The five shortlisted solicitors for the Law Society of Scotland’s annual award were chosen from an impressive set of 10 nominations as the award looks to spotlight in-house solicitors with up to five years post-qualification experience.

The finalists are:

• Ikra Bhatti, senior solicitor, Glasgow City Council.
• Niamh Murray-Sheridan, solicitor, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
• Cameron Ramage, legal counsel, Cirrus Logic.
• Jake Stephen, lawyer, Lloyds Banking Group.
• Ben Thom, principal solicitor, Dumfries and Galloway Council.

The Law Society’s judging panel will now choose a winner for fellow in-house solicitor and president of the Law Society of Scotland, Susan Murray, to present at the In-house Annual Conference on 18 June.

Jennifer Malcolm, a member of the Law Society’s In-house Lawyers Committee and this year’s judging panel said: “Congratulations to our five shortlisted in-house solicitors! The judging panel was struck by the quality of nominations, which is a testament to the skill and strength of our nominees and the talent we have coming through the profession.

“Ikra, Niamh, Cameron, Jake, and Ben were all nominated by their colleagues who have been thoroughly impressed with the breadth of their contributions to their chosen sectors in such a short space of time. You should all be very proud of yourselves!

“As we approach our 13th year of the In-House Rising Star Award it’s great to see such an excellent mix of candidates. It not only showcases the vast and varied range of opportunities open to newly qualified solicitors but the excellent teams who are nurturing and developing their talents.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the winner and all of our nominees at this year’s In-house Annual Conference in June. It’s an extra special occasion this year as we’ll have the society’s new president, Susan Murray, who is also an in-house lawyer, announcing the winner. A great representation of how far an in-house career can take you!”