A council legal team in Cumbria has been shortlisted for a top award.
The team at South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) has been shortlisted in the Law Society Awards 2021, the highest accolade for law firms in England and Wales.
SLDC’s legal, governance and democratic services team has made the shortlist for the In-house Team of the Year category. Also shortlisted for this award are the Department of Health and Social Care, Fnatic Ltd, Howden Joinery Group Plc, Leeds City Council, Liberis, Loughborough University, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, NWSSP Legal & Risk Services, and Working Families. Teams are required to exhibit a unique blend of legal and other skills such as leadership or innovation.
Linda Fisher, SLDC’s legal, governance and democracy lead specialist, said: “Our team has worked hard during the challenging COVID-19 period, ensuring the council supported our local communities and businesses, delivering and implementing emergency executive and non-executive decision-making processes at speed and delivering virtual cabinet, council and committee meetings to enable council business to continue.
“Serving our communities and businesses in South Lakeland is at the heart of everything we do. Whilst dealing with the resulting personal and family pressures that the pandemic brought with it, the team supported each other to strive to achieve our values and made a meaningful contribution towards making South Lakeland the best place to live, work and (lockdowns permitting) explore.”
The President of the Law Society of England and Wales, I. Stephanie Boyce, said: “Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted. After an extraordinary year, it has never been more important to celebrate the outstanding work of our profession.
“Solicitors play a vital role in times of crisis as people turn to trusted professionals to explain the law, advise them on their rights and their obligations, and give them some sense of certainty.
“As the country emerges from the pandemic, solicitors will be there every step of the way to help people and businesses get back on their feet and ensure access to justice and the rule of law.”
The Law Society of England and Wales is the independent professional body for solicitors. Winners of the Law Society Awards 2021 will be announced in an online ceremony on October 7.
