Bernard Shepherd, a consultant at Black Country law firm Clark Brookes Turner Cary, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Birmingham Law Society.
A legendary figure in the sector, who has held many high profile roles, Mr Shepherd said he was honoured to have been chosen by his peers for the accolade.
The veteran commented: “It is not that I have contributed anything of great note, but I have done things for the profession as I have gone along and always tried to help and mentor young people.
“The law world has been very kind to me – there are so many wonderful people in the sector. It has given me a good living down the years and I like to think I have put something back. It has been up and down as it always is in business. Overall though, I have had a good career.”
“My message to aspiring young lawyers today is this – I have always been a firm believer in listening to the client and providing honest and straightforward advice, placing the good of the client above all else. So long as you do that you won’t go far wrong.”
Mr Shepherd, aged 76, a highly-experienced solicitor, well known across the West Midlands legal community, has played a major role in representing the profession and championing excellence.
Earlier this year he became president of the West Midland Association of Law Societies for the next two years.
A past president of Walsall Law Association and Birmingham Law Society president from 2009 to 2010, he previously headed the Association from 2010 to 2012.
In 2010 he was named Inspiring Leader at the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards.
Mr Shepherd joined Clark Brookes Turner Cary last year with a remit to raise the profile of its West Bromwich and Stratford-upon-Avon offices.
CBTC was formed in 2012 following the merger of West Bromwich firms Clark Brookes and Turner Cary Partnership. It has more than 30 members of staff. In April 2013 the firm acquired Rawstorne Heran Solicitors in Stratford-upon-Avon, which now practices as CBTC Solicitors.
It offers a range of commercial and private client legal services, including company, commercial property, conveyancing, wills, trusts, elderly client services, tax planning, child care, public law, civil litigation and crime.
Mr Shepherd previously had his own firm in Great Barr, Shepherds, for many years, then worked with Blakemores and Gateley, before linking up with CBTC. He has particular expertise in property and private client.
The Birmingham Law Society Legal Awards have been showcasing the very best of the region’s legal talent since the inaugural event in 2002.
They have become a permanent fixture in the legal and business calendar, with the event attracting a capacity crowd year-on-year to celebrate the success and achievement of both individuals and firms over the last 12 months.