A champion for inclusion in the legal profession has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. Paulette Mastin, former chair of the Black Solicitors’ Network, has been awarded a CBE for “services to diversity in legal services.” Mastin led the organisation for five years and currently serves as a capital markets partner at international law firm Reed Smith, following a 26-year career at Linklaters.

In a 2016 interview with the Law Gazette, Mastin recalled her early resolve to succeed in the legal field after being told, “as a black female [she] would never be able to achieve it.”

Also honoured is Audrey Ludwig, founder of the Suffolk Law Centre, who stepped down last November. Ludwig received an MBE for “services to legal aid in Suffolk.” Reflecting on the recognition, she shared online: “This recognition reflects the efforts of a remarkable team at SLC, my former colleagues at Ipswich & Suffolk Council for Racial Equality and the support of a wider community who have shared in the vision and helped make it a reality. I accept it on their behalf as well as my own.”

Several other legal professionals were acknowledged for their service: 

• Jane Harbottle, chief executive of the Legal Aid Agency, will receive a CBE for her contributions to public service. 
• Piers Le Marquand, senior lawyer with the Department for Transport, is awarded an OBE for “services to the legal profession.” 
• From the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS):
  • Hannah Sidaway, specialist prosecutor – OBE 
  • Parimalkumar Patel, paralegal – MBE 
  • Elizabeth Swift, casework administration manager – MBE 
• Adam Dawson, barrister and head of the personal injury team at Deka Chambers, is awarded an MBE for “services to charity and to the Jewish community.” 

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Source: John Hyde, The Law Society Gazette