On 11 July, a partner at law firm Weightmans was announced the winner of the Professional Excellence category at the Jewel Awards.  Bavita Rai who is head of Litigation Operations in the firm's Birmingham office, was the only female finalist and fought off competitors from rival firms Wragge & Co and Irwin Mitchells.

The Jewel Awards are a national celebration of the wealth of experience, expertise and success within Britain's Asian community, with regional awards split into categories such as business & commerce, professional excellence, enterprise, and entrepreneurs.

Bavita said: "It was completely unexpected but I am so happy to have won this award. The Professional Excellence category criteria was demanding; including performance beyond the call of duty, achieving excellence and significant results within the profession as well as emphasising innovation within the business community - something which Weightmans strongly encourages within its own culture, as well as in our day-to-day dealings with clients.

"We constantly look at how we can carve a place for the firm and our clients in emerging markets so this award is not just for me but recognition of an ongoing team effort in Weightmans.

"The award ceremony itself was fantastic, but it was made even better by having the support of my colleagues and friends there."

Head of the Birmingham office David Tuck said: "The entire office has a lot to thank Bavita for and I can think of no one else more deserving of this recognition."

Bavita joined Weightmans as head of Litigation Operations in 2006, and since then her wide-ranging responsibilities have included bringing together system reforms and improvements across all aspects of Weightmans' legal practice, with particular focus on case ma