The Belfast law firm acting for Kneecap; an immigration KC described as a ‘once in a generation barrister’; and a legal exec making her mark representing category-A prisoners were honoured at last week’s LALY awards.

Photo: Richard Gray

Belfast-based Phoenix Law were named as winners of the 2025 LALY award for Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-profit Agency at a sold-out ceremony in central London on 4 July 2025, organised by Legal Aid Practitioners Group.

The firm was founded just seven years ago by Darragh Mackin, who won the LALY Newcomer award in 2016. As well as representing a member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap, who is facing terrorism charges, the firm is known for its public law and inquiry work, playing a key role in last year’s case of Dillon, which overturned the UK government’s attempts to end all Troubles-related litigation and investigations.

Stephanie Harrison KC received the top award of the evening for Outstanding Achievement, and is known for her immigration work, particularly in relation to children and immigration detention. LALY judges praised the Garden Court Chambers’ barrister’s ‘incredible ability to spot what is morally wrong about the conduct of the State and turn that into a litigation strategy that will bring wider social change’. On receiving the award and praising the work of her colleagues, Harrison noted:

‘This award is not so much a reflection of my achievements and more a damning indictment of Home Office Policy and practice on asylum’.

Yasmin Karabasic was named Legal Aid Newcomer of the Year for her work representing prisoners, including those held in the highest security conditions. The mother of one of her young clients said: ‘Yasmin is the only lawyer who made the effort to really get to know my son, as opposed to just reading what is in his file’.

Opening proceedings, LAPG co-chair Jenny Beck KC (Hon) likened the security failures that led to the Legal Aid Agency’s May data breach to the Post Office IT scandal, and criticised its ‘apparent lack of any contingency plan’. She added:

Photo: Richard Gray

‘Every legal aid provider in the country continues to be affected. None of us has been able to submit a bill since May. Some of us have been having agonising conversations with our banks, to ensure we can pay salaries and keep the lights on. Chaos is not too strong a word.’

For further information and photos, contact LAPG CEO, Chris Minnoch: chris.minnoch@lapg.co.uk

Full list of winners, below:

  1. Legal Aid Newcomer – Yasmin Karabasic – SL5 Legal
  2. Legal Aid Support Staffer/Support Team – Kuda Tayengwa – Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit
  3. Immigration & Asylum – Laura Smith – Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants
  4. Family Legal Aid inc Children’s Rights – Beverley Watkins – Watkins Solicitors
  5. Criminal Defence – Manisha Knights – MK Law
  6. Legal Aid Barrister – Justin Ageros – 4PB
  7. Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-Profit Agency – Phoenix Law
  8. Social Welfare Law – Rachel Hogan – Children’s Law Centre, Northern Ireland
  9. Public Law – Shaun Livingston – TV Edwards
  10. Outstanding Achievement – Stephanie Harrison KC – Garden Court Chambers

Sponsors/supporters:

  • 39 Essex Chambers
  • Accesspoint Legal
  • Communicourt
  • DG Legal
  • Doughty Street Chambers
  • Friends of LALY24
  • Leigh Day
  • Matrix Chambers
  • Miles & Partners
  • One Pump Court
  • Resolution
  • The Bar Council
  • The Law Society
  • The Legal Education Foundation
  • Garden Court Chambers
  • Media partner – Legal Action Group