Victoria Jones wins best Family lawyer at Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2023!
The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 'the LALYs' are organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group on a not for profit basis.
The awards are in their 21st year and are the only awards to celebrate grassroots lawyers who do publicly-funded work. This year's winners were announced by Baroness Helena Kennedy KC and Channel 4’s Symeon Brown presented the ceremony.
Having gone through the rigorous selection process, Victoria Jones, Director and Head of Family Law at RLE was delighted to be announced as the winner of the coveted Family Lawyer award.
The award is a testament to Victoria’s commitment to family legal aid work, which spans 18 years, and recognised her work with local domestic abuse organisations as well as Pontypridd Children’s Contact Centre. A number of clients offered testimonials and references in support of Victoria's submission, in addition to senior barristers who commended her professionalism, expertise and above all else, commitment to her clients.
Victoria stated 'I was humbled and honoured to be part of such a special evening. Listening to the experiences and achievements of my fellow finalists was truly inspirational. With the cost of living crisis we are currently facing, legal aid is more crucial now that ever in enabling some of the most vulnerable members of society to obtain access to justice. When my name was called as the winner in my category it was one of the highlights of my career and a moment I will treasure forever. As I stated in my acceptance speech, what motivates me to continue to do the best I can are my clients and this award is also for them.'
Victoria was nominated by the firm's Managing Director, Emma Hardwidge who commented that 'I have witnessed Victoria tirelessly help her clients, going over and above to achieve the best possible outcome in often very challenging and complex situations. Victoria has a pragmatic and compassionate approach which clients respond to positively, making very difficult situations a little easier for clients to manoeuvre. Victoria is truly deserving of this award'.
Victoria was the only Welsh winner at the ceremony which makes the accolade even sweeter.
RLE Law is extremely proud of Victoria for winning such a prestigious, national award, the judging panel of which consisted of some of the most eminent individuals in the UK legal sector.