Champions of family justice announced at Resolution’s Awards 2023

Resolution, the campaigning body representing more than 6,500 family justice professionals, is delighted to announce the winners of the inaugural Resolution Awards.

Some 200 Resolution members and family justice professionals came together last night (Wednesday 13 September) to raise a toast to Resolution’s 40th anniversary and celebrate the champions of family justice 2023.

Joshua Rozenberg, Britain’s best known legal commentator, was on hand to host and present the awards at Church House, Westminster, celebrating the very best talent, innovation and pioneering practice from the wide spectrum of family justice professionals that makes up Resolution’s broadchurch membership.

Resolution’s awards are the ultimate seal of approval for those who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. With ten categories, including five new awards, this year’s celebration reflected the breadth of contributions Resolution members make, and the diversity of the community.

Resolution’s award for outstanding achievement, the John Cornwell Award, was presented to David Emmerson OBE, celebrating his commitment to Resolution’s values, including hard-work, innovation and an unrivalled dedication to Resolution whilst raising the profile of the family justice profession.

New for this year, the Members’ Choice Award, as voted for by Resolution members, was awarded to Graeme Fraser. Through thought leadership, committee work, training Members, and being a media spokesman, Graeme has trailblazed cohabitation practice and policy and the campaign for cohabitation law reform in England and Wales.

The winners of Resolution’s Awards 2023 are:

John Cornwell Award David Emmerson OBE, Anthony Gold Solicitors	Members’ Choice Award Graeme Fraser, BBS Law	Children’s Champion sponsored by Our Family Wizard Nina Hansen, Freemans	Community Champion sponsored by Only Mums and Dads Ravi Kaur Mahey, Duncan Lewis Solicitors	EDI Champion sponsored by Cansford Laboratories Scott Halliday, Irwin Mitchell
Innovation Champion sponsored by AlphaBiolabs Marcie Shaoul, The Co-Parent Way	Regional Champion Ian Walker, Devon Region, Ian Walker Family Law	Wellbeing Champion sponsored by Evelyn Partners Matthew Richardson, Coram Chambers	Working in Collaboration Award James Evans, Our Family Wizard	YRes Rising Star sponsored by Coram Chambers Leanne Instrall, Brabners

Colin Jones, Chief Executive, Resolution, says: “Tonight has been a wonderful celebration of family justice professionals and the incredible work that our members do. We should use nights like tonight to recognise and shout from the rooftops about the inspiring work being done by our members; celebrating those who make a difference to the family justice landscape.

“I am proud to say that the Resolution awards are the only values-driven awards in the family justice profession, and I’m delighted that we can recognise those individuals that go above and beyond to show a commitment to upholding and championing our Code of Practice.”

Grant Cameron, Chair, Resolution, says: “It has never been more important that we recognise the achievements of individuals and organisations that promote the highest professional standards in our profession. It is at these award ceremonies that we really get the chance to recognise that we are all extremely proud of what our members achieve in such challenging circumstances.

“Shining through all the entries this year is a commitment to our Code of Practice, innovation and dedication. The importance of what our members do day in, day out cannot be overstated, and it is a great pleasure to be able to come together to celebrate the very best talent, people and initiatives in our profession at an event like this one. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists and winners and for the great work you do.”