Portsmouth: Sensitive work recognised by law network

Specialist lawyers in Portsmouth have been shortlisted for Team of the Year 2018 by national legal network, LawNet, in recognition of their success in managing some of the most difficult and extraordinary cases of historic abuse.

With new clients and new team members, invitations to join specialist professional panels, and innovative use of online communication, the historic abuse team at Verisona Law has been recognised for an impressive twelve months of development and success.

‘It has been a very busy and productive year,’ says the team’s lead, Charles Derham, who has been promoted to associate director at the firm. ‘We have not only represented clients that have been through traumatic cases of child and sexual abuse, getting them attention, recognition and apologies from some large organisations, but also explored new ways of talking about our work, both online through blogs and social media, and working with dedicated communities.’

The team has also taken part in various charity initiatives, including legal assistant Charlotte Attwood’s skydive in aid of the charity, Victim Support.

‘We are tremendously proud of the team,’ says Verisona Law’s managing director, Sue Ball. ‘It is no exaggeration to say that they do the work that the vast majority of the legal profession shy away from and people often try to ignore, but when you hear the client feedback, it is clear that this service is hugely valued by those who need it, often in order to move forward with their lives.’

The winner of the award will be announced and presented at LawNet’s annual award ceremony at the Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire on November 23.

‘As our work is so sensitive, private and confidential, it feels a bit odd to suddenly be in the spotlight and have people talking about us,’ says Derham. ‘But at the same time, it is also a great source of pride and satisfaction for us all.’