We are thrilled to announce Alistair Smith has won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Northern Law Awards 2024.
The Northern Law Awards are an annual celebration of exceptional talent and success in the legal industry in the North of England. The event recognises individuals and organisations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication in various areas of law. It serves as a platform to highlight the achievements of legal professionals and their impact on the community. The Outstanding Achievement Award is one of the highest honours bestowed at the Northern Law Awards. This accolade is open to individuals working in the legal sector in the North of England who have shown significant achievement over many years and made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession or the organisation of which they are part. Recipients of this award exemplify leadership, innovation, and a sustained commitment to excellence in their field. “Iam overwhelmed by this award, totally delighted. It is testimony to the efforts of the whole unit who have all contributed to this award being given to me and all should be so proud.” Alistair Smith
Alistair Smith’s Remarkable Career
Alistair has dedicated his entire career to making the lives of the people in the North East better. Alistair embarked on his legal journey in 1992, commencing his training contract at another firm. He then honed his skills as an assistant solicitor at a firm in Wallsend before advancing to a firm in Stockton-on-Tees, where his dedication and expertise led to his elevation to Partner in 2006. In 2014, Alistair brought his wealth of experience to Watson Woodhouse, assuming the role of Senior Solicitor and taking on leadership as Head of the Inquest and Public Inquiries Department. Throughout his extensive career, Alistair has consistently demonstrated remarkable achievement and dedication. His enduring commitment to excellence and sustained impact on the legal profession over many years set him apart as a true leader in his field. In his role, Alistair has exhibited exemplary leadership qualities, inspiring confidence, trust, and respect among colleagues and peers. His ability to motivate and empower others, foster collaboration, and navigate complex legal issues with integrity and professionalism has earned him widespread admiration and acclaim. Alistair’s drive and determination are unparalleled and evident in his relentless pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to achieving positive outcomes for his clients. In the face of challenges and obstacles, he has demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit, setting an inspiring example for others to follow.
Alistair Smith’s Notable Achievements
Among many achievements in his career, Alistair has been influential in advocating for victims of the Medomsley Detention Centre, helping numerous men who suffered abuse obtain the compensation they deserve. Medomsley Detention Centre in Barnard Castle operated from 1961 to 1988 as a prison for male offenders aged 16-21. In 2013, Durham Constabulary launched “Operation Seabrook” to investigate allegations of systematic sexual, physical, and mental abuse by prison officers over 25 years. This is one of the UK’s largest investigations of its kind, with to date approximately 3,000 victims have been compensated. Alistair continues the campaign for justice by taking part in the investigation by the PPO, commissioned by the secretary of state for justice, to investigate what was known by authorities about the abuse that took place. Additionally, Alistair was the driving force behind the change in rules in the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme regarding the ‘same roof rule’. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme was introduced in 1964 to compensate innocent victims of crimes of violence. However, if victims (before 1979) lived with their attacker at the time they were denied compensation. Alistair challenged this rule on behalf of a lady, JT, and successfully overturned the rule with the Court of Appeal case of JT -v- First Tier Tribunal. Resulting in countless victims now being able to seek the compensation they deserved. In 2020, Alistair was approached by the family of Ann Heron as a last attempt to try and seek justice for her murder in 1990. Ann’s widower, Peter, had fought for 30 years for justice and the case was considered a ‘cold case’ by Durham constabulary. It was the only unsolved murder by the force. Alistair assisted the family in a campaign to have the case re-investigated by a different police force. Eventually, earlier this year the family were informed that the case would be now re-investigated. Over the last four years, Alistair has been involved in making sure better mental health services are provided to the people of the North East. This began after Alistar was approached by the families of Christie Harnett, Nadia Sharif and Emily Moore, who all sadly lost their lives whilst inpatients at Tees, Esk and Wear Valley (TEWV) NHS Trust. He supported the families through an independent investigation commissioned by NHS England and a prosecution by CQC. More families in a similar situation started reaching out which resulted in a call for a Statutory Public Inquiry to ensure that other families do not suffer the same heartache as those he now represents. Alistair has met with the Secretary of State for Mental Health and local Members of Parliament on numerous occasions and is extremely active in campaigning for an improvement to local mental health services.
Congratulations Alistair Smith
Watson Woodhouse celebrates Alistair Smith’s well-deserved recognition at the Northern Law Awards 2024. His remarkable career and outstanding contributions to the legal profession serve as an inspiration to all, underscoring the values of dedication, excellence, and unwavering commitment to justice. Check out Watson Woodhouse’s other Northern Law Awards 2024
