2026 Judges
We are hugely fortunate to have a fantastic panel of judges with a great diversity of experience across the legal world.
Let’s take a look at our judges for 2026.
More to be announced soon…
Judith Birkett
Compliance Officer - Muckle LLP
Joe Brown
Client Manager, Robson Laidler
Ian Cosgrove, Costs Lawyer – Cosgrove Costings Limited
Joe Brown
Client Manager, Robson Laidler
Professor Deveral Capps, Dean of Leeds Law School
Judith Birkett
Compliance Officer – Muckle LLP
Judith has been a lawyer for over 30 years in real estate and for the last few years has been the Compliance Officer at Muckle LLP.
Joe Brown
Client Manager, Robson Laidler
Joe is an ICAEW-qualified Chartered Accountant specialising in accounting and advisory services for law firms and legal professionals. Working closely with Robson Laidler’s full portfolio of legal clients, Joe has extensive expertise in Solicitors Accounts Rules audits, ensuring compliance while offering tailored support. In addition to audit and compliance work, Joe advises on law firm structuring and provides strategic business and tax guidance, helping firms operate efficiently and plan confidently for the future.
Joe has served on the judging panel for the Northern Law Awards for the past two years and is delighted to be involved once again this year.
Joe Brown
Client Manager, Robson Laidler
Joe is an ICAEW-qualified Chartered Accountant specialising in accounting and advisory services for law firms and legal professionals. Working closely with Robson Laidler’s full portfolio of legal clients, Joe has extensive expertise in Solicitors Accounts Rules audits, ensuring compliance while offering tailored support. In addition to audit and compliance work, Joe advises on law firm structuring and provides strategic business and tax guidance, helping firms operate efficiently and plan confidently for the future.
Joe has served on the judging panel for the Northern Law Awards for the past two years and is delighted to be involved once again this year.
Bill King
Client Manager, Robson Laidler
Joe is an ICAEW-qualified Chartered Accountant specialising in accounting and advisory services for law firms and legal professionals. Working closely with Robson Laidler’s full portfolio of legal clients, Joe has extensive expertise in Solicitors Accounts Rules audits, ensuring compliance while offering tailored support. In addition to audit and compliance work, Joe advises on law firm structuring and provides strategic business and tax guidance, helping firms operate efficiently and plan confidently for the future.
Joe has served on the judging panel for the Northern Law Awards for the past two years and is delighted to be involved once again this year.
