The Law Society building, Chancery Lane, WC2. Photo: Mike Quinn.

A solicitor at the forefront of the legal action to protect the services of Lewisham Hospital has been shortlisted for one of the most prestigious awards of the legal calendar by The Law Society.

Kath Nicholson, Head of Law at Lewisham Council, has been shortlisted for the Law Society Excellence Awards 2013.

As part of Save Lewisham Hospital campaign widely covered by ELL, she played a key role for the Council in successfully overturning the decision of Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, to downgrade accident and emergency and maternity services at the hospital.

Amid fierce competition from across the legal sector, her accomplishments have ensured she made it to the final round of eight nominees in the category of Solicitor of the Year (In-house).

This year the awards have attracted a record number of entries from across England and Wales.

Admitted as a lawyer in 1979, Nicholson’s main areas of expertise include employment, education and administrative law.

Speaking with The Law Society Gazette this year, she explained her attraction to the legal profession lied in “the intellectual rigour of the law and the opportunity to work with fantastic people.”

Nicholas Fluck, President of the Law Society emphasized: “The shortlisted entries are those who are breaking new ground, showing innovation and who are outstanding representatives of the legal profession.”

These entries were scrutinised earlier this month by eminent legal figures including the former Attorney General Lord Goldsmith and High Court Judge Gary Hickinbottom.

The Law Society is a independent professional body established for solicitors in 1825, which works globally to support and represent its members.

The winners will be announced by BBC broadcaster Mishal Husain at a gala awards dinner on October 22 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.

By Jonathan McConnell