Nominations close on 22 April 2025

Winners in 10 award categories (see below) will be announced at central London ceremony on 4 July.

Legal Aid Practitioners Group is proud to launch the 23rd LALY awards in celebration of the life-changing work of social justice lawyers.

LAPG CEO Chris Minnoch says:

‘For more than two decades the LALYs have been a unique and whole-hearted celebration of the work of legal aid lawyers. Their annual launch always brings a bit of sunshine to the month of February, which any of us who follow the news can certainly do with this year. If you want to show your admiration for the lawyers who make maintaining the rule of law and access to justice a reality for thousands and thousands of people, there is no finer way to do that than by nominating them for a LALY award. Our award categories encompass every area of legal aid work, and ensure that we are able to recognise solicitors and barristers, but also the case workers, paralegals, trainees, and support staff who also form part of the social justice frontline.’

LALY25 award categories

  • Legal Aid Newcomer (sponsor – Friends of LALY25 – see below)
  • Legal Aid Support Staffer/Support Team (sponsor – Accesspoint Legal)
  • Family Legal Aid, including Children’s Rights (sponsor – Resolution)
  • Criminal Defence (sponsor – Communicourt)
  • Legal Aid Barrister (sponsor – The Bar Council)
  • Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-Profit Agency (sponsor – The Law Society)
  • Immigration and Asylum Law (sponsor – Garden Court Chambers)
  • Social Welfare Law (sponsor – Doughty Street Chambers)
  • Public Law (sponsor – One Pump Court)
  • Outstanding Achievement* (sponsor – Matrix Chambers)

* We do not accept nominations for this award

The LALY awards are non-profit-making and would not be possible without our generous sponsors and supporters.

Media partner: Legal Action Group
Our other very generous sponsors and supporters: The Legal Education Foundation; Leigh Day; Miles and Partners; DG Legal.

Donate to become an official Friend of LALY25

Once again, we are crowdfunding for sponsorship of our Legal Aid Newcomer award, which celebrates the solicitors, barristers, paralegals and caseworkers who are the future of this profession. Donations are from £10, and all money will go towards keeping ticket prices affordable so we can encourage the widest possible attendance at the ceremony. The names of donors will be included as Friends of LALY25 in our ceremony programme, shown on stage on the night, and feature on social media in the run up to the July event.

To make a nomination
http://lapg.co.uk/laly-nomination

Awards criteria and guidance
http://lapg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/LALY25-Guidance-Notes.pdf

LALY25 flyer
http://lapg.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/LALY-Awards_2025-Flyer_Digital.pdf

To book tickets for the 4 July ceremony
http://lapg.co.uk/laly-tickets

To donate to become a Friend of LALY25 and help sponsor our Legal Aid Newcomer award
http://lapg.co.uk/laly-crowdfunding

For further information, contact:
LAPG CEO Chris Minnoch: chris.minnoch@lapg.co.uk
LALY founder and co-organiser Fiona Bawdon: fiona.bawdon@gmail.com

#LALY25 @LALYawards @lalyawards.bskysocial