Jones Myers partner, Kate Banerjee, has been named ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in the coveted Private Client category of the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards.

Judges selected Kate, who heads the firm’s internationally renowned children’s department, from an 11-strong shortlist of top lawyers across the North of England in the inaugural awards.

With almost three decades of experience in children law, Kate has extensive expertise in international child abduction. Her specialisms include contact, residence, and adoption.

Kate, who is applauded by the latest Legal 500 rankings as a ‘standout children’s solicitor’ and Leading Individual, said: “I am proud and honoured to receive this prestigious recognition which is attributable to the commitment of our highly experienced and respected team.

“An enormous and heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my colleagues who consistently provide the best bespoke solutions for our valued clients.”

Succeeding with the most complex cases, the 12-strong Children’s team provides all aspects of private and public children law and is at the forefront of new areas of law including deprivation of a child’s liberty.

The Department also consistently achieves a consistently high success rate in international child abduction matters across Hague and Non-Hague countries.

Richard Peaker, Jones Myers managing partner, said: “Kate is widely respected as a leader in her field at home and overseas and this high-profile award is extremely well deserved.

“The accolade reflects the wider team’s dedication and expertise and underpins Jones Myers standing as a top-ranking, niche family law practice which has maintained its number 1 position in the legal guides for over two decades.”

Jones Myers reputation for dealing with complex cases and securing successful outcomes in reported cases involving Courts at all levels, is widely acknowledged.

The latest Legal 500 Guide consolidates Jones Myers outstanding reputation as ‘the leading matrimonial finance firm in Yorkshire, with outstanding individuals and unparalleled strength in depth’.

Founded in 1992 in Leeds as among the North of England’s first specialist family law practices, the firm has its headquarters in Leeds and offices in Harrogate and York.