Leicestershires legal professionals celebrated at annual Law Society Awards

The crème de la crème of the county’s legal professionals were recognised for their ongoing contributions to business and the community at the recent Leicestershire Law Society Legal Awards.

‘Solicitor of the Year’ was awarded to the University’s Governing Council member Mehmooda Duke.

Mehmooda set up her own claimant firm Moosa – Duke Solicitors in 2003, representing victims of clinical negligence. Building up a practice that is now recognised as a leader in the field, she has been described in Chambers as being ‘in a league of her own.’

With the accolade of the Leicester Mercury’s Business Woman of the Year 2017 also under her belt, Mehmooda continues to give back to the business world- training seven law graduates to become solicitors and regularly mentoring young people who are keen to pursue a career in the law.

Mehmooda said: “It is a huge honour to have won this award. My aim has always been to make a difference so I am humbled to have the opportunity on a daily basis to serve my clients and the community through my work. The firm’s success is down to my incredible team. I could not do what I do without them.”

Leicester Law School graduate Fiona Harrison was the recipient of the ‘Junior Solicitor of the Year’ award.

Fiona qualified in 2015 and works at Freeths LLP. The award was recognition of her work on a contract for an industrial unit in Peterborough, and her efforts on a £16m refinancing transaction.

She is also a member of the INITIATE group at the Leicester branch of Freeths LLP, which sees her building contacts with other junior solicitors in the region.

Helping young legal professionals to develop, Fiona supervises a legal advice clinic at our University for an afternoon every fortnight. She provides support by overseeing advice provided by students and answering any questions students may have in relation to the research they have carried out on the topic they are advising on.

Fiona said: “I was delighted to be nominated but to win and be recognised for my career to date was absolutely amazing. Freeths is a great place to work and this demonstrates that there is a supportive working environment which is conductive to learning and development.”

The Awards highlight key legal individuals and firms in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who stand out as ambassadors for the industry. They have become a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar, with the event attracting a capacity crowd year-on-year to celebrate the success and achievement of both individuals and firms over the last 12 months.