2009 Pro Bono Prize to ‘Outstanding’ Lawyer, Philip Warford

Brighton based legal executive lawyer receives Institute of Legal Executives’ annual award in recognition of exceptional charity and fund raising work.

The Institute of Legal Executives (ILEX) has awarded its 2009 Pro Bono Medal  vto Brighton legal executive Philip Warford. Philip has been honoured by ILEX in recognition of the outstanding level of work he has undertaken for charities, such as the mental health charity MENCAP and Age Concern, over the past year and for his commitment to raising money for charities and helping individuals with unpaid legal advice.

Philip was selected for the medal following a unanimous vote by the judges. He received it from the President of ILEX at the Annual Presidential Luncheon on the 3rd June at the Clothworkers’ Hall in the City of London.

Philip, who entered the legal profession following an approach from a law firm whilst he was studying for a non-legal BTEC qualification, feels honoured to be receiving this year’s prize – “It’s always great to be honoured for work you enjoy doing and I’m pleased that my efforts help the charities to keep providing their excellent service.

“Also, I’d like to thank ILEX, as without them I wouldn’t be working either as a legal executive or undertaking this type of charity work today. Through the ILEX learning structure, where I took my course in evening classes and correspondence, I was able to learn on the job and gain my qualifications in the best environment to suit me. Like many people I didn’t want to go through University and the ILEX option was the perfect solution – and judging by this award I obviously made the right choice.”

Judith Gordon-Nichols, President of ILEX, commented, “It’s an absolute pleasure to give our 2009 Pro Bono Medal to Philip. He is an outstanding individual whose unpaid work has made a real difference to many charities. Similarly his unstinting assistance to people who might otherwise have little or no recourse to good quality legal advice is remarkable.

“Our Pro Bono Medal is designed to recognise those who sacrifice their own time to assist organisations or individuals with legal advice. Philip’s work for charities epitomises that initiative and he is a brilliant example of how the legal profession can assist and make a difference to the third sector.”

Clair Lucy of MENCAP, who nominated Philip is delighted he has been honoured in this way – “Philip has devoted a lot of time and hard work to helping us and we are thrilled to see him receive this award. He hosts lectures for parents of our clients on their financial planning and related issues, to ensure they know all about how the law works when dealing with issues such as trustees and power of attorney issues. This advice is invaluable and he really makes a difference, both to the families and to MENCAP, ensuring we can go on supporting people with learning disabilities and their families and carers. If Philip was to tally the time cost of the pro bono work he does each year it would run into tens of thousands of pounds. Always happy, always professional and always appreciated by clients, Philip’s service is second to none”

Now working towards the launch of his own, specialist private client law firm, Philip’s accomplishments and pro bono activities look set to continue to grow for years to come.