Neil McLean, who is regarded as one of the most respected and successful lawyers in the region, won the Yorkshire Lawyer of the Year award in recognition of over 30 years of service to the profession.

The judging panel, led by Jeremy Shulman and Peter McCormick, said Mr McLean, who lives in Harrogate and is managing partner of DLA Piper in Leeds, was considered to be one of the North’s leading real estate lawyers and had been involved in development and regeneration of projects that had significantly transformed the appearance, and very nature, of cities across Yorkshire.

“He initiated his firm’s involvement in organisations such as Leeds Cares and Right to Read as part of DLA Piper’s very comprehensive corporate social responsibility programme,” said the judging panel.

“Neil is a central figure in the Yorkshire legal community and a man committed to bridging the social, economic and skills gaps in the region.”

McCormicks solicitor Julia Rangecroft, who has a rare dual qualification as both a solicitor and a chartered tax adviser, was presented with the Private Client Lawyer of the Year Award.

McCormicks partner Neil Goodrum said: “Julia’s skills have helped her to develop an extensive portfolio of clients and this Award is richly deserved.”

Julia has substantial experience of advising across the full spectrum of private client and tax work for a range of clients including individuals, trusts, charities and privately-owned businesses.

She has particular expertise in succession planning, landed estates, rural and agricultural assets and heritage property, and in offshore work, including advising on inward investment, offshore structures, residence and domicile issues.

Julia is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners; the Country Land and Business Association (Yorkshire Committee Member and Yorkshire representative on the National Tax Committee) and the Chartered Institute of Tax.

Since joining Harrogate-based McCormicks last year, she has developed the firm’s private client advice to high net worth entrepreneurs and other commercial clients.

Organised by Harrogate firm Barker Brooks, the glittering black tie ceremony at Rudding Park was hosted by ITV’s Gaynor Barnes and attended by over 300 lawyers from throughout the region.

As well as honouring hard work and talent in the Yorkshire legal profession, the awards again raised money for local charity, the Macmillan Dales Unit at Harrogate District Hospital.