Ciara Bartlam shortlisted for Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award

23 May 2022

Ciara Bartlam has been shortlisted in the Legal Aid Newcomer category of the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards 2022.

Ciara is a member of our Inquests and Inquiries team and specialises in representing bereaved families whose loved ones have died in the community. Her expertise in housing, mental health and social care law gives her a unique edge in complex inquests arising from deaths in the community, particularly those who have died in supported accommodation settings.

Ciara has particular experience working with young people and on inquests related to the deaths of young people to whom the state has owed social care responsibilities. Ciara stands out as an advocate because of her personable and kind manner, attention to detail and fearless representation on behalf of families.

Among other voluntary roles, Ciara is a Young Legal Aid Lawyers committee member and a trustee of the Greater Manchester Law Centre.

The winners of all the award categories will be announced at a live ceremony in central London on 12 July.

Below are some excerpts from Ciara’s nomination.

‘To Ciara the law is there not as an academic exercise in legal argument or a test of oratorical elegance but is a tool to ensure that the most disenfranchised can obtain recompense and justice from those that infringe their basic rights.’

‘Ciara works tirelessly for her clients and consistently goes considerably over and above what could ever reasonably be expected of a person’s barrister. I have seen first-hand the gratitude Ciara’s clients have for her representation… Not only does Ciara strive to be a brilliant barrister, but it is clear that she also seeks to be an all-round positive presence in the lives of her clients during the short time she is with them. It is no doubt she receives regular and repeat instruction from so many solicitors.’

‘Working with Ms Bartlam has indeed been a pleasure, and one can truly sense her deep commitment to social justice and her to serving her clients and community. She does not shy away from taking the extra steps and work if it’s in the interest of someone she assists, and that for us, is the hallmark of a great advocate.’