CHILDREN’S solicitor Sophia Khan, of the National Youth Advocacy Service, a Wirral-based children’s rights charity, has been recognised for her work in the field of child law by picking up an outstanding newcomer award.
She received the award from Lord Justice Wilson, at the annual Association of Law-yers for Children Hershman Levy Memorial Lecture at South Bank University.
She has worked for NYAS, a socio-legal children’s charity providing independent and confidential advice, represent-ation and advocacy to children and young people, since December 2003, where she is a child law specialist.
Ms Khan said: “I’m really over the moon. I’m really grateful for all the support and opportunities I’ve been given by NYAS.
“The work we do with children and young people, ensuring that their voices are heard when decisions are being made about their lives and matters that affect them, is so rewarding and the award is the icing on the cake.”
Barrister Neil Bullock of Coram Chambers added: “Sophia manages a daunting caseload at NYAS which is only invited to represent children in the most difficult and intractable of cases. More often than not, it represent the last chance for these children to have their voices heard and to be properly represented.
“Invariably, these children come from a background of being abused, forgotten or overlooked, and are caught up as victims in a family war beyond their control. I consider Sophia to be an excellent lawyer. She is hugely commit-ted to her work and a gifted and able lawyer.”