Faizal Bhana, a lawyer in the Banking Team at law firm Browne Jacobson, won Assistant/Associate Solicitor of the Year at the Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards 2011.
Faizal, who was presented with his award by former leader of the Liberal Democrat Party Lord Paddy Ashdown beat off stiff competition from lawyers representing DLA, HBJ Gateley Wareing, Anthony Collins Solicitors and Wragge & Co.
Faizal acts for banks, asset based lenders and corporate borrowers on transactions, acquisitions, refinancing and restructures.
The judges commended Faizal for his professionalism and commitment both to his profession and the wider community. As well as quickly establishing himself as a trusted advisor within the banking and finance community in the West Midlands, the judges were impressed by his commitment to promoting Birmingham as the city of choice for Islamic Finance and his passion for community action, demonstrated through his work as a mentor with the charity Mosaic.
Paul Ray, Head of the Banking Team at Browne Jacobson, said :
"Faizal is a highly skilled and experienced solicitor and in the short time that he has been with the firm he has made a considerable contribution. We are all very proud of his achievement in winning this award."