THE winners of last year’s Liverpool Law Society Legal awards last night said they were still reaping the benefits of their success.

They spoke to LDP Legal as the build-up to the 2011 awards continues.

Last month, society vice president Norman Jones opened the nominations saying the third biennial awards would be the biggest and best yet.

Sixteen months on from the last glittering ceremony at the Crowne Plaza hotel, Barrister of the Year Paul Burns told how winning the award had helped him.

Mr Burns, who works in Exchange Chambers’ local government and social housing team, said: “It definitely helped my practice. It improved the relationship I had with current clients and gave me additional exposure.

“There’s no doubt that even now the ongoing publicity from that is helpful in meeting new clients.”

He said clients contacting the chambers’ recently-opened office in Leeds had heard about the award.

“People in other cities do become aware. The whole profile of the team and chambers benefited and still does.

“I would encourage all solicitors and barristers to take a real interest in the awards for themselves, for their colleagues and in terms of promoting the legal community in Merseyside.”

The biggest winners at last year’s ceremony were Jackson & Canter, which scooped two gongs.