A BARNSLEY law firm has been nominated for three awards at an awards ceremony.

MKB Solicitors LLP, based in Huddersfield Road, Barnsley, has been nominated for the small firm of the year award at the Yorkshire Legal Awards, while partner and head of employment Ben McFeely, is nominated for the Rising Star award. One of the firm’s solicitors Joanna Longfellow, who works in MKB’s private client department, has been nominated for Private Client award.

The event will take place in Leeds on October 10, with the staff at MKB hoping the firm will repeat its successful award past, with the group winning the Small Firm of the Year award in 2016 as well as previous wins for the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year, Rising Star and Private Client awards.

Recognising recent success since being promoted to head of employment at MKB, as well as his prominence in the Yorkshire legal market, Ben McFeely’s nomination for the Rising Star award is a result of success he has had in the legal sector at a young age.

He has now led the employment department at MKB for 18 months and also contributes to the local community in Barnsley, through his appointment as a trustee of leisure operator Barnsley Premier Leisure and through his regular charity work alongside his work.

Joanna Longfellow has been recognised for the quality of her legal work in the private client department at MKB, and her contribution to the Barnsley community.

Joanna is particularly noted for her specialism in assisting elderly clients, and is the only solicitor within a five mile radius of Barnsley town centre that is a full accredited member of the Solicitors for the Elderly organisation. Joanna is also a Dementia Friends champion and has trained more than 200 Dementia Friends who now have a better understanding and awareness of dementia.

Steven Dawson, senior partner at MKB Solicitors LLP, said: “It is fantastic for the firm to be nominated in three categories at this Yorkshire Legal Awards, it is a notable achievement in itself given the widespread entries from law firms across Yorkshire.

“It is often difficult to promote and celebrate the success of law firms outside of the cities, but this has given us a platform to demonstrate the talent and dedication our team possess.”