In-house Rising Star Award 2020 shortlist announced

A total of 14 nominations were put forward for consideration, the highest number since the award was introduced in 2013 to celebrate emerging talent in the in-house legal community.

The winner will be announced by Law Society president, Amanda Millar at the Law Society’s In-house Virtual Legal Festival on 6 October.

The five finalists are:

• Lucia Bobkova, solicitor, Legal Services Department, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (3 years’ PQE)
• Debbie Griffiths, trainee solicitor – Commercial, Cognizant Worldwide Limited (trainee)
• Dylan Lynch, legal counsel, Raytheon UK (2 years’ PQE)
• Marliese Perks, legal counsel, Outsourcing, Technology & IP Team, The Royal Bank of Scotland (2 years’ PQE)
• Lauren Towie, solicitor, Corporate & Property Law, Legal Services, Glasgow City Council (3 years’ PQE)

Catherine Corr, a principal solicitor in the Legal Services team at Scottish Enterprise and member of the Society’s In-house Lawyers’ Committee, is part of this year’s judging panel.

She said: “The In-house Rising Star Award gives us an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the emerging talent we have within the in-house legal sector every year – and our five finalists truly are outstanding nominees.

“The quality of candidates nominated for the award is always very impressive, however this year’s candidates have faced exceptional challenges. All the judges have been particularly impressed by the adaptability and resilience shown by all 14 nominees in dealing with issues resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s always extremely difficult to draw up a shortlist and this year was even harder than ever. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate their colleagues for the award – every one of them is to be congratulated on their achievements so early in their careers.”