Celebrating Excellence at the National Paralegal Awards 2025

The legal profession came together last night at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham for the seventh annual National Paralegal Awards – a glittering celebration of the talent, commitment and achievements of paralegals across England and Wales.

This year’s awards saw a record number of entries, a clear sign of the growing strength, diversity and impact of the paralegal community. Across 17 categories – 14 individual and 3 business awards – finalists showcased the very best of paralegal professionalism.

Celebrating the Winners

This year’s winners represent the very best of paralegal talent, from rising stars to seasoned professionals making a difference in their organisations and communities.

Individual Awards

• Elsa Ghossan – Best Conveyancing / Real Estate Paralegal
• Sophie Payne – Best Family Law Paralegal
• Annemarie Parsons – Best Intellectual Property Paralegal
• Sophie Francis – Best Newcomer / Young Practitioner
• Claire Larkin Miller – Best Probate Research Paralegal
• Sharon Baker – Best Will Writing Paralegal and Paralegal of the Year – South
• JoAnna Emery – Best In-House Paralegal
• Rachael Newton – Best Public Sector Paralegal
• Sophie Palk – Community Champion Award
• Billie Spooner – Paralegal of the Year – Midlands / North
• Holly Hale – Paralegal of the Year – Wales
• Eleanor Webster – Best Paralegal Apprentice of the Year

Business & Firm Awards

• Murgitroyd – Best Law Firm – Paralegal Development
• Pro-Gen Research – Best Legal Profession Supplier
• Pinsent Masons Vario – National Paralegal Business of the Year

National Award

• Sophie Wells – National Paralegal of the Year 🎉

• Read more about the award categories on the NPA website
  

Record Participation, Exceptional Talent

The response to this year’s awards was bigger than ever before, with nominations from across the legal services sector, from sole practitioners to large law firms and public sector organisations. The quality of entries impressed the judges, who praised the high standards, creativity and commitment demonstrated by every finalist.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Judges

This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Special thanks go to Pinsent Masons Vario as Programme Sponsor, and Fraser and Fraser as Drinks Reception sponsor, alongside:

X-Press Legal Services · Today’s Media · Treethorpe · CLT Scotland · Mewburn Ellis · Right Legal Group  · CILEX Law School · Anglia Research · Legal News Wales · Trowers & Hamlins · Pro-Gen Research · Access to Justice Foundation

Their commitment to supporting the paralegal profession helps raise standards and spotlight the vital contribution of paralegals across the UK.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to our incredible judging panel, chaired by Rachel Tombs, and including Rita Leat (Patron of the awards) Barbara Hamilton-Bruce, Helen Opie, Hugh Anderson McKnight, James Buchan, Leila Choudry, Rebecca Kennedy, Shak Inayat, Stephen Ward and Victoria McCloud. Your insight, fairness and dedication ensured that the winners truly represent the best of the profession.

Looking Ahead

The National Paralegal Awards are more than just a ceremony — they are a platform to share stories, celebrate success, and inspire the next generation of paralegals.

Thank you to everyone who nominated, judged, sponsored, attended and celebrated with us. Here’s to another year of raising the profile of paralegals and continuing to shape a stronger, more inclusive legal sector.