Solicitors named Legal Aid Law Firm of the Year

Makin Dixon partners Caroline Makin (left) and Jane Campbell receive the award from Lord Justice McFarlane

Makin Dixon Solicitors, whose Rochdale Office is at Drake Street in the Town Centre, were named Legal Aid Law Firm of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in London.

The Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards, run by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group, are now in their eleventh year.

Makin Dixon, who specialise in family law, were one of three nominated entries to reach the shortlist in the category for Legal Aid Firm/Not for Profit Agency – alongside two other practices based in London and Hampshire.

The head of the Rochdale Office, Katharine Marshall, accompanied by Rochdale based solicitor Zoe Ayre, joined the Makin Dixon partners and colleagues at the ceremony which took place at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. The trophy was presented by Lord Justice McFarlane.

Katharine said: “It was an honour to be a part of such an important event. We were all thrilled when the winner was announced.”

The Rochdale Office opened earlier this year. Makin Dixon now has 10 offices across Yorkshire and Lancashire.

The Legal Aid Practitioners Group says they launched the awards in 2003 “to celebrate the remarkable and unsung work that we knew went on in legal aid offices throughout the country, day in, day out and, just as importantly, to show solidarity with the clients that we are all proud to serve”.

Makin Dixon’s Managing Partner, Caroline Makin commented: “We are thrilled to have won the award. It is a tribute to all the hardworking staff at Makin Dixon who are prepared to go the extra mile for our clients. The awards are also a recognition of the help and support provided by Legal Aid Practitioners to the most needy and vulnerable in our communities including victims of domestic violence and families whose children may be taken into Local Authority care.

“The awards are judged on the basis of reports and nominations from our clients and support groups in the community. It means a great deal to us that our work is valued by the people whom we are here to help.

“It is also important for people to be aware that – although Legal Aid has been reduced in scope – it is still available in certain circumstances. If people have a legal problem, they should still ask about Legal Aid. Unless people make that enquiry, they will not know whether or not they do qualify for Legal Aid.”