Judges Q&A
With only two weeks to go before entries close for the National Paralegal Awards, we wanted to ask our judges:
- Why do you think these awards are so important?
- What would you say to the people who are considering entering these awards?
- What will you be looking for in the entries?
Hint: Click a judge image to get the answers!

Esperanza Fuentes
Ombudsman Manager at Financial Ombudsman Service
DAVID OPIE
Managing Director, Today's Media
STEPHEN GOWLAND
Chair of the Police Misconduct Tribunal and Non-Executive Board Member of the Legal Services Board
Stephen ward
Managing Director, Clerksroom
hilary Underwood
Family Lawyer & Parental Alienation Specialist.
Nick Harrison
Partner in the Commercial and TMT department at DentonsWith entries now closed for this years’ National Paralegal Awards, we asked our judges to tell us:
- Why did you decide to judge these awards?
- What are you hoping to see in the entries?
- What do you believe paralegals will be gaining by entering?
Hint: Click a judge image to get the answers!

James O’Connell
Partner, Commercial Department, Mayo Wynne Baxter
Tim Kidd
Chief Executive of The Institute of Legal Finance & Management
Barbara Hamilton-Bruce
Business Manager, Simmons & Simmons Solutions Limited
Sally Penni MBE
Barrister at LawKenworthy's Chambers
Neil Newman
Commercial Director at The Chartered Governance Institute
CARMEN NADOLU
Head of MembershipsThe Institute of Paralegals
Judging has now taken place, without giving to much away, we asked our judges:
- What impressed you the most about this year’s entries?
- What were you most surprised about?
- What would you say to the entrants overall?
Hint: Click a judge image to get the answers!

Pippa Marler
Diversity and Inclusion Lead
rachel tombs
Founder/Owner, Orion Legal Marketing
NEIL ROBERTS
Head of Legal Operations, Which? Legal
Hugh Anderson McKnight
Director of Learning and Business Development at CLT Scotland
Malvika Jaganmohan
BARRISTER, ST IVES CHAMBERS
Katrina Robinson MBE
Associate, Housing ManagementCapsticks Solicitors LLP