No5 Barristers’ Chambers are delighted to announce that David Gardner has been shortlisted for the ‘Legal Aid Barrister Award’ at this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards which takes place on Friday 3rd July 2026 in London.
The LALYs are organised by the Legal Aid Practitioners Group to celebrate the work of access to justice lawyers. The awards recognise the positive and crucial work undertaken by dedicated legal aid lawyers. Competition to be shortlisted is described as incredibly tough.
David is Deputy Head of the Public Law Group at No5 and has built a distinguished practice focused primarily on judicial review and Court of Protection matters. He has also appeared in a number of other jurisdictions including in Public Inquiries, the Immigration Tribunals (both First-Tier and Upper Tribunals), in education cases, criminal cases, and parole hearings.
David’s work has earned him high praise from clients who describe him as:
“David is a strong choice for claimants and defendants seeking representation in judicial reviews across England and Wales. He is a barrister with experience in a wide range of cases, including those involving immigration, asylum, human rights and criminal law issues. Recent mandates include complex age assessment and asylum support”.
“David is an experienced Court of Protection practitioner who acts on a broad range of issues including residence, care arrangements and capacity to engage in sexual relations. He is frequently instructed by the Office of the Official Solicitor”.
“David is a responsive and approachable, along with combining strong written and oral advocacy skills”
Practice Director, Abdul Hafeez, commented “I’m extremely proud to see David shortlisted for the LALY Award. It comes as no surprise and is recognition of his hard work, dedication and commitment in representing legal aid clients. David is a highly accomplished advocate whose calm and reassuring approach inspires confidence in clients and instructing solicitors alike. This shortlisting reflects individual excellence and No5’s continued strength in public law and legal aid advocacy. I wish him all the best on the night”.
