Sheffield Solicitor is named Lawyer of the Year

Howard Culley, from law firm Irwin Mitchell, has been named Lawyer of the Year at the Yorkshire Lawyer Awards.

Mr Culley was given the award in recognition of his contribution to the legal profession during 30 years with Irwin Mitchell, 21 of them as national managing partner.

In his early years at Irwin Mitchell, Mr Culley concentrated on building a new commercial practice and following his appointment as national managing partner in 1988 the firm grew from being a small practice, focused on the magistrates' courts in Sheffield, to become one of the largest law firms in the country.

"It is an honour to be presented with this award," said Mr Culley. "When I started here over 30 years ago we had a vision for where we wanted to take Irwin Mitchell, and it is remarkable what we have achieved over the years."

Mr Culley stepped down as managing partner earlier this year, but continues to be a partner with the firm.

New national managing partner John Pickering said: "Under Howard's stewardship, this firm has gone from strength to strength.

"I have nothing but praise for his truly magnificent contribution and business acumen, on which we will continue to draw as Irwin Mitchell prepares for the opportunities of the new legal services market place."

Outside Irwin Mitchell, Mr Culley has been involved in a number of initiatives to boost the city, including setting up the Sheffield City Trust, which helped Sheffield become the UK's first City of Sport.

He also served for a while as chairman of Sheffield Wednesday Football Club.

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