News

26 September 2008

Winners of Yorkshire Lawyer Awards 2008 Announced

Some of the region's most talented legal professionals were last night (Thursday 25th September) applauded by their peers when the winners of the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards 2008 were announced.

Organised by Barker Brooks, the glittering black tie ceremony at Rudding Park was hosted by ITV's Gaynor Barnes and attended by over 300 lawyers from throughout the region. Neil McLean of DLA Piper was named Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year 2008. Presenting him with his award was Rebecca Lander, Financial Consultant, and Gareth Roberts, Area Manager of headline sponsors, Wesleyan for Lawyers.

Neil McLean* was chosen in recognition of almost thirty years' service to the legal profession. The judges said that he is considered to be one of the North's leading Real Estate lawyers, and has been involved in development and regeneration projects that have significantly transformed the appearance, and very nature, of cities across Yorkshire.

Now in their eighth year, for the first time the ceremony included the Presidents' Award, a new category chosen by Peter McCormick and Jeremy Shulman, co-Presidents of the Awards and two of the region's most eminent lawyers. The inaugural award was presented to Robert Heslett**, Beachcroft LLP and Vice President of the Law Society.

Other winners were: Switalski's Solicitors (Law Firm 1-30 Partners); Pinsent Masons (Law Firm 31+ Partners); Ridley and Hall Solicitors (Specialist Law Firm); Chris Caulfield of Hammonds LLP (Rising Star Award); Julia Rangecroft of McCormicks & Co (Private Client Award); Jonathan Procter of DLA Piper (Corporate Finance Award); Real Estate Team, Shulmans (Real Estate Award); Contentious Team, Leeds, of Addleshaw Goddard (Dispute Resolution Award); and the Manuel Bravo Project (Enterprise Award).

The judging panel comprised of co-Presidents of the Awards, Jeremy Shulman of Shulmans Solicitors and Peter McCormick, OBE, of McCormicks Solicitors, who chaired the judges; Ian McCombie of HLW McCombie; Matthew Wrigley of Wrigleys; Jay Bhayani of Watson Esam; Kevin Poulter of Walker Morris; David Barraclough of Shulmans and President of the Leeds Law Society; Andy Kay of Langleys; and Rob Penrose of Andrew Jackson.

The awards are organised by Barker Brooks Media and supported by the Leeds Law Society, in association with the headline sponsor, Wesleyan for Lawyers. Other sponsors included Intaforensics; PSG; Henderson Insurance Brokers; Data Genetics International; Conveyancing Liability Solutions; SearchFlow; Fraser & Fraser; Olympus; QC Legal; and Oyezstraker Group.

As well as honouring hard work and talent in the Yorkshire legal profession, the awards again raised money for local charity, the Macmillan Dales Unit at Harrogate District Hospital.

The 2008 winners are:

Law Firm 1-30 Partners - Switalski's Solicitors (offices in Wakefield, Bradford, Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and Dewsbury)
Law Firm 31+ Partners Pinsent Masons (Leeds)
Specialist Law Firm - Ridley and Hall Solicitors (Huddersfield)
Rising Star Award - Chris Caulfield of Hammonds LLP (Leeds)
Private Client Award - Julia Rangecroft of McCormicks & Co (Harrogate)
Corporate Finance Award - Jonathan Procter of DLA Piper (Leeds)
Real Estate Award - Real Estate Team, Shulmans (Leeds)
Dispute Resolution Award - Contentious Team, Leeds, of Addleshaw Goddard (Leeds)
Enterprise Award - Manuel Bravo Project
Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year - Neil McLean of DLA Piper
Presidents' Award - Robert Heslett, Beachcroft LLP and Vice President of the Law Society

For further information, please contact Susan Reid or Jane Burgess at Barker Brooks PR, telephone 01423 851150 or email

susan.reid@barkerbrooks.co.uk or jane.burgess@barkerbrooks.co.uk

Editor's Notes - Biog Details *Neil McLean, Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year 2008
Neil McLean of DLA Piper LLP has spent all but a few years of his life in Leeds. He grew up here, studied here, and has practised in the city for almost 30 years. He has extensive experience in property and development work. Neil has been head of the Real Estate group in Leeds since 1993 and was national head of the group for three years before becoming Office Managing Partner in Leeds. As Managing Partner of DLA Piper's Leeds office, he has initiated his firm's involvement in organisations such as Leeds Cares and Right to Read as part of the firm's very comprehensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme. Neil is a central figure in the Yorkshire legal community, and a man committed to bridging the social, economic and skills gaps in the region.

**Robert Heslett, Winner of the Presidents' Award 2008
Robert Heslett has represented the constituency of Leeds on the Law Society's Council since 2001. He is a partner with Beachcroft LLP having served as Managing Partner from 1999-2005, and before that as Senior and Managing Partner of Wansbroughs Willey Hargrave, 1989-99. His legal specialisms cover transport licensing and negligence of professionals. From 1999, Robert has led the continuing development of Beachcroft, contributing to its current recognition as one of the UK's leading legal firms. He was also Chairman of the Yorkshire Region Duty Solicitor scheme 1983-86; President of the Leeds Law Society 1988-89; and Deputy Stipendiary magistrate for Hull 1988-93. Robert became vice-president of the Law Society in July 2008.