City law society reveals its winners

Solicitors joined colleagues including accountants, estate agents, bankers and financial advisors at he awards dinner in the city's Molineux Stadium on Friday.

The winners were chosen by an independent panel of leading business figures including Rav Hothi, the West Midlands regional manager of the Law Society; Ninder Johal, board member of the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership; Gail Arnold, from the Black Country Chamber of Commerce; Professor Peter Walton of the University of Wolverhampton and the Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Barry Findlay.

FBC, a 29-partner firm which has expertise in a range of areas and offices in Wolverhampton and Willenhall, was one of four finalists in the hotly-contested business of the year category, which was backed by No 5 Chambers.

The professional of the year award, sponsored by the University of Wolverhampton, which recognised an outstanding contribution to the local profession across Wolverhampton and the Black Country, was awarded to Rachel Jefferson from Prosperity Wealth.

Christina Green, of Talbots Law, picked up the junior professional of the year award, sponsored by St Philips Stone Barristers.

Emma Williams from No 5 Chambers was highly commended in the same category.

The Lloyds Bank sponsored community champion award went to Maria Posiwnycz of The Accountancy Firm.

Alison Westwood, president of the Wolverhampton Law Society, who chaired the evening, said: "The annual dinner and awards acknowledge the important role played by the professional services sector in supporting the businesses of Wolverhampton and the surrounding area.

"As ever, the awards were hotly contested and produced some very worthy nominees.

"The evening was a great celebration of our thriving legal and professional services sector."

Rob Woodward , one of the fastest rising young comedians in the UK, entertained the audience at the society's third annual dinner.