Two trainees from leading West Midlands law firm Higgs & Sons have scooped awards.
Katie Willems, a trainee in the corporate and commercial team, was named Trainee Solicitor of the Year at the annual Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, while Iyanu Onalaja was recognised by the Society as one of the region’s outstanding students with a Bronze prize.
The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards have been showcasing the very best of the region’s legal talent since the inaugural event in 2002. They are a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar, celebrating the success and achievement of both individuals and firms over the last 12 months.
President of the Society, Eileen Schofield, said: “All of the winners, and indeed the finalists, represent the very best that Birmingham and the West Midlands’ legal sector has to offer, from trainees just starting their professional careers to experienced practitioners.
“As a sector, we should be immensely proud of both the talent we have and the quality of legal services that continue to be provided by the region’s firms and individuals.
“This year’s winners are a credit to themselves, their firms, the profession and the region.”
Nick Moxon, senior partner at Higgs & Sons, said: “Congratulations to Katie Willems who, along with fellow Higgs’ award nominees Adam Maguire and Honor Giles, all did a fantastic job of representing the firm.”
Meanwhile Iyanu Onalaja, a first year trainee at Higgs, was awarded a Bronze prize by the Birmingham Law Society.
Each year the Society offers a number of prizes to trainees who have passed the Legal Practice Course at the first attempt with either a Commendation or a Distinction. Iyanu’s Bronze award recognises the fact that her marks were the third highest of all those submitted for consideration.
Catherine Junor, Head of the Motoring & Private Criminal team where Iyanu is currently based, said: “Iyanu has worked extremely hard throughout her time at Higgs.
“Her ability and commitment levels are second to none and this award is a real testament to what she has achieved.”
Iyanu will receive a prize of £100 worth of book tokens at the Law Society’s AGM on April 28.
Higgs & Sons is based in the heart of the Black Country at the Waterfront Business Park in Brierley Hill. The growing team now boasts 100 plus specialist lawyers available to support clients in a comprehensive range of business and private sectors.
PIC CAP: Pictured with their trainee colleagues are award winners Katie Willems, third from left, and Iyanu Onalaja, sixth from left