BBS Family Law Team achieves 3 shortlisted nominations for the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2023

We are delighted to share the news that the Family Law Team at BBS Law (incorporating OGR Stock Denton) has achieved the rare distinction of 3 shortlisted nominations for the prestigious LexisNexis Family Law Awards. The Family Law Awards brings the family law community together to celebrate excellence, networking and recognising its vital contribution to society 

The shortlist and winners are chosen by a judging panel made up of the heads of the Family Law Bar Association, Resolution, the Association of Lawyers for Children and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, along with Family Law editors and publishing professionals. 

The shortlisted nominations are in the following categories: 

Family Law Firm Of The Year: North

In October 2022, OGR Stock Denton was acquired by BBS Law, whose Head Office is situated in Manchester. As a result, the Family Team now attracts more work nationally including the North Region, as opposed to its previous historic and geographical base of London. 

The firm recently acted in the report case of P v Q [2022] EWFC B9, which has become notable and relevant for many family lawyers in view of the treatment of soft loans. OGR Stock Denton acted for the Husband Q in P v Q. 

The P v Q guidance as to what constitutes hard and soft loans may be helpful in nearly half of everyday financial remedy cases involving property ownership, a large number of which are negotiated outside court, including in mediation. 

Family Law Legal Support Of The Year

The firm has a longstanding connection with Brunel University and Essex university. They participate in a student paralegal annual placement, whereby students spend a year working in the family law support team to build up their skills in what is very often their first job outside of education. Candidates are recruited from a shortlisted pool of diverse entrants based in the UK and overseas, often from a variety of multi-cultural backgrounds.

The family team have worked on some high-level contested cases in recent years with high level Counsel, both King’s Counsel and leading juniors. The firm regularly receives complimentary feedback from Counsel, contacts and clients regarding the strong support provided by the family law legal support team.

Family Community Interaction Award 

Graeme Fraser, Yuliya Osudina, Dr Jan Ewing and Professor Anne Barlow have led the development of “Modern Families: Learning the legal consequences of different family forms”. These lesson plans are an education resource for use in statutory relationship education classes forming part of their Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (“PSHE”) within the National Curriculum, gaining the prestigious PSHE Association Quality Mark in November 2022. This ground-breaking and pioneering development of lesson plans rolled out nationally to 14 to 18-year-olds is designed to assist in dispelling the common law marriage myth among young people.

The lesson plans increase awareness and understanding of family law issues among young people, which can help prevent future conflicts and promote healthier relationships. They will help young people make informed decisions about relationships in the future, as required by the DfE guidance.

The LexisNexis Family Law Awards ceremony will be held on Monday 27 November 2023 when the winners will be announced.

Find the full range of services offered by the BBS Family Law Team here.