TRAINEES from a Brierley Hill-based law firm are at the top of their class after two members of the company scooped legal awards.

Katie Willems, a corporate and commercial team trainee at Higgs & Sons, was named Trainee Solicitor of the Year at the annual Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards.

Fellow trainee Iyanu Onalaja, who works in the firm’s motoring and private criminal team, was recognised by the society as one of the region’s outstanding students with a bronze prize.

Adam Maguire and Honor Giles were also nominated for awards which showcase the best of the region’s legal talent since the inaugural event in 2002 and are now a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar.

Eileen Schofield, president of the society, said: “All of the winners, and indeed the finalists, represent the very best that the West Midlands’ legal sector has to offer.

“As a sector, we should be immensely proud of both the talent we have and the quality of legal services that continue to be provided by the region’s firms and individuals.

“This year’s winners are a credit to themselves, their firms, the profession and the region.”

Nick Moxon, senior partner at Higgs & Sons, said: “Congratulations to Katie Willems who, along with fellow Higgs’ award nominees Adam Maguire and Honor Giles, did a fantastic job of representing the firm.”