Regional Legal Aid Firm of 2022 at the LALYs!

‘A Team of Fabulous Women!’ and ‘Leicester Legal Aid Legends’: Johnson Astills declared the Regional Legal Aid Firm of 2022 at the LALYs!

What are the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards (LALYS)?

On Tuesday 12 July 2022, the annual Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards (LALYS) took place. The LALYS celebrate the work of legal aid lawyers throughout the country. The ceremony which celebrated its 20th year, took place in person for the first time since 2019.

Johnson Astills won Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year 2022 – Best Regional Firm

Johnson Astills is a firm with a strong emphasis on legally aided work. Johnson Astills were one of three firms shortlisted for the category of Regional Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-profit Agency. The other firms were based in Newcastle and Manchester so Johnson Astills were delighted to win the award and bring it home to Leicester.

Who Presented the LALYS 2022?

The awards were presented by distinguished lawyer and campaigner for civil liberties Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, who described Johnson Astills as ‘a team of fabulous women’, celebrating its all-female management team.

What is the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG)?

The LALYs are championed by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG), which represents legal aid practitioners in England and Wales. They believe that access to justice is a fundamental right and as such campaign for a fair, comprehensive and accessible legal aid scheme.

Our Managing Director, Helen Johnson, is a member of the LAPG advisory board. LAPG works with representative bodies to raise awareness of the importance of legal aid which has been constantly eroded by cuts for the past 20 years.

The LALYS are therefore an opportunity to celebrate the valuable service performed by practitioners working in the sector. Emma Stanbanks, Director at Johnson Astills said: “We are honoured to be amongst the award winners who represent the brightest and the best of the legal aid community.”

Johnson Astills are proud to offer legal aid for criminal defence, childcare, family and domestic abuse matters, serving our local communities in Leicester and Loughborough.  Johnson Astills also provide legal advice and representation in the areas of Property, Wills & Probate and Dispute Resolution.

For further information please contact us at legal@johnsonastills.com or telephone 0116 255 4855