A company lawyer with a Somerset-based business has been shortlisted for the Law Society’s prestigious Excellence Awards, the highest accolade for lawyers in England and Wales.
Italo Cerullo, who is from Taunton and Head of Legal Affairs with manufacturing business Nonwovenn, based in Bridwater has been shortlisted in the Solicitor of the Year – In-House category.
On being nominated, Italo Cerullo said: “I’m naturally thrilled to have been shortlisted for this highly prized award. It is real recognition from my profession for the work all lawyers do around the country. To many people, having to deal with lawyers or to “read the small print” is worse than a visit to the dentist. Yet often in business, and life generally, we often need reliable, sound legal advice. Lawyers can still be seen as fusty, stuck in their ways and expensive. I have always tried to provide colleagues and clients with the best service, the utmost integrity and above all common-sense, down-to-earth advice that gives them real solutions to problems. To be recognised for that by my professional body is quite a thing.”
In May this year, Italo Cerullo was also named Solicitor of the Year by the Devon and Somerset Law Society at their 2018 Legal Awards in Torquay.
Law Society president Christina Blacklaws said: “There are more than 9,000 firms and 140,000 solicitors in England and Wales, so to be shortlisted for an Excellence Award is to be recognised as being among the best of the best.”
“All the firms and solicitors who are shortlisted should be congratulated for the work they do day-in day-out to support their clients, many of whom are navigating complex and challenging legal problems.”
“At a time of immense pressure on the justice system, the incredible work being done by solicitors across the country should be applauded.”
Winners are announced at the Law Society’s Excellence Awards ceremony in London on 17th October.