Trainee Solicitor Charlotte Hughes (pictured far right) received the accolade at the acclaimed Monmouthshire Incorporated Law Society (MILS) dinner on Friday night.
The event celebrates the contribution and achievements of professionals working across Wales’s thriving legal field.
During the evening, hosted by MILS President Mel Bevan-Evans, over 200 solicitors from firms across Wales, along with law society members and guests packed into the venue.
Scooping the only award of the evening, Charlotte was awarded the accolade of Junior Lawyer of the Year.
The law graduate, who earned a training contract with Watkins & Gunn in July 2017, said it was a ‘privilege’ to have been named the award’s first recipient.
She said: “I was shocked and thrilled to win the Lawyer of the Year award – especially as the award is in its first year.
“It is such an honour to be recognised by my peers and some of the most successful practising lawyers in Wales at an event of this calibre.
“I’d like to thank Watkins & Gunn for all its support during the past year and for providing me with the knowledge and confidence to pursue my role and achieve so highly.
“This has been a dream come true and I would like to thank everyone involved.”
Clive Thomas, Managing Partner at the firm, which specialises in advising on a range of legal services including accident claims, medical negligence, wills and probate, and employment, said Miss Hughes had a “promising career ahead of her”.
He said: “Everyone at the firm is absolutely delighted for Charlotte and we are all proud of her for achieving her well-deserved award win.
“Since the first time she came to Watkins & Gunn for work experience in 2016, her potential has been evident. Since then her impressive commercial acumen, and flair for networking have seen her generate over 100 referrals of business for the firm in 2018 alone.”
“With her boundless and positive energy, she is a fantastic ambassador for Watkins & Gunn and an outstanding young lawyer.”