His work during his 40-year career has included the Orgreave miners, Guildford Four and Birmingham Six appeals, the Marchioness disaster, the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, and the Stockwell shooting.

The judges praised him for “never shying away from controversial causes or apparently unwinnable cases”.  The “Young legal aid barrister” award went to Adam Straw of Tooks Chambers, for his work representing families at inquests.  Mark Henderson, of Doughty Street, took the “Legal aid Barrister” award for his immigration work. Peter Mahy, whose European Court of Human Rights case established that it is unlawful to retain the DNA of innocent people, won “Criminal defence solicitor” of the year. Kat Craig, solicitor at Christian Khan, who specialises in actions against the police, won “Young legal aid solicitor”. Parenting workshop facilitator, David Jockelson won the “Family legal aid lawyer” award.

The “Social and Welfare Lawyer” award went to Kathy Meade from Tower Hamlets Law Centre. The “Mental health lawyer” award went to Sophy Miles, of Miles & Partners. Amie Henshall from Parker Rhodes Hickmotts won the “Immigration lawyer” award. Just for Kids/ Lawrence & Co won the award for best “Legal aid firm/not-for-profit agency” for its work in providing mentoring to young clients.