Barrister Steve Broach, who answers parents’ legal questions in Autism Eye magazine, has won the Young Barrister title in the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards 2011.
The Doughty Street Chambers barrister was shortlisted following nominations from solicitors and charities. Steve works with to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, including disabled children and adults, as well as young people who have been excluded from school.
Steve was presented with the award by Doreen Lawrence, a prominent British human rights campaigner and the mother of Stephen Lawrence, a black British teenager who was murdered in 1993 in South-East London in what was believed to be a racial attack.
Commenting on the award, Steve said: “It is an honour to win a LALY award, and an even greater honour to be presented with the award by Doreen Lawrence.” He added: “Her campaigning work in memory of her son Stephen is an inspiration and example to everyone.”
Gillian Loughran, Autism Eye’s editor, said Steve Broach’s work is well known within the autism community for the way he has championed the rights of disabled children, adults and those in great need of services and support. She said: “Our readers have told to us how much they appreciate his advice on issues that are having an effect, often devastating, on the lives of their children.”
In recent issues of Autism Eye magazine Steve has addressed parents’ concerns on bullying and school exclusions, as well as problems accessing vital therapy.
Committed to the rights of disabled children, Steve is co-author of Disabled Children: A Legal Handbook (Legal Action Group, October 2010). He has particular expertise around the obligations in domestic and convention law to support children in need and is co-author of Children in Need: Local Authority Support for Children and Families (Legal Action Group, April 2011).
Published: 1 August 2011
