Legal executive on award shortlist

Ian Ashley-Smith, a chartered legal executive at Heringtons, which has offices in Battle, Rye, Hastings and Eastbourne, has been named as one of five finalists for the award, with the ceremony set to take place on October 18 at Old Billingsgate, London.

The awards recognise exceptional individuals and teams from firms across the legal sector, with categories including the Lloyds TSB Commercial sponsored Lexcel Award for Excellence in Practice Management, the Excellence in Innovation Award and the coveted title of Solicitor of the Year. This year also saw the launch of a new category, Excellence in Conveyancing Practice.

The Chartered Legal Executive of the Year Award is open to professionals who have made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession over the past year.

Ian, a litigation specialist, has been shortlisted for his continued exceptional service to clients and after becoming the first chartered legal executive to be appointed as a judge, a significant step for the sector.

Ian said: “After my appointment as a deputy district judge, this nomination has crowned what has been a remarkable past 12 months for me.

“I hope that I can bring the award home in October to share with the team as acknowledgement of their continued support and hard work.”