Mary Richardson a LALY finalist

The Legal Aid Practitioners’ Group (LAPG) has announced the finalists for the 2025 LALY awards.

We are delighted that our very own Mary Richardson is among the finalists in the Family Legal Aid category. Mary is a specialist children law solicitor specialising in local authority care proceedings and other public law matters. She advises and represents parents and family members at all levels of the family court, including the Court of Appeal and the High Court of the Family Division. She has advised on some groundbreaking cases particularly involving contested evidence of a medical or scientific nature and representing parents accused of Fabricated or Induced Illness.

Kate Hammond, Miles & Partners’ Joint Managing Partner comments:

“Mary’s shortlisting is testament to her dedication to her clients and her unwavering commitment to justice—particularly in the most complex and sensitive care proceedings. Mary is an outstanding solicitor and a much-valued member of our team.”

The LALYs, now into their 23rd year, are a unique celebration of the work of those on the social justice frontline across nine categories. Miles & Partners is a proud sponsor.

LAPG CEO Chris Minnoch says:

“Reading about the achievements of this year’s finalists really tells you everything you need to know about the breadth, depth and importance of the work done by those on the legal aid frontline. And they do so despite the considerable barriers presented by the legal aid scheme, such as low fees and the recent data breach impacting on all areas of legal aid work. Their nominations are a testament to the professionalism, resilience and expertise, not just to them, but of the entire social justice sector. We at LAPG send our warmest congratulations to everyone shortlisted.”

The winners, including the LALY award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a central London ceremony on 4 July.

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.