Rebecca Stevens, the Swindon-based Withy King lawyer who has gained national attention for her pro bono work and her criticism of the Government’s cuts to Legal Aid, is in the running for another legal award.
Rebecca, pictured below, has been shortlisted in the Bristol Law Society’s annual legal awards, which recognise the brightest and best legal talent working in the region. She is competing against two other nominees for the Pro Bono Individual of the Year Award.
Rebecca, a member of Withy King’s family team, has particular expertise in dealing with complex cases involving children. She has already been recognised nationally for her role in helping to support a father with learning difficulties in his battle to prevent his young son from being adopted, without Legal Aid or any other means to pay for his defence.
She said: “It’s an honour to make the shortlist and to have another opportunity to raise awareness of the devastating impact that Legal Aid cuts are having, particularly on the most vulnerable members of our society who I believe we have a duty to protect and support.”
Earlier this year Rebecca made it into The Lawyer’s Hot 100 for 2015 – the most junior person to appear on the prestigious table – where she rubbed shoulders with the high-profile solicitors, barristers and legal counsel.
The Bristol Law Society awards will be presented at its annual dinner at the Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bristol, on the October 15. The BBC’s legal correspondent Clive Coleman will act as master of ceremonies.
Bristol Law Society president Michael Gupwell said: “Thank you to everyone who nominated in this years’ process and our particular congratulations to everyone who received a nomination. The nominations really are testament to the great legal work that is undertaken by both firms and individuals across the region. The judging panel had the unenviable task of shortlisting from the many nominations received, nominations which show the amazing work done the length and breadth of our region.”
