A SOLICITOR from a Southampton law firm has been announced as a winner at WeAreTheCity’s Rising Star Awards.

The awards, which have run since 2015, showcase and recognise the pipeline of females emerging in the UK.

Eman was named as the winner of the Law category and commended for her work in Moore Barlow’s Major Trauma service.

Since joining the firm in 2013, Eman has worked on high profile cases, including supporting victims of the Croydon tram crash and the Westminster attack.

Eman was recognised by the awards judges for her perseverance and succeeding in her dream to qualify as a solicitor.

This comes despite not obtaining the necessary grade at university to secure a training contract.

Instead, Eman joined Moore Barlow in the facilities team and took an unconventional route to become a solicitor.

From the facilities team, Eman progressed to paralegal and was the first individual at the firm to qualify as a solicitor through the ‘Equivalent Means’ route, which substitutes compulsory qualifications for work-based learning.

Eman said: “It is an honour to have been recognised with this award. I am extremely passionate about helping aspiring lawyers progress their careers, no matter what their background.

"I believe that the more diverse our talent pool and skill set within the firm, the stronger we are and more able to achieve the best for our clients.”

“I am proud to be part of a firm that recognises potential and hard work.

"I am committed to supporting other juniors in the profession, from all backgrounds, to reach their potential. Diversity breeds innovation and better services for our clients.

“I look forward to helping Moore Barlow grow our talent pool for many years to come.”