On 29 January, Liverpool Law Society proudly hosted the annual Newly Qualified Event, celebrating and welcoming all those who qualified into the legal profession in 2025. The evening recognised the newly qualified practitioners’ hard work, dedication and outstanding achievement in reaching this significant milestone.
Sarah Mansfield, President of Liverpool Law Society, opened the event by thanking all attendees and extending particular appreciation to the Society’s valued sponsor, The University of Law, for their continued support. In her remarks, Sarah highlighted the remarkable commitment and perseverance required to qualify as a solicitor, emphasising the significance of this accomplishment. She also shared a personal reflection on her own journey, noting that the occasion holds special meaning for her as she attended the Newly Qualified Event herself 30 years ago, where she received the Rupert Bremner Prize.
Sarah Mansfield then invited James Mannouch, Immediate Past President of Liverpool Law Society and Pro Bono Coordinator at The University of Law, to speak. James congratulated all the Newly Qualified Lawyers in attendance, recognising what an impressive achievement it is to qualify as a solicitor. He noted that, on average, students work around 52 hours per week, highlighting the significant commitment required not only to complete their degree but also to undertake the further training necessary to qualify. James emphasised the importance of continuing to attend networking opportunities and professional events, particularly in the early stages of their careers as Newly Qualified Solicitors. He stressed that the connections they make now will stay with them as they progress through the profession and will prove invaluable throughout their legal careers.
Following James Mannouch’s remarks, Faye Morris, Chair, and Aaron Taylor, Careers and Education Representative of the Merseyside Junior Lawyers’ Division (MJLD), spoke about the valuable work the organisation undertakes across Liverpool. MJLD provides an educational and professional support network for young lawyers across the Merseyside region. They also highlighted the opportunities available through MJLD, including the judge marshalling scheme, delivered in partnership with judges across the civil, criminal and family courts. This scheme offers students the chance to observe judicial work first‑hand and gain invaluable practical experience that supports their early career development.
Liverpool Law Society were delighted to welcome Andre Rebello OBE, HM Senior Coroner for Liverpool and Wirral areas. Mr Rebello brings with him a wealth of experience and insight from an area of law that sits at the intersection of justice, public service and humanity. Andre Rebello OBE thanked Liverpool Law Society for the invitation and offered his warm congratulations to all the Newly Qualified Lawyers in attendance. He reflected on the importance of the core principles that underpin the legal profession, upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest standards in public life as they progress in their careers. Drawing on his 43 years as a solicitor, Andre Rebello OBE spoke of the immense fulfilment he has found in his work, rooted in the significance and purpose of the role he carries out each day. He offered thoughtful advice to those newly qualified, encouraging them to act lawfully, be fair, protect trust, and to carry forward their careers with love, kindness and compassion.
Andre Rebello OBE then invited all the below Newly Qualified Solicitors to come forward and receive their certificates. It was a proud moment for each recipient, marking the formal recognition of their entry into the profession.
Newly Qualified Solicitors celebrated on 29th January:
Aaron Taylor
Adam Goadsby
Alicia Lester
Amna Anjum
Amy Knowles
Anna-Louise Timms
Becky Kirkham
Caroline Watson
Chloe Baron
Daisy-Mae Dickenson
Daniella Norman
Emily Hutton
Emma Garcia
Flynn Saturley
Harrison Fearn
Irina Manea
Isabella Martin
Joseph Iveson
Josh Keegan
Julie Grifo
Lauren Begley
Lotus Kimona
Lucas Achidago
Lucy Morphy-Morris
Luke Chorley
Matthew Harrison
Megan Carden
Megan Clarke
Megan Cockcroft
Megan Williams
Phoebe Munden
Rachael Scamp
Rachel Hogan
We then welcomed our prize winners to the stage to receive their awards. These prizes recognise exceptional achievement in professional examinations, based on results from the Legal Practice Course and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination at Liverpool John Moores University and The University of Law. Andre Rebello OBE offered his warm congratulations to all recipients.
The academic prize winners were:
- Lloyd Brookman from Brabners, winner of the Atkinson prize for 2025
- Ruby Griffiths from Bermans, winner of the Enoch Harvey prize 2025
- Zahra Khan from Hill Dickinson, winner of the Rupert Bremner prize 2025
- Alicia Lester from Bond Turner, winner of Timpron Martin prize 2025
- Robbie Greenfield from Brabners, winner of C.A. Getley prize 2025
The final award of the evening was the Muir Matthews Prize, presented to a young or trainee solicitor in Liverpool who is judged to have made the most significant all‑round contribution. The winner of this award was Beth Walker from Brodie Jackson Canter.
Following the presentations of certificates and awards, attendees enjoyed the opportunity to network and socialise. We were delighted to welcome so many guests and to congratulate many of the Newly Qualified Solicitors in person. We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of newly qualified lawyers at next year’s event.
Full photo album of images of the evening appears here.
All photographs by Adam Kenrick.
Event Kindly sponsored by the University of Law.