150th Cambridgeshire Law Society awards provide showcase of talent
Cambridgeshire Law Society (CLS) held its flagship annual gala dinner and Legal Excellence Awards on Friday (April 22) at King’s College.
This year, the event was extra-special as it coincided with celebrations for CLS’ 150th anniversary – and the event was in-person for the first time in two years.
More than 200 guests attended the dinner to celebrate legal excellence in Cambridgeshire, including the guest of honour, Simon Davis, former president of the Law Society of England and Wales, who presented the awards.
Michael Frape, president of CLS, hosted the event, which included a raffle in aid of the charity LawWorks.
A special mention went to Colin Jones of HCR Hewitsons LLP, who was presented with one of the most prestigious awards of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chair of the judging panel, Ian Mather (Cambridge United CEO and a solicitor who practised in Cambridge for 36 years) said: “This year we had large numbers of nominations for the awards and there were many possible winners in a number of categories. It speaks volumes about the high level of legal services that are available across Cambridgeshire.”
‘Given what we have all endured over the last two years, it was a hugely special occasion for all involved’ - Michael Frape, president of Cambridgeshire Law Society
Appleyard Lees, the Cambridge-based intellectual property law firm, was delighted to have been ‘highly commended’ in the ‘IP Team of the Year’ award category.
Patent attorney and senior associate Parminder Lally also had individual success and received the ‘Rising Star of the Year’ award – the second year in a row this accolade has been awarded to someone at Appleyard Lees.
Appleyard Lees managing partner David Clark said: “Congratulations to our Cambridge team on their success at this year’s awards. The team have established themselves as key players in the region, and this recognition demonstrates the excellent service they provide.”
Parminder said: “Of course, I wouldn’t be a ‘rising star’ if it weren’t for all the people who have helped me along the way. Thank you to the many supportive and encouraging people at Appleyard Lees, especially my colleagues in Cambridge; also, to Julia Gwilt, who trained me, and continues to mentor and guide me.”
This is the second time that the Rising Star award has been won by a lawyer at Appleyard Lees: Appleyard Lees partner and solicitor, Chris Hoole, received the award in 2021.
Michael Frape, president of CLS, said in conclusion: “We were delighted to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of CLS in person by holding our annual dinner and Legal Excellence Awards at King’s College, Cambridge.
“Given what we have all endured over the last two years, it was a hugely special occasion for all involved.
“I am particularly grateful to all our generous sponsors and all those who applied for an award.”
The CLS Legal Excellence Awards 2022 winners in full
- Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Badenoch and Clark – Colin Jones, HCR Hewitsons LLP
- Intellectual Property/IT Team of the Year, sponsored by AstraZeneca UK Ltd – JA Kemp LLP
- Private Client Services Team of the Year, sponsored by Barclays – HCR Hewitsons LLP
- In House Team of the Year, sponsored by Appleyard Lees IP LLP – AstraZeneca UK
- Business Law Team of the Year, sponsored by FRP – HCR Hewitsons LLP
- Property Team of the Year, sponsored by Handelsbanken – Birketts LLP
- Injury Litigation Team of the Year, sponsored by Fenners Chambers – Irwin Mitchell LLP
- Dispute Resolution Team of the Year, sponsored by Temple Legal Protection – Howes Percival LLP
- Employment Team of the Year – Howes Percival LLP
- Law Firm of the Year, sponsored by Errington Legal – Irwin Mitchell LLP
- Outstanding Support Staff Member – Christine Baer, University of Cambridge
- Trainee Lawyer of the Year, sponsored by Geodesys – Jessica Dent, Shelley & Co
- Rising Star of the Year, sponsored by Peppermint Technology – Parminder Lally, Appleyard Lees IP LLP
- Senior Lawyer of the Year, sponsored by Quiss – Michael Green, Howes Percival LLP
Congratulations to all who took part.
