AN established law firm in Northwich has been nominated for a prestigious industry award for the second consecutive year.

The small but dedicated team at Susan Howarth and Co Solicitors is in the running with some of the sector’s biggest names at this year’s Family Law Awards.

It is the second time the firm, based on Chester Way, has been nominated in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Firm of the Year (North) category, an accolade the practice is especially proud to be recognised for, given its founder’s roots.

The firm was established by Susan Howarth, head of family department, in 1997 following a career within the probation and social services. Susan has always believed that everyone has the right to access justice and that helping client’s get their lives back on track is what matters most.

Rosie Howarth, marketing and social media manager for the practice, explained how this year's nomination is all the better, due to the added pressures brought by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many of the staff successfully adapting to new ways of working and being based primarily at home.

She said: "It’s been another challenging year, particularly for our Family Department – the team has been overwhelmed with work which has been relentless.

"So to say we’re elated and immensely proud is an understatement – the news has really lifted spirits.

"It’s also a particularly major achievement as the other five shortlisted law firms are significantly bigger than us with multiple regional offices, demonstrating that smaller, local practices are able to deliver their clients a quality of service on a par with bigger city centre firms."

Last year's award ceremony had to be held remotely, but it will be held in person this time around, which will make the repeat nomination all the more special this year, with Rosie keen to praise the hard work of the team, handling all the extra pressure the pandemic brought.

"It doesn't matter how many offices you've got or where you're based geographically, if you've got the right ethos and your goal is to deliver sterling service, then you can be recognised," she said.

"We are one office, with twenty odd people and three directors, while the other firms nominated are so much bigger.

"After a period of uncertainty around the country following the first lockdown, what was amazing was how we adapted to a new way of working.

"That was challenging, particularly in family law where it can often be very emotional and charged, so seeing that face to talk is so important to get that sympathy and empathy.

"It was amazing how quickly we were able to set up the technology and have a relatively smooth transition to working remotely.

"It was just admirable the way the team just took everything in their stride."

The award ceremony will take place on November 24 at the Bloomsbury Big Top in London.