Meet our 2026 Smokeball UK Community Hero Award Finalists
Celebrating the legal professionals making a difference in their communities.
At Smokeball, one of our core values is "Caring is Not Optional." It's a principle we see reflected every day in legal professionals who go above and beyond to support their clients, colleagues and communities.
Across the UK, countless individuals in the legal profession dedicate their time, skills and resources to making a positive impact. Whether it's providing pro bono legal advice, supporting local charities, championing diversity and inclusion, mentoring the next generation or simply performing acts of kindness, their contributions make a real difference.
The Smokeball UK Community Hero Award was created to recognise and celebrate these remarkable individuals and shine a light on the positive impact they have beyond their day-to-day legal work.
This year, we've been inspired by the nominations received from across the UK legal community. Each nomination tells a story of generosity, compassion and a genuine commitment to helping others.
Selecting our finalists has been no easy task, with so many deserving individuals demonstrating what it truly means to be a Community Hero.
Meet our 2026 Community Hero Award finalists
We're delighted to introduce the individuals shortlisted for the 2026 Smokeball UK Community Hero Award.
Amy Wallhead – Culver Law
Amy Wallhead has made an extraordinary contribution to improving access to legal services for the deaf community.
After learning British Sign Language (BSL), Amy recognised the significant barriers deaf individuals can face when accessing legal advice and set about creating meaningful change.
She established the Advisers for Deaf Network and developed partnerships with organisations including the British Deaf Association and deafPlus to improve access to legal information and support.
Amy has delivered 13 presentations reaching more than 500 people in deaf communities and has championed accessibility improvements at Culver Law, including staff training, an accessible website and a video relay telephone service.
Amy's work demonstrates how one person's determination can help make the legal profession more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Ben Darby – Darby & Darby Solicitors
Ben Darby has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a more inclusive legal profession while supporting local charities and emerging legal talent.
During his presidency of the Devon and Somerset Law Society, Ben championed inclusivity and accessibility, introducing initiatives designed to encourage law firms to create more welcoming and accessible workplaces.
He has also dedicated time to mentoring junior lawyers, helping them build confidence, develop their skills and access valuable professional opportunities.
Beyond the legal profession, Ben has supported local charitable initiatives, including completing a 15km fundraising challenge for Young Devon, raising £1,637.
His commitment to supporting both his professional community and local causes reflects the spirit of the Community Hero Award.
Dav Mahet – TML Solicitors
For Dav Mahet, making a difference often starts with the simplest acts of kindness.
Through TML Solicitors, Dav has championed a monthly Random Acts of Kindness Campaign, encouraging small but meaningful gestures that brighten people's days and bring communities together.
From offering free water to passers-by during particularly hot weather to organising food banks and supporting charitable projects overseas, Dav has made community kindness a central part of his work.
His fundraising efforts include completing four charity marathons and taking part in a charity boxing event that raised £3,000 towards an individual's medical treatment.
Dav has also supported young people through local college mock trials and work experience opportunities, helping introduce the next generation to the legal profession.
His story is a reminder that making a positive impact doesn't always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it's the everyday acts of kindness that matter most.
Fazle Elahi – Square Mile Solicitors
For more than 16 years, Fazle Elahi has dedicated his legal expertise to supporting vulnerable individuals and improving access to justice.
His work has focused particularly on refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, providing pro bono legal advice and representation to people who may otherwise struggle to access legal support.
Fazle has volunteered with organisations including Afghan Association Paiwand, Queen Mary Legal Advice Centre and East Greenwich Legal Advice Clinic.
His commitment extends beyond legal representation. He serves as a trustee of Lewisham Refugee and Migrant Network, chairs the trustees of Jordan Mission and contributes to education as a school governor.
He also mentors aspiring legal professionals through several programmes, helping others build careers in the profession.
Recognised on the Pro Bono Recognition List from 2024 to 2026, Fazle's work highlights the vital role legal professionals can play in supporting vulnerable communities and improving access to justice.
Ian Hunt – East Devon Law LLP
With more than 30 years of dedication to charitable causes and community support, Ian Hunt has made a lasting difference to individuals and organisations across his local community.
Through East Devon Law, Ian has helped facilitate significant charitable donations, including gifts of shares and property valued at more than £400,000 to a local hospice.
Since 2012, the firm has directly raised more than £1 million for charitable causes.
Ian has also provided longstanding support to organisations including Mencap and the National Autistic Society, helping champion the needs of people with disabilities and their families.
As lead trustee of the CILEX Foundation, he supports opportunities for aspiring legal professionals, with the Foundation funding 14 scholarships each year.
His commitment to helping others extends well beyond his professional responsibilities, reflecting a lifetime of generosity, compassion and community involvement.
Join us for the 2026 Community Hero Award winner announcement
We're incredibly proud to recognise this year's finalists, each of whom demonstrates the positive impact legal professionals can have when they use their skills, experience and compassion to help others.
Their stories remind us that a great law firm isn't defined solely by its commercial success, but also by the difference it makes to its people, clients and wider community.
The winner of the 2026 Smokeball UK Community Hero Award will be announced live during our special webinar on Monday, 7 December 2026.
What Makes a Great Law Firm in 2027?
Monday, 7 December 2026 | 12:30–1:30pm GMT | Free webinar
What will separate great law firms from the rest in 2027?
Join Smokeball and Christina Blacklaws, former President of the Law Society of England and Wales and a leading voice on innovation and the future of the legal profession, for a forward-looking discussion on what lies ahead for law firms.
Christina will explore the forces shaping the profession, from technology and AI to changing client expectations, leadership, workplace culture and creating environments where great people can thrive.
We'll also be joined by our 2026 Community Hero Award finalists for a live Q&A, exploring the role legal professionals can play in making a difference to their clients, colleagues and communities.
The session will conclude with the live announcement of our 2026 Community Hero Award winner, recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond to create positive change.
In this 60-minute webinar, you'll:
- Hear Christina Blacklaws' perspective on what will define great law firms in 2027.
- Explore the evolving role of technology, AI, leadership, culture and client experience.
- Meet our Community Hero Award finalists and hear their perspectives on making a difference.
- Be there for the live announcement of the 2026 Community Hero Award winner.
We look forward to celebrating our finalists and recognising the extraordinary individuals helping make the UK legal community a better place.
