Hackney law centre solicitor Diane Morrison wins prestigious award

Diane Morrison winner of the Law Society’s in-house solicitor of the year

Diane Morrison, a solicitor from Hackney Community Law Centre (HCLC), has won the ‘in-house Solicitor of the Year’ accolade at the prestigious Law Society Excellence Awards.

The winners of the Law Society Awards were selected by a panel of senior industry experts and represent the brightest and best talent the legal profession has to offer.

Diane said: “I am really pleased to win this award. It still hasn’t really sunk in. I feel that the award is a recognition of Hackney Community Law Centre’s hard work over many years.

“At HCLC, we have to do so much with so little, for so many. I am so grateful for the support I have received from my colleagues past and present. I’d particularly like to thank the judges for their decision.

“It will inspire me to continue working in social welfare law and inspire the whole HCLC team to continue to providing access to justice.”

Diane Morrison grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. When she was 16, one of her teachers noticed Diane’s flair for English and analytical mind and encouraged her young pupil to become a lawyer.

In July 1990, when Trinidad suffered an attempted coup d’etat, Diane came to Britain. She worked as a typist in the day while studying for her LLB (bachelors in law) and LPC (legal practice course) at night.

In May 2005, Diane joined Hackney Community Law Centre (HCLC) as a part-time typist, qualifying as a solicitor in 2012.

The judges at the Law Society award said that Diane was an inspirational in-house solicitor renowned for her exceptional work and client care skills.

In addition to spearheading the centre’s employment service, Diane runs a telephone advice line, an intern programme and an innovative library pop-up service where she has given advice to over 700 residents.

HCLC Chair Ian Rathbone said: “Diane has worked for the law centre nine years and in that time has quietly made a significant and important impact on all we do. Her story is very encouraging to anyone looking to become a lawyer but lacking confidence or feeling they don’t have the wherewithal.’

Miranda Grell, HCLC’s Development Officer, who prepared Ms Morrison’s nomination said she was “absolutely thrilled” that her colleague has won.

President of the Law Society, Andrew Caplen said: “I congratulate each winner, highly commended and shortlisted entrant. It was a tough call for the judging panel, who had to pick winners from a really exceptional bunch of people.”

The Law Society is the independent professional body, established in 1825, that works globally to support and represent its members, promoting the highest professional standards and the rule of law.