BCU has demonstrated its strength in legal education with a remarkable double success at the 24th Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards, one of the most prestigious legal events in the region’s professional calendar.
The awards, held annually and widely attended by leaders from law, business and academia, celebrate excellence across the legal sector in the West Midlands.
Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year
Final-year law student Khadija Bashar was honoured with the Outstanding Student Contribution of the Year 2026 award, sponsored by Access Managed Services. This accolade recognises her exceptional dedication to social justice and anti-racism work, reflecting the values of professionalism, empathy and community commitment that define future legal professionals.
Khadija's achievement was impressive given that she was one of three BCU students shortlisted for the award, alongside peers Hafsah Shahid and Halima Rahman.
Pro Bono impact recognised
BCU’s contribution to widening access to justice was further recognised with the Pro Bono Award 2026, sponsored by LEAP, for the transformational work of its Law Clinic. The Clinic delivers free legal advice and support to communities across Birmingham, giving students real-world experience while making a meaningful difference to those who most need legal help.
Fiona Farrell, Director and Associate Professor at the BCU Law Clinic, described the double success as a “landmark year of growth, innovation and measurable impact”. She underlined the importance of strong partnerships with organisations such as Central England Law Centre, Support Through Court, Citizens Advice and LawWorks in delivering high-impact pro bono work.
Real-world experience, real-world reward
These awards highlight how BCU’s law programmes go beyond academic excellence, offering students opportunities to engage in meaningful legal practice and community work. Such experiences not only enhance employability but also cultivate future legal professionals who are socially aware, ethically grounded and practice-ready.
If you’re inspired by this success and ready to make your mark in the legal world, why not explore your options with us?
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Success at events like the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards shows that BCU law students are not just learning the law – they’re living it, shaping their communities and building careers with purpose.