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published NOVEMBER 20, 2009

Norton Rose trainee wins top prize at Pro Bono Awards

Bobby Kensah, a trainee at international legal practice Norton Rose LLP won the Probono Lawyer of the Year at the Law Society Junior Lawyers Division Pro Bono Awards for his contribution to clients in the community and for the highly commendable quality of work provided to his clients. The award was presented by Lord Phillips of Sudbury at the Law Society ceremony on Thursday 12 November 2009, at the beginning of National Pro Bono Week. Cherie Booth QC opened the nominations for the 11th Law Society Junior Lawyers Division Pro Bono Awards. The annual awards celebrate the outstanding pro bono work undertaken by LPC students, trainees and newly admitted solicitors and qualified solicitors with up to 5 years experience. The aim of the award is to recognise the achievement of young lawyers who, despite their demanding careers, donate their own time to help people who would not otherwise have access to legal advice. Bobby Kensah, who came to the UK at the age of 12 unable to speak English, has been the driving force and initiator behind many volunteer community and pro bono projects over a number of years. He has contributed countless hours to a variety of pro bono initiatives this year including advising and supporting vulnerable individuals in police custody as an Appropriate Adult Legal Adviser, as well as volunteer adviser, coordinator and organiser of the Tooting Legal Advice Centre. Norton Rose LLP trainee Bobby Kensah commented: “It's about helping the community, being part of it, understanding it and discharging my responsibilities. Working within the community helps me to respect other people’s views, and treat others as I would want to be treated. I feel there is a responsibility on lawyers to help fight the injustice faced by our community of clients. Pro bono work is so rewarding. If by winning this award I can inspire one professional or person to give more to the community then that is all I can ask” Stephen Parish, Norton Rose LLP Chairman, commented: “This award is a recognition of Bobby’s continued commitment to the community and to help those without the resources to help themselves. This is a fantastic achievement and I wish Bobby the best of luck in continuing his great work”