News

Duncan Lewis is delighted to announce that Public Law Director Bahar Ata and Solicitor Nicholas Hughes have made the final shortlist for the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards 2024. Bahar is a finalist in the Public Law category, while Nicholas is in the running for the Legal Aid Newcomer award.

The LALYS celebrate the work of lawyers on the social justice front lines, recognising the outstanding contributions of those who are not only exceptional lawyers, but exceptionally courageous and companionate human beings.

With over 9 years of experience in legal aid work, Nicholas epitomises the spirit of the LALYS through his dedicated efforts in holding the government to account and seeking justice vulnerable clients. In shortlisting Nicholas, the LALYS recognised the far reaching impact of his legal aid work. His tireless efforts were prominently showcased in his involvement in the landmark public inquiry following the exposé of abuse at Brook House Immigration Removal Centre by BBC Panorama. The inquiry was the first of its kind into immigration detention and exposed systemic failures within the Home Office and G4S. As one of the lead lawyers, Nicholas worked around the clock to represent multiple former detainees who were victims of abuse, ensuring their voices were heard with sensitivity and compassion. Nicholas also severed on the award-winning team that secured the Rwanda Supreme Court Victory, proving himself as a leading figure in one of the most important cases of this generation.

The LALYS also shined a spotlight on Bahra Ata’s expertise and dedication to legal aid, shortlisting her for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year in the Public Law category. Bahar’s unwavering commitment to her clients' causes truly set her apart, particularly notable in her involvement in H v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2023] EWHC 2758. In this case, despite the limited protection provided by Albanian authorities against blood feuds, the Home Office certified Albanian blood feud claims as clearly unfounded, thereby denying asylum seekers their right to appeal. Bahar not only successfully obtained permission to challenge the certification decisions, but also navigated the complexities surrounding her client’s detention. Bahar’s remarkable track record in achieving positive outcomes in such challenging circumstances underscores her exceptional ability and dedication to justice, making her thoroughly deserving of recognition for her outstanding contributions in the legal aid arena.

We wish Bahar and Nicholas the best of luck at the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards ceremony, which takes place on 5th July at the Convene. To read the full shortlist and for more information, click here.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors' award-winning public law team maintains top rankings in both Chambers and the Legal 500 directories. The team consistently takes on complex, high-profile cases and has a broad practice representing both privately and publicly funded (legal aid) clients in matters involving immigration; asylum and human rights and deportation matters, with a niche practice in immigration and civil liberties claimant judicial review matters.

For advice or assistance on a public law mater, contact Nicholas Hughes via email at NicholasHu@duncanlewis.com or Bahar Ata at bahara@duncanlewis.com