Browne Jacobson trainee Helen Gibbons walked off with the trainee of the year award at this year's Nottinghamshire Law Society 2011 Awards whilst the Society's coveted lifetime achievement award went to Browne Jacobson consultant Tom Huggon.

Helen received the award for the progress she has made during her training contract and her commitment to pro-bono work which has included mentoring students at Nottingham Law School, working with the Princes Trust to help young people improve their job prospects, serving as a committee member of the Law Society's Junior Lawyers Division and undertaking environmental work for a local charity.

Tom was commended for his work as an environment lawyer and passionate nature conservationist.  He was also recognised for his unending public service to the city and county which spans over four decades and recently culminated in his appointment as a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire. He is also a former trustee of Nottinghamshire Playhouse, a founding member of the UK Environmental Lawyers Association and former chair of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

The firm's success in Nottingham came less than 24 hours after banking and finance lawyer Faizal Bhana scooped the Assistant/Associate Lawyer of the Year at the Birmingham Law Society Awards.

Senior Partner William Colacicchi commented:

"In the short time that she has been with us Helen has made a lasting impression on her peers and the wider legal community. She clearly has a very promising career ahead of her and we are delighted with her success which is thoroughly deserved.

"The Lifetime Achievement Award could not have gone to a more worthy recipient. Tom has been a wonderful ambassador for the legal profession and has made an immeasurable contribution to the region."

For more information about Browne Jacobson, please visit their website here: www.brownejacobson.com