The Stowe Family Law Award, Manchester | ULaw

The 2018 Stowe Family Law, ULaw Manchester LPC Private Client Award was won by the highest achieving student (LPC, Private Client Elective), James Forde and presented at the Awards Evening at the Goldbourne Suite, Manchester Hall on 19th April.

Stowe Family Law recognizes that experience is absolutely vital in the legal sector, not only in helping to secure a training contract, but also in giving aspiring lawyers a taste of what it’s like to work in a specific area of law. Family law, for example, is very different to commercial, personal injury and criminal law. The personal skills required for guiding a divorce client are unique because of the emotions involved. It’s not uncommon for a graduate to move on from their initial preferred speciality at least once before finding their true calling, which is why it’s helpful to get as much experience through working and volunteering as possible. This year’s winner, James Forde, has been awarded work experience at Stowe Family Law, alongside family solicitors who have practiced divorce and family law, for their entire careers.

Manchester office Partner Sarah Snow said – ‘It’s a pleasure to have been involved in the Stowe Family Law Award at the University of Law, Manchester Awards Evening. As a firm, we are keen to give something back to future generations of lawyers and it’s great to be doing that with this highly reputable institution, where many Stowe solicitors have studied. The award recognises outstanding achievement in the Private Client module, and the prize is work experience at the firm.’

This student award is the first to be handed out by Stowe Family Law and ULaw Manchester following the firm’s recent opening of an office on Cross Street in Manchester city centre. Before opening, Stowe Family Law began investigating ways to get involved with the local legal community. With strong existing ties between the firm and other ULaw campuses, Stowe Family Law decided to replicate this relationship by collaborating with our Manchester campus.

Other collaborations between Stowe Family Law and ULaw Manchester have included a discussion, between Campus Dean Amanda Hedayati and local solicitors, about SQE’s and their possible effects on the future of the profession and industry. Also, a question and answer session was arranged between local fee earners and a high achieving ULaw student.

Congratulations to James Forde for winning this prestigious award and thank you to Stowe Family Law for collaborating with ULaw Manchester and offering our students such vital practical experience.

Discover more about studying the LPC at The University of Law.