By Kevin Donoghue, Solicitor Director of Donoghue Solicitors
We won!
You might remember we were shortlisted for two Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards (read the story here), including the coveted Niche Law Firm Award for our work in actions against the police.
At a glittering black-tie awards ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 15 May we became the Niche Law Firm Award winners, beating two other shortlisted firms to the important title.
The ceremony was hosted by well-known local radio personality Roger Phillips and was attended by over 300 lawyers and their guests, including many nationally-renowned people from the legal world.
Emlyn Williams, Liverpool Law Society President, explained to the audience that “the Awards showcased the best of the legal profession” and “demonstrated excellence in legal services provided by the member firms based in and around Merseyside.”
Niche Law Firm Recommendation
We all listened as Roger Phillips read the independent judges’ comments, which I have permission to repeat here. They said:
“Donoghue Solicitors have developed a niche specialism in civil actions against the police. Their work covers complex areas of law and practice, frequently combining a range of personal injury, privacy and Human Rights issues.
“The judges were impressed with their commitment to working with clients who are seeking to attain justice and challenge misconduct. The cases frequently involve important issues of principle pertaining to client confidentiality and reputational damage.
“There is a clear and significant commitment to widening access to justice.”
On this basis the panel, which included a leading Queens Counsel judge, a former past president of Liverpool Law Society, a law professor at John Moores University, and a city councillor, recommended Donoghue Solicitors for the Niche Law Firm award.
Grateful Thanks
As I escorted my team up to the podium to collect the niche law firm award I looked around our tables to see our parents, partners, and special guests cheering us on. It was an immensely proud moment for me. I will never forget it.
One of our guests filmed my acceptance speech on her phone. You can see it here:
In the footage you can hear me thank my team, and especially my mum and dad. My parents unwavering support was especially important when I decided to set up my own niche law firm in 2010 during the recession. Thanks to them and my wife Steph, who believed in me and made many sacrifices to help get the firm off the ground. With their help I and my small, dedicated team have been able to help a great number of people gain access to justice and the compensation they deserve.
As you can imagine, we had a fantastic night which didn’t end until the early hours. It was a well-organised and hosted event which everyone enjoyed, as you can see from the official photos on the Liverpool Law Society’s website and flickr page, and some funny ones on their facebook page. (We’re in photos 38 and 45. Look away if you’re uncomfortable seeing pictures of people in curly wigs and Mexican hats!)
Actions Against the Police Niche
This public recognition of our work in the niche area of actions against the police litigation means a lot and spurs us on to work harder and achieve greater things. We are grateful to the judging panel for choosing Donoghue Solicitors to receive the award.
We will continue to fight hard for our clients and seek to “demonstrate excellence” as we grow.
If you want help with your compensation claim from the Liverpool Law Society Niche Law Firm Award winners (!) call Donoghue Solicitors on 0151 236 1336 (local number), 08000 124 246 (freephone number), or fill out the short enquiry form on this page.