met to assess entries during the judging day.