We are delighted to announce that Consultant Solicitor Advocate Deborah Piccos has been named Childcare Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year at the prestigious 2026 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) Awards, held in London on Friday 4 July.
The award recognises Deborah’s outstanding contribution to children law and honours nearly three decades of dedication to protecting the rights of children and supporting families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Colleagues from TV Edwards’ Family team were proud to join Deborah at the awards ceremony to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.
Celebrating Excellence in Legal Aid
Organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG), the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards celebrate lawyers who have made an exceptional contribution to legal aid. The awards recognise not only legal excellence but also the compassion, commitment and determination shown by those working tirelessly to improve access to justice for some of society’s most vulnerable people.
A Career Dedicated to Children and Families
For 27 years, Deborah has specialised exclusively in public law children work, representing children, parents and wider family members in some of the most complex care proceedings. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for combining exceptional legal expertise with genuine compassion, ensuring every client feels heard, supported and fully informed throughout the court process.
Deborah is consistently recognised as one of the country’s leading public law children’s practitioners. She is ranked in Chambers & Partners (Band 2 – Family: Public Law) and recognised as a Key Lawyer in The Legal 500 for Children Law, reflecting the exceptional reputation she has earned among clients, peers and the judiciary.
Recognising that many of the families she represents have additional communication needs, Deborah regularly prepares judgments in Plain English and goes above and beyond to ensure children and vulnerable adults understand complex legal decisions that will have a lasting impact on their lives. Her ability to explain difficult legal issues with clarity, empathy and sensitivity is one of the many qualities for which she is widely respected.
A Leader in Children Law
Alongside her work representing children and families, Deborah plays a leading role in shaping family justice. As Co-Chair of the East London Family Justice Board, she works collaboratively with judges, legal professionals and partner organisations to improve practice, accessibility and outcomes for children and families. She is also a highly respected mentor, generously sharing her knowledge and experience to support colleagues and help develop the next generation of family lawyers.
A longstanding member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, Deborah also holds Higher Rights of Audience (Civil), enabling her to represent clients throughout every stage of proceedings. Her professional standing is further reflected in her Law Society Children Law Accreditation, Vulnerable Witness Training Accreditation, and her judicial appointments as both a Recorder and Deputy District Judge.
This award is a fitting recognition to Deborah’s exceptional career, her commitment to children and families, and the profound difference she continues to make to the lives of those she represents.
Everyone at TV Edwards extends their warmest congratulations to Deborah on this outstanding and richly deserved achievement.
