The Court has successfully helped many parents overcome their addictions and keep their families together. Where this is not possible, the Court speeds up the care process so that children can be found alternative homes.

Garden Court Chambers’ Marc Willers won the Barrister award for his legal aid work with gypsies and travellers. The judges praised his campaigning work for legal reform, which has included challenging the decision of the Legal Services Commission over the awarding of legal aid contracts to solicitors.

Doughty Street’s Steve Broach won the Young Legal Aid Barrister award for his work with disabled children and adults and children who have been excluded from school.

Broach said: “At a time when legal aid is under threat, the Lalys say everything about why we should be proud to be legal aid lawyers.”
Doreen Lawrence, campaigner and director of the Stephen Lawrence Trust, presented the awards. The Lalys are now in their ninth year.