Leading corporate lawyer Katharine Mellor has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Manchester Legal Awards.
Katharine was named live as the award recipient at a virtual ceremony on Thursday evening by the President of the Manchester Law Society, Matthew Taylor.
The award, voted for by Manchester Law Society Council, recognises an individual who has made an unrivalled impact and lasting contribution to the legal services market in the North West during their lifetime.
Throughout her 45-year career, Katharine has served hundreds of clients working in the healthcare, education and professional services sectors across a range of deals, including mergers and acquisitions, reorganisations, partnerships and LLPs, and charities.
In 1989, Katharine was elected the first female President of the Manchester Law Society and remained on its Council and a number of national Law Society committees for several years following.
A former Corporate Partner at DWF LLP and Elliotts, Katharine joined Manchester-based full-service law firm Slater Heelis as a Partner in 2013, where she has worked until her retirement in March 2021.
Katharine says:
“I never imagined I’d be retiring in the strange circumstances which Covid-19 has brought upon us, but receiving this award has been a wonderful and unexpected close to a rewarding career.
“My tenure as President of the Manchester Law Society will always be a personal and professional highlight. A lot has changed in the intervening years in professional life, particularly for women: I remember when I qualified in 1975, there were less than 1000 women solicitors on the Roll in the entire country.
“Of my 45 years in the sector, I’ve had the privilege to work with some wonderful clients on pioneering projects and complex cases, as well as take up fulfilling non-executive roles within organisations such as the National Blood Authority, South Manchester University NHS Hospital Trust – as it was then – and the Brockebank Foundation. It’s been a remarkable journey and equally a true honour to receive this award.”
Fran Eccles-Bech, chief executive of the Manchester Law Society, adds:
“Throughout her career, Katharine has been a formidable lawyer, a powerful advocate for women in the sector, and a role model to many – myself included.
“When I embarked on my career at Manchester Law Society 33 years ago, I worked alongside Katharine in her role as its first female President. I remember her talent, strength, and charisma vividly. She’s left an indelible impact on the legal community, and I’m honoured that the Manchester Law Society was able to present her this with award and commemorate her lengthy and compelling career.”
Chris Bishop, managing partner of Slater Heelis, adds:
“It’s been a privilege to have Katharine as a colleague and a friend for over 8 years. Katharine played an instrumental part in seeing Slater Heelis’ resurgence as a main player in the SME corporate deals world and the department’s significant growth from a three-person team in Sale to one of the most prolific corporate teams in the North West of England.
“Katharine has touched those she’s worked with, rallied communities, extensively volunteered her time and expertise across multiple charitable roles, and innovated across the commercial law sector. It’s therefore no surprise that she’s been given this award: it’s thoroughly deserved and her career is nothing short of an inspiration for us all.”