Awards
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.” – Aristotle
Recognition
Awards
Categories for 2026 nominations
The categories for 2026 will be determined later in the year / early 2026.
2025 Nomination Categories
The Rising Star Award - Junior Lawyer / Junior Barrister
These awards honour a junior lawyer and barrister of under 5 years PQE who have demonstrated outstanding dedication, skill and contribution to their firm, colleagues or the wider legal community.
The Excellence in Leadership Award – Senior Lawyer / Senior Barrister
These awards honour a senior lawyer and barrister with 5 years PQE or more who have made a significant and lasting impact on their firm, colleagues and the wider legal community.
The Pillar of Justice Award
This award honours an outstanding support staff member or legal clerk whose dedication, hard work and behind the scenes contribution serve as the backbone of the legal profession.
The Legal Hero Award
This award honours an exceptional lawyer or legal professional who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, ethics and the betterment of the legal community.
The Legal Sunshine Award
This award honours a lawyer or legal professional who brings positivity, joy and warmth to the workplace with their kindness, humour and unwavering support
2025 Award winners
Chantal Cohen – The Rising Star Award
Erin Cronje accepting Professor Nyombi’s Presidents Award
Award Winners Group Photo
Magdalena Cass – The Rising Star Award
Mel Stooks – Legal Hero Award
Michaela Cliffords – The Legal Sunshine Award
Paul Eaton – The Pillar of Justice Award
Ryan Booth and Kate Kochnari Excellence in Leadership Award
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Get Involved?
Engaging with the Kent Law Society’s Annual Awards offers a unique opportunity to:
- Recognise the strengths of your team members
- Celebrate professional and personal achievements
- Boost morale across your organisation
- Strengthen your professional network
- Enhance your team’s profile and brand visibility
Who Can Be Nominated?
Each award category has specific eligibility criteria. Some are open to Kent Law Society Members only, while others are available to non-members as well. Please check individual category guidelines for full details.
Can I Publicise My Nomination or Win?
Absolutely! We encourage you to share the news. When posting on social media, please tag Kent Law Society so we can help celebrate and spotlight you or your team.
Who Are the Judges?
Each year, a carefully selected panel of judges is appointed. Wherever possible, we will introduce and promote them via Kent Law Society’s social media channels in advance of the awards.
Will Nominations Be Anonymised?
Yes. All nominations will be fully anonymised by the Kent Law Society team to ensure a fair and impartial judging process.
Meet the 2026 AWARD judges
No judges have been selected for 2026 as of yet.
2025 Award Judges
Nick Paterno
Nick is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, has been in public practice for the whole of his career and has extensive experience advising owner-managed businesses. As former managing partner at McBrides Accountants (previously McBrides) Nick uses the skills gained to advise solicitor’s practices on issues facing law firms.
Elizabeth Howe OBE
Elizabeth was admitted as a Solicitor in 1980 and had an extensive career with the CPS. She awarded an OBE in recognition of her service to the CPS in January 2008, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Laws in July 2015, is an Honorary Member of the Kent Law Society, an Honorary Bencher of The Honourable Law Society of the Inner Temple, a Trustee of IBA Human Rights Institute Charitable Trust and is an Ambassador for the County of Kent.
District Judge Dean Thistle
DJ Thistle initially practiced as a Solicitor and Solicitor Advocate before transferring to the Bar. He practiced as a Barrister for 11 years in civil and family law before becoming a Deputy District Judge in 2019 and then a District Judge in 2021. In October 2008 DJ Thistle earned himself the title of youngest Solicitor Advocate in the country.
Sponsors Partners
Kent Law Society is delighted to be working with these sponsor partners to deliver a number of special activities and events across the county. Each business can provide market-leading expertise and market intelligence as well as dealing with general day-to-day enquiries.
Email Kelly-Anne Grosvenor
Kent Law Society's Administration Officer for all queries.