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19 September 2025
Issue: 8132 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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Paralegals recognised at national awards

Sophie Wells, childcare law paralegal at Reading Borough Council, has scooped Paralegal of the Year at the National Paralegal Awards, held this week in Birmingham

Wells runs her own caseload, handling care proceedings relating to issues such as neglect, criminal exploitation and mental health, and expects to qualify as a CILEX Lawyer by the end of this year. She advocates for the paralegal role, giving talks at schools and universities. 

Other winners included Pinsent Masons Vario, which took home the Centre of Excellence award. 

Jennifer Coupland, CEO of CILEX, which hosted the awards, said: ‘In every area of the legal sector, paralegals are making a powerful impact.’

Issue: 8132 / Categories: Legal News , Profession
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

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A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
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Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
The legal profession is undergoing a fundamental shift from selling services to creating technology-enabled products, according to Professor Luke Mason, Head of School of Law at Regent's University London
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