Legal Heroes 2024 winners

Pauline is a principal lawyer, author and dedicated advocate for social justice and the Windrush community. Overcoming adversity, she pursued her law degree while balancing personal and professional commitments, qualifying aged 41. Pauline chairs the Race Equality Network, where she launched the Safe Space Clinic and played a key role in tackling the ethnicity pay gap. A tireless advocate for the Windrush community, Pauline has provided pro bono advice to over 100 victims, serves a legal adviser for Justice4Windrush and has spoken in Parliament on reparations. She authored a memoir chronicling her journey as a Black woman in the profession and addressing the importance of racial equality.

Stephen is recognised for his exceptional contributions to legal practice and social justice. With over 30 years' experience in EU competition law as a specialist partner at Flint Global, Stephen has dedicated his career to serving corporate clients and the wider public interest. He co-founded Law for Change, a transformative initiative that harnesses the power of law to address societal harms and promote social progress through strategic legal action and philanthropy. It is a beacon of hope for many, proving that legal expertise and compassion can effect real change. Stephen also founded Clean up the Internet, a campaign aimed at improving online discourse. His leadership and dedication, recognised by an OBE, make him a standout example of a Legal Hero.

Andrew is honoured for his extraordinary contributions to justice and child protection. Andrew has dedicated his career to addressing overseas abuse, securing parentage declarations and support orders, and assembling a team of pro bono lawyers to bring justice to affected children and deter future abuses. His humanitarian work includes leading disaster responses for the UN in Pakistan and reducing civilian casualties in the Balkans and Rwanda with the Red Cross International Committee. A decorated veteran, author and philanthropist, his pioneering efforts have set new standards in humanitarian law and child protection.

Kevin is recognised for his profound impact on families with special educational needs and disabilities. As a highly specialist solicitor with expertise in special educational needs and mental capacity law, Kevin has transformed legal support for countless families. He offers pro bono legal advice and workshops, making the legal process more accessible and understandable for those in need. Despite being partially sighted, Kevin's dedication remains unwavering. His understanding of the challenges faced by disabled people drives his mission to ensure justice and equality through the law. Kevin's extraordinary contributions and tireless efforts make him a true beacon of hope and a well-deserved Legal Hero.

Duncan is celebrated for his exceptional contributions in and beyond the courtroom. With over 30 years' experience as a partner at Spencer West specialising in complex litigation, Duncan's professional achievements are well-respected. However, his most notable work lies in his dedication to animal welfare. Duncan founded Save the Asian Elephants (STAE), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the endangered species. His tireless efforts in media, political lobbying and leveraging his legal expertise have led to significant progress, including the landmark Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act. It represents a pivotal step in animal protection legislation and reflects Duncan's commitment to ethical practices in animal tourism.