A solicitor from Redcar’s Cygnet Law is celebrating after being shortlisted for a prestigious national award at the English Women’s Awards, which recognises significant contributions by professional women in England.
Louise White, who joined the firm earlier this year, was nominated for the Rising Star award by a client. The judging panel take into account testimonials from colleagues, employers and clients, as well as evidence of charity work and campaigns the individual has participated in.
Louise said: “I was both surprised and humbled to have been shortlisted for an English Women’s Award. I had no idea I had even been nominated, so when I found out, I was absolutely thrilled.”
In the months since Louise joined the firm, she has been involved with a number of socially inspired campaigns, including Cygnet Law’s support of the introduction of Clare’s Law and MP Anna Turley’s condemnation of family courts that allow potentially abusive parents access to their children following a divorce.
Prior to starting at Cygnet Law, Louise volunteered as a youth offender panel member with South Tees Youth Offending Service. She dealt with a number of sensitive cases, and was able to help many young people get to a position where they did not feel they would reoffend.
Louise said: “There are so many different facets to being a solicitor – it’s not just paperwork and court cases! You have to build relationships with your clients so they can trust you and support you in doing the best job possible for them.
“As a dedicated part of the Redcar community, Cygnet Law encourages that side of the job, and allows us to help our clients as real human beings, rather than just names on a document. We know them, we care about them, and we want to get a positive outcome for them.”
Louise will find out if she has been successful at a special ceremony, held on 1 July at The Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel- England.
Peter Medd, a director and solicitor at Cygnet Law, said: “Louise is a valuable asset to Cygnet Law, and it doesn’t surprise me at all that one of her clients has taken the time to nominate her for a prestigious national award.
“I’m sure she’ll face some stiff competition, however, whether she comes home with a trophy or not, she’s a rising star in our eyes. Fantastic local talent working for local people.”