We are delighted to announce that two members of the Southwark Law Centre team have been shortlisted for the 2026 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards – a national celebration of the life-changing work carried out across the legal aid sector.
Our immigration solicitor, Van Ferguson, has been shortlisted in the Social Welfare Law category in recognition of his outstanding work supporting Windrush survivors and challenging barriers to justice.
Meanwhile, Debbie Yates, our hugely respected billing and legal aid support specialist, has been shortlisted in the Legal Aid Support Staffer/Support Team category.
The LALY Awards, organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG), recognise excellence across the legal aid and access to justice sector. This year’s finalists were selected from nominations across England and Wales and reflect the extraordinary commitment of people working on the social justice frontline.
Recognition for Windrush Justice Work
Van Ferguson’s nomination recognises years of dedicated work representing Windrush survivors through some of the most complex immigration and compensation cases in the country. His work has helped secure more than £780,000 in compensation for Windrush victims and contributed to landmark litigation challenging the lack of legal aid available for Windrush compensation claims.
Through Southwark Law Centre’s Windrush Justice Clinic and wider immigration practice, Van has supported people facing profound injustice, often after decades of insecurity, exclusion and trauma. Supporting statements submitted as part of his nomination describe his “integrity and determination”, his “exceptional drive to achieve change for his clients”, and his commitment to ensuring that Windrush survivors can access meaningful justice.
Van’s work reflects Southwark Law Centre’s wider commitment to combining frontline representation with strategic legal action to tackle systemic injustice and improve access to justice for marginalised communities.
Celebrating the Vital Role of Legal Aid Support Staff
Debbie Yates’ shortlist recognition is a testament to the critical – and too often unseen – role that legal aid support staff play in keeping advice services running.
Debbie has worked alongside Southwark Law Centre for many years, helping navigate the increasingly complex legal aid billing and compliance system while supporting the organisation to remain financially sustainable in an extremely challenging environment. Colleagues described her as “a legal aid legend”, praising both her technical expertise and the extraordinary level of support she provides to staff across the organisation.
Her nomination highlights not only her detailed knowledge and relentless work ethic, but also her kindness, generosity and commitment to helping colleagues develop their skills and confidence.
A Proud Moment for Southwark Law Centre
Stacey Edgar, Executive Director of Southwark Law Centre, said:
“We are absolutely thrilled that both Van Ferguson and Debbie Yates have been shortlisted for this year’s LALY Awards.
Van’s work with Windrush survivors demonstrates the very best of social welfare law – combining exceptional client care, technical excellence and a determination to challenge systemic injustice. Debbie’s nomination is equally richly deserved. Her expertise, commitment and support are vital not only to Southwark Law Centre, but to the sustainability of legal aid services more widely.
These nominations recognise the enormous dedication, skill and compassion that both bring to their work every day. We are incredibly proud of them both.”
The winners will be announced at the LALY awards ceremony in London on 3 July 2026.