Withy King solicitor makes Legal Aid Awards shortlist

Swindon-based family lawyer Rebecca Stevens, who was praised by the President of the Family Law Division after doing more than 100 hours unpaid work for a father who didn’t qualify for legal aid funding, has been named a finalist in the prestigious Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards run by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group.

Rebecca Stevens of Withy King, is a finalist in the Family LALY Award category. In 2014, an adoption case she was working on made national headlines, because the father, who has learning difficulties, did not qualify for legal aid.

Rebecca was praised by Sir James Munby for having shown ‘devotion…far above and beyond the call of duty’ for acting for him unpaid to ensure his interests were protected.

“I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for this award alongside such worthy family lawyers,” said Rebecca.

“Times are changing for law firms and cuts to legal aid have had a devastating impact on the most vulnerable members of society. Being a viable business while continuing to offer legal aid is becoming increasingly difficult for most firms.

“I am very privileged to work with a team who are dedicated to undertaking legal aid work to help others and to work for a firm which is committed to upholding the traditional morals and ethics of the legal profession. Being a legal aid lawyer is not a job. It is a vocation and I am proud to work for a firm which values this.”

Now in their 13th year, the LALYs are organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on July 1.

Rebecca Stevens has also been named a finalist in the Ethical Initiative of the Year category at the Lawyer Awards 2015 which is taking place on June 23.