Leigh Day employees shortlisted for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards 2024

Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) announced the shortlist on Monday 20 May, including 11 award categories such as Public Law, Social Welfare Law, and Housing Law. The winners of the awards will be announced on Friday 5 July 2024 at a ceremony in central London.  

Human rights solicitor John Crowley has been shortlisted for Legal Aid Newcomer, recognising his work in assisting migrants in a range of claims. John recently represented asylum seekers in a case which found that Suella Braverman unlawfully withheld payments for healthy food for children and pregnant women.  

John also represented a victim of trafficking in a case which successfully argued that the victim should be moved out of a detention centre and into safe accommodation. 

Silvana Velez has been shortlisted for Legal Aid Support Staffer/Support Team to recognise her work as a human rights team coordinator. Silvana works with Anna Moore and Merry Varney’s teams at Leigh Day to provide support on their cases.

Last year, human rights solicitors Nath Gbikpi and Stephanie Hill were announced as finalists for the Immigration and Asylum Law and the Public Law category respectively. Leigh Day also won the Outstanding Achievement Award for its support to the family of Molly Russell.

John Crowley said:  

“I am grateful that our team’s dedication has been recognised at this year’s awards. Legal aid is crucial in allowing us to achieve justice for such vulnerable people.”