Samantha Leung A Finalist In The 2020 Women In Law Awards

Samantha Leung, a specialist commercial litigation solicitor in the London office of Irwin Mitchell has been named one of the ten finalists in the Private Practice Rising Star Award at the 2020 Women In Law Awards. Winners will be announced in a virtual ceremony on 11 November.

To reach the shortlist, Samantha had to demonstrate her legal excellence, innovation and client satisfaction, while showing her contribution to corporate social responsibility and diversity.

Specialising in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, Samantha’s experience includes cases that have gone to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. Her recent work includes assisting pension trustees against their former legal advisors, a civil fraud claim valued at over £15m, and obtaining summary judgment for an Indian Bank in respect of two guarantee enforcement claims, each having a value of $20m to $30m. Samantha also contributes to various projects in the firm promoting gender and racial diversity and inclusion.

The Private Practice Rising Star Award is open to all women lawyers who have made a big impact in a short space of time and have been earmarked as stars of the future. There is no age limit, but those nominated must have worked as lawyers for less than five years.

The awards will also involve some friendly rivalry, as Michelle Chapman, a solicitor in the Wills, Trusts and Estates team in the Birmingham office has been nominated in the same category.

Developed to showcase the achievements of women in legal practice, the Women in Law Awards aim to honour the inspiring achievements of women across the industry and shape the diversity debate that is already leading to women reaching more senior positions in the legal profession.

With 70% of colleagues female and the highest percentage of female solicitors (65%) of any UK law firm Irwin Mitchell has placed itself at the forefront of promoting diversity in the profession and continues to see its female colleagues recognised for their achievements.

Commenting on her nomination, Samantha said: “I’m delighted and humbled to have made the final stages for the Rising Star Award. It’s inspiring to be shortlisted alongside so many talented women. Promoting the role of women in the legal profession is very important and it’s great to share this experience with Michelle.

“Irwin Mitchell takes diversity seriously and while a lot of progress has been made over the decades and more recently, there is still a lot to do both in terms of recognising the contribution of women both lawyers and non-lawyers, and the obligation to encourage and provide opportunity to women of diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. I’ve benefitted from the guidance of amazing women in my still early career, and I am encouraged by the increasing number of representative role models in our profession.”

Expert Opinion

“Samantha is one of our brightest young talents so it is no surprise to see such a highly regarded lawyer recognised among the rising stars of our profession.

“Creating a more diverse legal landscape is a high priority within the legal profession and for Irwin Mitchell. Over a number of years, we have worked hard to achieve and maintain a more diverse landscape across the firm and in addition to the majority of our colleagues being female, our gender pay gap is also among the lowest.

“There is still a lot of work to do but by showcasing the achievements of women in law like Samantha and Michelle, we are ensuring that diversity does not slip off the agenda and our diverse landscape is maintained. Samantha has already secured some amazing results for our clients and made a real difference along the way. Everyone at Irwin Mitchell wishes both her and Michelle the very best of luck for the final.” Hannah Clipston - Director of Strategic Growth (Corporates ＆ Institutions)