Giving you a voice
We will fearlessly pursue justice on your behalf, ensuring that your voice is heard.
Challenge a public authority
Public bodies should act reasonably, fairly, and lawfully. If they act otherwise, they need to be challenged.
Gain a sense of Justice
We passionately believe that everyone has a right of access to justice, whatever their circumstances.
Public Law Solicitors
Duncan Lewis Shortlisted for Two Prestigious LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026 (4 February 2026)
Date: 04/02/2026
Duncan Lewis Solicitors has been shortlisted as a finalist in two categories at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026, recognising our commitment to both developing future legal talent and achieving landmark outcomes for access to justice.
Case of the Year Award: Duncan Lewis Solicitors v The Lord Chancellor
Our ground breaking judicial review challenged nearly three decades of legal aid underfunding, compelling the Government to fulfil its statutory duty under LASPO 2012. Through bold litigation and sector-wide collaboration, we secured the first substantial increase in civil legal aid fees in over a decade—a 42% uplift for housing and debt work and 31% uplift for immigration and asylum work.
By December 2025, the Government laid The Civil Legal Aid (Procedure and Remuneration) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 before Parliament, establishing new minimum hourly rates and transforming the future of legal aid for thousands of vulnerable people nationwide, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, survivors of trafficking, people experiencing homelessness, and victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Trainee Scheme of the Year Award
Our comprehensive training programme embeds continuous learning across the firm, delivering over 29,000 hours of CPD training in the past year and supporting 161 professional accreditations. We provide multiple accessible routes into the profession through Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeships, traditional Trainee Solicitor routes, CILEX, and our expanding SQE pathway.
Beyond technical training through platforms such as Lexis Nexis Plus, Datalaw, and MBL, we provide specialist wellbeing support including ADHD Foundation training, vicarious trauma training, and Samaritans Suicide Prevention courses. Our senior-led accreditation programmes, including immigration accreditation training delivered by Director Bahar Ata—a Law Society accreditation exam marker—ensure candidates receive both technical instruction and crucial insight into examiner expectations.
With 22 trainee solicitors qualifying in the past year, an 82% retention rate for newly qualified solicitors, and four-year retention rates above 80%, we are proud to develop resilient, diverse, and highly skilled legal professionals equipped to support vulnerable clients and uphold equal access to justice.
About the LexisNexis Legal Awards
Each year, the LexisNexis Legal Awards recognise excellence and innovation across the legal profession, bringing together established firms and rising stars. The ceremony provides a platform not only to celebrate outstanding achievements but also to forge connections with fellow professionals who are shaping the future of law.
The 2026 Ceremony
This year's event takes place on Thursday 16th April 2026 at the Park Plaza London Riverbank.
Looking Ahead
These shortlisting’s reflect the values at the heart of Duncan Lewis: access to justice, continuous improvement, and investment in people. As the UK's largest legal aid provider, we continue to lead sector-wide reform while building the next generation of legal professionals who will serve vulnerable communities for years to come.