SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2025

SLS LEGAL AWARDS 2025

SHOWCASING SURREY'S LEGAL TALENT

We are delighted to share with you the shortlisted nominations for the SLS Legal Awards 2025. 

The Surrey Law Society Committee would like to extend their sincere thanks to all members who made submissions this year, we were overwhelmed by the response and had a record number of entries.

1. Law Firm of the Year

(20+ Fee Earners)

Downs Solicitors

Elite Law Solicitors

Howell-Jones LLP

Peacock & Co Solicitors

Russell-Cooke LLP

Taylor Rose

2. Law Firm of the Year

(Under 20 Fee Earners)

Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

Rosewood Solicitors

3. Lawyer of the Year

Josie Appleyard, DMH Stallard LLP

Hannah Bourke, Meadows & Co

Anandakrishnan Nair, Taylor Rose

Emma Patel, Rosewood Solicitors

Natalie Payne, Morr & Co LLP

Christopher Zahner, Morr & Co LLP

4. BUSINESS SERVICES TEAM OF THE YEAR

Elite Law Solicitors

Peacock & Co Solicitors

5. Client Experience Award

Downs Solicitors

Helen Smith Immigration

Rosewood Solicitors

Russell-Cooke LLP

6. EMPLOYER of the Year

DMH Stallard

GBH Law

Howell-Jones LLP

Morr & Co LLP

Rosewood Solicitors

7. EMPLOYMENT LAW TEAM OF THE YEAR

Knights Professional Services

Morr & Co LLP

8. FAMILY Law Team of the Year

Dutton Gregory Solicitors

Howell-Jones LLP

KGW Family Law

Pearson Hards LLP

Surrey Hills Solicitors

9. JUNIOR LAWYER of the Year

Camilla Brown, Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

Nathan Chalmers, Howell-Jones LLP

Bethany Fowler, Meadows & Co

Katy Shanel, Taylor Rose

10. LEADER of the Year

Sushila Abraham, S. Abraham Solicitors

Ashley Burrow, Meadows & Co

Helen Goatley, Moore Barlow

Dev Jummoodoo, Rosewood Solicitors

Helen Smith, Helen Smith Immigration

11. PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM OF THE YEAR

Howell-Jones LLP

Moore Barlow (Private Wealth Disputes)

Morr & Co LLP

Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

Russell-Cooke LLP

12.  Property Law Team of the Year

Burley Geach Solicitors LLP

Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

Peacock & Co Solicitors

S. Abraham Solicitors

Taylor Rose (Wimbledon)

13. Support Team Member  of the Year

Jan Dougan, Rosewood Solicitors

Kirsty Hubbard, Nichols Marcy Dawson LLP

Daisy Shephard, Elite Law Solicitors

Pru Singer, Russell-Cooke LLP

BOOKING IS OPEN! 

We are excited to announce that booking is now open for the Surrey Law Society Legal Awards 2025, taking place at G Live in Guildford on the evening of Thursday 16th October 2025. 

Now in its latest edition, this flagship event celebrates outstanding achievement across the legal profession in Surrey, with 14 award categories recognising excellence, innovation and dedication. All shortlisted nominees will be acknowledged for their exceptional contributions over the past year. We will also be honouring one individual with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising a solicitor who has made a lasting and exceptional impact on the profession in Surrey.

The evening promises to be a truly memorable occasion, with a sparkling drinks reception, a superb three-course dinner, and entertainment throughout the night. We are especially excited to welcome our guest speaker Shaun Wallace—barrister, lecturer, and much-loved star of The Chase.

We’re pleased to offer an early bird discount on bookings made before Friday 8th August, along with a ‘Second Table’ discount to encourage firms to bring more of their team to share in the celebration.

For ticket details and booking information, please visit awards.surreylawsociety.org.uk

Or contact Elouise Enright at 

elouise.enright@surreylawsociety.org.uk

Tables are expected to sell quickly, so we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

SHAUN WALLACE

Shaun Wallace is a barrister, lecturer, and well-known television personality, best recognised as one of the iconic ‘Chasers’ on ITV’s The Chase. Known by fans as ‘The Dark Destroyer’ and ‘The Legal Eagle’, Shaun has featured on the show since its launch in 2009, impressing audiences with his broad knowledge and calm authority.

Admitted to the Bar in 1984, Shaun has enjoyed a long and distinguished legal career. He continues to practise as a member of Great James Street Chambers and regularly lectures in law, specialising in areas such as environmental law and health and safety. His dual role as a legal professional and educator has made him a compelling advocate for legal education and access to the profession.

In 2004, Shaun became the first Black winner of the BBC’s Mastermind, and has since competed on a number of other high-profile quiz shows including The Weakest Link, Celebrity Catchphrase, Countdown, and Are You an Egghead?. In 2012, he placed in the top 300 at the World Quizzing Championships, underlining his standing as one of the country’s brightest quiz minds.

Shaun is also a powerful and passionate voice for racial equality and social inclusion. He regularly speaks at events and in the media during Black History Month, sharing his lived experience to highlight the ongoing need for progress. His interviews on programmes such as Good Morning Britain and Channel 5’s Racism: My Story have resonated with millions, offering a candid perspective on racism in Britain today. He advocates for the inclusion of Black History to the curriculum on the basis of supporting greater respect of all people in the country.

From the courtroom to the classroom to the television screen, Shaun Wallace has carved out a unique and impactful career – one that continues to inform, challenge and inspire. ■