Former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown will be the guest speaker at next year’s Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.
Lord Ashdown, who served as the party’s leader for more than 10 years until 1999, will join hundreds of people from the region’s legal sector at the International Convention Centre event.
Best known for his work in the political arena, Lord Ashdown, who sits in the House of Lords, has also become an author and broadcaster.
Earlier this month he pledged his support to the deputy prime minister Nick Clegg over the tuition fee reforms vote.
Dean Parnell, president of Birmingham Law Society, said: “Lord Ashdown’s vast knowledge of politics and his experiences outside the political sphere makes him a fascinating and erudite speaker and we’re delighted he will be joining us for what is a significant milestone in the history of the awards.”
The 2011 Legal Awards will take place on March 24. Established in 2002, the event is celebrating it 10th anniversary.
Mr Parnell said it would be bigger than before. “Preparations for the 10th anniversary celebrations are well underway and it’s already shaping up to be one of the best events since the Legal Awards started.
“It really is thanks to all the presidents before me, in particular Mike Ward of HBJ Gateley Wareing, who was president back in 2002 and played a key role in starting the awards, for making the event what it is today.
“Hopefully, with the continued support of the region’s legal community and our generous sponsors, the Legal Awards will still be going strong in another ten years.”
There are 11 awards up for grabs, including trainee solicitor of the year, pupil barrister of the year, and barrister of the year.
