By Neil Rose


High-profile human rights solicitor Phil Shiner was last week named Solicitor of the Year at the inaugural Law Society Excellence Awards.



Mr Shiner, dubbed 'one of the most famous lawyers in the country' by host Jeremy Vine, the BBC broadcaster, was cited for his 'tenacious and courageous commitment to the rights of those for whom access to justice would otherwise be denied'.



Mr Shiner, who has been the subject of press attacks because of his work, had 'tirelessly dedicated himself' to controversial cases such as Al-Skeini on behalf of bereaved Iraqi families, the judges said.



However, Mr Shiner told the 300-plus guests at the awards ceremony in London that he also acted for the families of British soldiers killed in Iraq. 'It is difficult for the right-wing press to characterise me as this guy who only cares for these Iraqi savages because I'm clearly acting on both sides,' he said.



Mr Shiner said his faith fortified him in his work: 'I'm someone who has that belief in Christian principles and that what we're dealing with here is wrong.'



The New Solicitor of the Year Award was won jointly by Daniel Carey, an international observer in Guatemala with human rights charity Peace Brigades International, and Welsh practitioner Meinir Evans, who has worked to ensure that elderly people are provided with legal advice.



In the law firm categories, there were wins for City giants Allen & Overy (equality and diversity) and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (social responsibility), as well as regional firm Shoosmiths (quality of life), Plymouth-based Foot Anstey (practice standards) and south-west practice Awdry Bailey & Douglas (innovation in business).



Law Society President Andrew Holroyd said: 'These winners have made the promotion of best practice an integral part of their work. Over recent years, the solicitors' profession has taken significant steps in the area of innovation. We hope that these awards, which celebrate the very best in our great profession, will bring benefits for both staff and clients.'



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