We're delighted to announce that Elkan Abrahamson and Erin Sunderland have been shortlisted for the Liverpool Law Society Legal Awards 2026. 

The nominations recognise two lawyers committed to helping people challenge injustice, seek accountability and make their voices heard.

While they work in different areas of law, both support individuals and families facing powerful institutions. Elkan represents bereaved families seeking answers through inquests and public inquiries, while Erin advises people challenging decisions and actions taken by public authorities. Their shortlisting reflects a shared commitment to fairness, accountability and access to justice.

Who is on the Liverpool Law Society's 2026 awards shortlist?

Elkan Abrahamson, Legal Director in Broudie Jackson Canter’s Major Inquests and Inquiries team, is shortlisted for the Outstanding Lawyer Award. 

Erin Sunderland, an Associate Solicitor in the firm’s Civil Liberties team, is shortlisted for the Rising Star Award. 

Both appear on Liverpool Law Society’s official 2026 shortlist, with the winners still to be announced.

Elkan Abrahamson: Outstanding Lawyer Award

Elkan Abrahamson works in our Inquests and Inquiries team, representing bereaved families seeking answers following the deaths of loved ones. For decades, he has supported families through some of the country's most significant public inquiries and campaigns for reforms designed to prevent others experiencing the same struggles.

He currently represents the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice group in the ongoing Covid Inquiry, helping thousands of bereaved families engage with one of the largest public inquiries in British history. Alongside his legal work, he has focused on helping families understand a process that can often feel daunting and overwhelming. 

That commitment to accountability also sits at the heart of his work on Hillsborough Law. Having represented 20 families at the Hillsborough inquests, Elkan Abrahamson helped develop the original proposals alongside Pete Weatherby KC and other lawyers involved in the proceedings. The legislation was shaped by the experiences of bereaved families and seeks to create greater transparency from public authorities while improving access to legal representation.

Now formally known as the Public Office (Accountability) Bill, Hillsborough Law continues its journey through Parliament. As a director of Hillsborough Law Now, Elkan Abrahamson has remained closely involved, helping ensure the voices and experiences of families remain central to the campaign. 

His nomination reflects both his work supporting families today and his wider efforts to secure lasting change for future generations.

Erin Sunderland: Rising Star Award

Erin Sunderland qualified as a solicitor in March 2025 and has recently been promoted to Associate in our Civil Liberties team. Her Rising Star nomination recognises the impact she is already making through significant cases involving police powers, wrongful arrest and the rights of people affected by decisions made by public authorities.

She advises clients bringing claims against public bodies and challenging decisions that have a significant impact on their lives. Her approach focuses on providing clear, practical advice that helps clients understand both their position and their options.

One of Erin's most prominent cases involved representing Jacqueline Cowdall, who was wrongly identified as a suspect linked to the 2024 Southport riots. Jacqueline was arrested, detained and had her home searched before police accepted she was not the person shown in the footage. Erin helped secure a settlement for her client, although Merseyside Police denied wrongdoing and liability.

The case attracted national attention and highlighted the serious consequences that mistakes by public authorities can have on innocent people. Erin later appeared on BBC North West Tonight to discuss the case and its wider significance, helping explain complex legal issues in a clear and accessible way. Her work was also featured in the Law Society Gazette, raising the profile of both Erin and the Civil Liberties team beyond Merseyside.

Her growing reputation demonstrates that nationally significant civil liberties and public law work continues to be carried out from Liverpool.

A shared commitment to clients and community

Although they are at different stages of their careers, Elkan Abrahamson and Erin Sunderland share the same determination to stand up for people who might otherwise struggle to make their voices heard.

Whether supporting bereaved families through public inquiries, challenging decisions made by public authorities or helping individuals understand their rights, both reflect the values that have long defined Broudie Jackson Canter.

Their nominations recognise not only individual achievement, but also a continued commitment to fairness, accountability and access to justice.

Speaking about the nominations, Esther Leach, Managing Director of the Jackson Lees Group, said:

Speaking on both shortlists, Esther Leach, Managing Director of the Jackson Lees Group, said: 

We are incredibly proud to see Elkan and Erin recognised by the Liverpool Law Society. While they are at different stages of their careers, they share a commitment to helping people be heard, particularly when they are facing decisions, processes or institutions that can feel overwhelming.

Elkan has dedicated many years to supporting families seeking answers and accountability, while Erin has already made a significant impact through her work with clients, colleagues and the wider community. These nominations reflect not only their individual achievements, but also the values that sit at the heart of Broudie Jackson Canter: fairness, access to justice and standing alongside people when they need support most.”

Looking ahead to the awards evening

Winners will be revealed on Thursday 12 November 2026 at the awards evening in Liverpool’s Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel.

The awards celebrate some of the very best legal talent across the Liverpool City Region, and we're proud to see Elkan and Erin recognised among them.

Everyone at Broudie Jackson Canter and the Jackson Lees Group wishes them the very best for the awards evening in November.