30th Asian Legal Awards – hear from our 2025 Winners
Did you attend the Society of Asian Lawyers milestone 30th Asian Legal Award in 2025? If so, you will have known what a special night it was! If you did not, fear not, our 31st Asian Legal Awards are taking place on 14 November 2026. Tickets are on sale so grab yours before it’s too late!
Hear from our milestone Awards 2025 Winners, about their journeys, inspirations and what it means to them to be a recipient of the Asian Legal Awards.
Winner: Shaili Gohil-Desai, Associate Solicitor at Burgess Mee
Rising Star Award 2025 – Sponsored by Society of Asian Lawyers
Brief overview of your journey into law:
After reading Law at the University of Warwick, I worked as paralegal in a couple of law firms in London before commencing my training contract just before the announcement of the national lockdown in 2020. After a few months of being furloughed and then pursuing my training contact in unusual circumstances, I qualified in December 2021 in family law. I have since practiced in all areas of private family law but specialise in fertility law having had the opportunity to work on a couple of key cases.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
I took a gap year after finishing my A Levels and was fortunate enough to be offered a work experience placement in a high street law firm by a family friend as a way to “spend my time wisely” before starting university.
I enjoyed the human element of the job straight away and the excitement of going to Court and discussing strategy with the client and counsel. I quickly realised this was a profession which would enable me to be intellectually challenged everyday whilst being able to help everyday people.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
To grasp every opportunity and, if there are no opportunities, to create them.
What is your career highlight/low point?
I acted for the intended parents in the landmark reported case of Re Z (Surrogacy: Stepparent Adoption) [2024] EWFC 20 (30 January 2024) which was nominated for the Family Law Case of the Year 2024. This case is both the highlight and lowlight of my career so far because whilst this was my first reported landmark case through which I built a longstanding relationship with my clients – we were ultimately unsuccessful in our application.
By way of summary, the High Court refused a contested stepparent adoption application by my clients following a domestic traditional surrogacy, ruling that the child’s welfare did not require severing legal ties with the surrogate birth mother. The Judge did however order a ‘lives with’ child arrangements order, a specific issue order for the non-biological parent to have Parental Responsibility, and limited contact for the surrogate.
My involvement in this case cemented my desire to specialise in modern family/fertility law.
What is the one thing you would change about the legal profession?
I would like the profession to adopt a culture in which junior lawyers are continually exposed and offered opportunities to learn and understand about the inner workings of how law firms are managed, the level of responsibility senior lawyers take on and the interpersonal skills it takes to manage others and promote oneself.
What are your career aspirations?
To run a modern family/fertility law department and lead the next generation of aspiring lawyers.
Tell us one quirky fact about yourself:
I am an Indian Classical dancer.
What does it mean to be a winner of an award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025?
I feel a lot of pride in being recognised by own community, especially not having had the opportunity to work closely with other Asian lawyers in my career so far.
Winner: Gul Nawaz Hussian KC, Barrister and Kings Counsel at 33 Bedford Row
Criminal Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Sponsored by the Crown Prosecution Service
Please provide a brief overview of your journey into law:
My parents came to the UK from the Kashmir region of Pakistan. My father worked in Sheffield’s steel industry from being a teenager until retirement. My sisters and I were always encouraged to pursue education as a means to improve ourselves and contribute to society.
Despite being told I’d never make it to the Bar because of my attending state school, Northern accent, ethnicity etc I never gave up. Thanks to some sweat, tears, luck and my parents’ prayers I made it. I did my BVC (as it was then) in Nottingham and my pupillage too. I then spent long stints in Chambers in Sheffield and Leeds before joining 33 Bedford Row in London and heading up the Sheffield annex. I am also honoured to be an associate tenant at No5 Chambers in Birmingham.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
My dad, Malcolm X (Malik el-Shabazz), Muhammad Ali, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan…and Batman!
My dad told me stories of how he and others had stood up to the National Front in the 70s. I would accompany him to Trade Union meetings to help read and translate. So, from a young age, I appreciated the need for those willing to talk on behalf of others who were unwilling or unable to do so themselves.
I was always impressed by people who were willing to stand up for what was right; especially those willing to defend the underdog, regardless of the opposition or the consequences. Both Ali and Shabbaz did so whilst also having an amazing ability to communicate. Through their speeches and interviews I first appreciated the power of words to move us. Through my growing love of Qawaali (Asian Sufi spiritual music) I saw the beauty of words in communicating complex ideas and themes in simple, clear and memorable ways.
As a child (and still as a big child!) I wanted to be Batman. A super hero…without any super powers; he is at heart a man with an iron will and a desire to make the world a better place.
So for me, Law was a field in which I could fight and make a difference, using the power of words to do so. All whilst wearing a cape (of sorts)!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Keep being true to yourself. The things you are sometimes embarrassed about are actually sources of immense strength. Listen to everyone and take what is useful, discard the rest and then add that which is uniquely your own.
Oh, and above all, fear kills more dreams than failure ever did.
What is your career highlight/low point?
The highlight: That has to be taking Silk (and then, naturally, winning this Award!). I’ve gone on to defend in some high profile and unique trials (e.g. espionage and prison escape of Daniel Khalife) that have given me the opportunity to really pressure test and develop my skill set.
The low: even whilst in Silk being subjected to the same kind of discrimination as I had in the past. This reminds me that whilst much has changed some things remain and we must always be vigilant.
What is the one thing you would change about the legal profession?
In some respects, we are sadly all talk. For example, we talk a good game when it comes to standing up to Government but we have never truly followed through. Much is said about wellbeing and more modern and considerate working practices but how much of it manifests? It’s ironic that we fight so fiercely for our clients but not ourselves.
What are your career aspirations?
I really enjoy the job and all the more in Silk. The cut and thrust of the Courtroom gives me a similar buzz to that which the boxing-ring does. As with boxing, the trick is to know when to bow out gracefully and not hold on too long.
Tell us one quirky fact about yourself:
You can have Two! My favourite colour is pink; I always wear a pink shirt when making my closing speech. I also had the honour of appearing in Jeffery West’s (the Shoe & Boot maker) online Rouge’s Gallery.
What does it mean to be a winner of an award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025?
It is an immense honour to be recognised for my work by such an organisation and such an esteemed judging panel. Clients are all the more discerning about who they wish to be represented by. Recognition by the legal directories matters and winning significant awards all the more so.
Winner: Kim Lehal – Partner-Head of International Children, RWK Goodman
Civil Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Sponsored by the Society of Asian Lawyers
Please provide a brief overview of your journey into law:
I grew up in Leamington Spa, attended a state school, and became the first in my family to study law at the University of Birmingham. My career began with training at Blakemores, followed by a decade at Brethertons where I developed a children law team. I am now a Partner at RWK Goodman in London, leading the International Children law team.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
My father has been a significant influence on my ambitions. Both sides of my family have Indian roots; my grandparents migrated to the UK seeking better opportunities. My father, who came to the UK at 14, had to leave education early to work, though his dream was academia. He instilled in us the importance of education and professional success. Inspired by his aspirations, I became the first in my family to graduate from university and set a precedent for future generations.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
My advice would be to block out distractions and remain focused on your true goals, not your fears. A positive mindset is essential- it shapes your choices and resilience. Trust yourself, stay centred, and let your ambitions guide you. Embrace all opportunities, even those outside your comfort zone.
What is your career highlight/low point?
My path has included struggles with confidence, cultural challenges, and securing a training contract. When I qualified, the firm was closed by the SRA, and balancing career progression with parenthood was tough. Yet, perseverance has been key. Achieving a training contract right after university was an early milestone. Early accreditation in Child Abduction and Children Law laid a solid professional foundation. I’ve since supported many parents through difficult times and developed a niche practice, mentoring others and leading as a Partner from my very early 30s. Recognition in legal directories, thought leadership in the press and speaking engagements, being the only English solicitor delegate at a child abduction conference in South Africa, and recent awards – including International Family Lawyer of the Year finalist (2024 and 2025), my firm winning Law Firm of the Year, and Civil Lawyer of the Year at the 2025 Asian Legal Awards – are all highlights that mark my journey of growth and purpose.
What is the one thing you would change about the legal profession?
I would address structural issues undermining access to justice and practitioners’ wellbeing. This includes tackling toxic workplace culture, increasing legal aid fees to reflect the value and demands of the profession, and resolving delays that prevent timely hearings. Improving these areas would benefit both legal professionals and clients, making the system fairer and more sustainable.
What are your career aspirations?
Looking ahead, I aspire to assume greater leadership responsibilities within my firm. This ambition holds particular significance for me as a woman from an ethnic minority background. I feel that having visible role models is crucial for motivating others and encouraging diversity at senior levels. By pursuing leadership, I hope to open doors for those who follow and show that determination and effort can break down obstacles. I also want to grow my brand and team across the country and internationally, reaching new markets and working with professionals around the world. Ultimately, my ambition is to be recognised as a global thought leader – someone who shapes the field and inspires others through my achievements.
Tell us one quirky fact about yourself:
A quirky fact is that I once appeared centre stage on the big screen in a Bollywood film—an unexpected and fun experience that still makes me cringe to this day!
What does it mean to be a winner of an award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025?
Winning at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025 is deeply meaningful as it’s recognition from my community. Competing against solicitors and barristers across all areas of Civil law and being selected as a winner is both humbling and empowering. As an Asian woman, and with this being my first award, it’s a milestone I’m proud of, showing that authenticity and perseverance can break barriers.
Winner: Mandy Kaur – Legal Director – Pizza Express
Company/Commercial Lawyer of the Year 2025 – Sponsored by the Society of Asian Lawyers
A brief overview of your journey into law:
Having initially read and enjoyed a career in Finance, I decided to covert my degree to law at the age of 31 studying part-time and working full-time; this led to being Called to the Bar in 2012.
As a result, the hospitality group I was working for at the time asked me to support them in helping them prepare for the sales of the three brands that they owned at the time (Byron Hamburgers, ASK, Zizzi and PizzaExpress). Once the sales had successfully concluded, I progressed to being the founding member of the PizzaExpress Legal function in 2014.
I was promoted to Head of Legal in 2016 and Legal Director in 2021. I am also a Statutory Director and Company Secretary for all PizzaExpress subsidiary companies.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
In a previous role in Finance, I used to work for Children’s Services, responsible for the financial operations and budgets that governed keeping fostered young people safe in and out of the city. The horrific details in the children’s case files triggered a profound response that spoke to my values. I wanted to play a part in the solution of helping others, rather than just facilitating indirect support.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Being neurodivergent, I’m a firm believer in doing things that spark joy. If you enjoy the things that you do, you’ll naturally excel at them. However, authenticity is key. Embrace who you are, meaning, being different is your superpower, so “be yourself with skill”. When you show up as your authentic self, you redirect mental energy wasted on masking and/ or trying to fit in, to honing and crafting your skill.
What is your career highlight/low point?
Believe it or not, it was the pandemic. In order to ensure our legal operations ran smoothly, I was asked to work alone in our building. It felt isolating and really scary, but it forced me to become high functioning outside of my comfort zone at an incredible pace. We executed four material corporate transactions in nine months, whilst navigating the consistently evolving social and political climate. 2020 gifted me the agency to “step into my power” and “own my leadership”.
What is the one thing you would change about the legal profession?
The perception towards access to the legal profession. Whilst there are now alternative routes to access the legal profession, we need to educate businesses and young people on their benefits.
I didn’t follow the traditional route and navigated constant roadblocks in my career progression, despite my commercial acumen and experience, because I had joined the business as an IT Temp to fund my studies; optics impact your progression when you climb the rungs of the business ladder.
Social mobility plays a huge part in access, and I am so grateful PizzaExpress fund legal studies since 2015. Some of the best people that have worked in our Legal Team didn’t follow the traditional route or method; they had to work full-time.
Having role models in legal leadership to aspire to and, inspire others to “blaze their own path” is important. You can’t envisage who you could become and where you could progress to, unless you see someone you can identify with doing that very thing you hope to do one day.
What are your career aspirations?
I hope to lead a business one day and become a catalyst for meaningful change. Lawyers are analytical and strategic thinkers, understand risk and its mitigation, are values led, excellent communicators and negotiators and have a breadth of expertise in understanding how operational decision-making sets precedent and adds commercial value, building sustainable growth and overall success.
Tell us one quirky fact about yourself:
I have a cheese intolerance (diagnosed as an adult). As a child I would experience huge physical and psychological anxiety on a Tuesday night, because my Mum would prepare the pizza dough for it to prove overnight for our Wednesday dinner. The fact that I have worked in and built my legal career working at PizzaExpress for over 17 years, is ironic and a standing joke in my family. I always order my American Hot, with “less cheese” and a soft egg!
What does it mean to be a winner of an award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025?
Everything! It was the first Award I received for my contributions to the legal profession.
As in-house lawyers, we must embrace the idea that being of service holds greater value than receiving recognition. As a result, you start to feel invisible and must accept this. Whilst I do my best to ensure my team’s feel seen and valued, it just hit different when “I” was made to feel seen.
In addition, as a woman of colour, navigating the workplace is even more challenging. We have to navigate cultural expectations whilst working towards our career aspirations. So, to be recognised as a woman of colour in the legal profession, who didn’t give into her self-limiting beliefs (conditioned by her environment, personally and professionally), was truly everything!
Winner: Jaswant Narwal – Chief Crown Prosecutor, Crown Prosecution Service
Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 – Sponsored by the Society of Asian Lawyers
A brief overview of your journey into law:
My entry into the legal world began when I won a scholarship from the Crown Prosecution Service, which enabled me to become a CPS legal trainee, and that allowed me to continue my studies, and it eased the financial pressures of Bar School. Although my first degree was in politics—a subject I chose because I have always been fascinated by the systems that govern society—I knew from a young age that I would ultimately become a lawyer, albeit I flirted with the idea of becoming a police officer.
Being exposed to the world of criminal law as a young prosecutor in London was extraordinary. I saw the best and worst of humanity, the range of casework I handled from the mundane to the unthinkable was vast, I witnessed the power of advocacy and felt I was doing something worthwhile. Even though I was thrown in at the deep end, with that weight of responsibility, it was the making of me, and it got me through the challenging times, and I grew in confidence.
Who or what inspired you to become a lawyer?
Growing up, I saw a lot of injustices around me, although I didn’t realise at the time that’s what it was; people who struggled with language barriers, including my own parents, those intimidated by officialdom, and individuals who simply could not advocate for themselves and were victims of racism or some other prejudice. I instinctively became the person who helped, explained, and stood beside them, so I think law, therefore, felt not just like a career, but a continuation of something deeply rooted in who I was and what I had experienced when I was young. My underlying values which drove me and continue to this day were the sense of ‘fairness’ and getting justice.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be to build your networks early, plan, and keep your friends close, but don’t be afraid to explore and embrace different experiences. Every step, even those that feel uncertain, adds to your growth and development. I did this and have worked up and down the country in different roles, I have handled the most serious and high-profile cases, and no day has been the same.
What is your career highlight/low point?
One of the defining highlights of my career was being appointed Chief Crown Prosecutor in 2007 after working my way up through the organisation. I have also been privileged to contribute nationally to work on honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and FGM. The culmination of that effort, alongside the tireless campaigning of charities and the third sector, was the Home Office’s agreement to a statutory definition of honour-based abuse. That achievement belongs to an entire community of advocates, survivors, and professionals determined to deliver long-overdue clarity and protection.
What is the one thing you would change about the legal profession?
The legal profession today is more open than the one I entered. Both solicitors and barristers reflect a broader range of backgrounds, and people of colour are rising in both the public and private sectors. Challenges do remain but we are finally talking about them more openly and we are seeing progress. One change I would make to the legal profession is to see more supported entry pathways to help those from less privileged backgrounds.
Tell us one quirky fact about yourself:
A quirky fact – best way to relax…it has to be karaoke, even if it’s just me!
What are your career aspirations?
Probably now at my age to coach, mentor and support young professionals.
What does it mean to be a winner of an award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards 2025?
Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th Asian Legal Awards in 2025 is a profoundly humbling moment. It offers an opportunity not only to reflect on my own path, but also to acknowledge the countless individuals, organisations, and communities that have shaped my 36-year journey.
Additionally, winning this award is not just about me, it reflects a collective effort of everyone I have worked with over the years and the shared commitment to justice. More importantly I have dedicated this award to victims and survivors of honour-based abuse forced marriage and FGM.
Congratulations to all our 2025 Winners!
