At the LALY Awards Ceremony on 1st December 2008 Tony Edwards was presented with the Award for Outstanding Achievement by Cherie Booth QC. When asked by compere John Howard what he likes most, Tony answered 'the results' and stressed that clients don't always appreciate how good the results are! He was emphatic about the quality of lawyers wanting to do legal aid work and with the energy and enthusiasm that he finds inspiring. When asked what he would most like to change in his working life he said he would like full disclosure by the prosecution - 'proper' full disclosure. Julie Burton winner of the Mental Health Lawyer Award advises clients in Wales. Her arrival had a profound impact on the quality of clinical practice in north Wales and mental health service provision. A consultant psychiatrist praised her for her tenacity in using her knowledge of the law and also ensuring that she knows details of what facilities are available to patients in the entire area. She is praised for championing the rights of the most vulnerable, powerless and disadvantaged in the community. She ensures that clients receive the services they should.

Robert Latham's boundless expertise, energy and enthusiasm led to his winning the Barrister of the Year Award. He has led the way in applying the Disability Discrimination Act to residential housing. He is a prolific writer and trainer giving his experience to many other housing lawyers and advisors. He raised his fears for clients in the current economic climate and about availability of advice.

Zarina Gani's dedication and commitment to criminal clients was praised by clients, colleagues, staff at the local court and barristers. Colleagues inspired by her wrote very movingly in support of her nomination. A client calls refers to her organisational skill and describes her as righteous, kind, polite, gracious and respectful.

Details of other winners are below.

The LALYs attracted a record number of entries this year. Finalists were selected by a panel chaired by Cherie Booth QC and judges included Polly Toynbee of the Guardian and Doreen Lawrence of the Stephen Lawrence Trust.

Quote from Carol Storer Director of LAPG. 'At last night's ceremony we heard about dedicated and enthusiastic lawyers giving their expertise and commitment to their clients. It was a very inspiring evening'.

NOTES FOR EDITORS.

1. LAPG is an independent grass roots movement, representing approximately 500 firms at the heart of the provision of publicly funded legal services. Website www.lapg.co.uk The awards are non-profit making.

2. Full list of winners:

1 Criminal Defence Lawyer sponsored by Criminal Law Solicitors Association Zarina Gani of Gani and Co Solicitors in London

2 Family Legal Aid Lawyer sponsored by Resolution Samantha Little of Russell-Cooke Solicitors in Kingston Surrey

3 Immigration Lawyer sponsored by Anglia DNA Kalvir Kaur works for the Immigration Advisory Service

4 Legal Aid Barrister sponsored by the Bar Council Robert Latham of Doughty Street Chambers

5 Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-profit Agency sponsored by Matrix Chambers Jackson and Canter in Liverpool

6 Mental Health Lawyer sponsored by Allen & Overy Julie Burton of Julie Burton Law, Gwynedd

7 Social and Welfare Lawyer sponsored by Trimega Labs Yogi Amin of Irwin Mitchell in Sheffield

8 Young Legal Aid Barrister sponsored by Irwin Mitchell Felicity Williams at 6 Kings Bench Walk.

9 Young Legal Aid Solicitor sponsored by Legal Services Commission Jo Hickman of Fisher Meredith London

The panel of judges chose Tony Edwards for the Outstanding Achievement Award, which is sponsored by DG Legal.

3. Full list of judges.

The judging panel was chaired by Cherie Booth QC. Other judges include: Roy Morgan (chair of LAPG); Mr Justice Andrew McFarlane QC; Doreen Lawrence of the Stephen Lawrence Trust; Yvonne Brown, former chair of the Black Solicitors Network; Rob Brown, former director of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association; Aika Stephenson, winner Young Legal Aid Solicitor award 2007; Fiona Bawdon, freelance legal journalist; Polly Toynbee, Guardian columnist; Michael Kennedy, winner Mental Health Lawyer of the Year 2007; Wesley Gryk, Law Society council member for immigration.

4. Sponsorship For the first time this year the Law Society is acting as overall sponsor. The media partner is Legal Action Group. LAPG is grateful to all the sponsors of the LALYs.