Solicitor who fought for Paterson victims wins top business award

Becca Horley from Fletchers Solicitors has been crowned Greater BYPY for her campaigning work

Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards 2023

A solicitor who sought justice for victims of rogue surgeon Ian Paterson has been crowned Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year 2025.

Becca Horley, a medical negligence associate at Fletchers Solicitors in Birmingham, clinched the title at the annual awards ceremony which celebrates the city region's top business professionals under 35.

She won the legal category winner before being picked from all the other winners to be crowned overall Greater Birmingham Young Professional of the Year at a ceremony last night (scroll down for full list of winners).

Ms Horley advocates for individuals and their families who have suffered life-changing injuries through no fault of their own. Her work involves providing bespoke legal advice on complex serious injuries and fatalities.

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Ms Horley represents victims of Ian Paterson, the rogue breast surgeon who worked in both NHS and private practice across the West Midlands and who was jailed for 20 years in 2017 after subjecting patients to unnecessary and damaging operations.

She sought justice, accountability, an apology and compensation on behalf of her clients.

Ms Horley also represents a group of former patients of Mian Munawar Shah who were recalled by Walsall Manor Hospital following concerns regarding his treatment, some of whom have sustained permanent and life changing disabilities.

She has also acted on behalf of various clients who have suffered permanent blindness and severe visual impairments due to delays at West Midlands-based ophthalmology services.

Away from her legal work, Ms Horley is passionate about the impact of colourful fashion on confidence and authored ‘Dress to Progress' for law firm Shoosmiths, encouraging self-expression and making a good first impression.

Her article sparked discussions on authenticity and inclusivity and was featured on industry website Legal Cheek. She was also crowned solicitor of the year at Birmingham Law Society's awards in February.

Greater BYPY is organised by Future Faces, the young professionals' arm of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

Among the other winners were Solihull-based fitness clothing and accessories brand Gymshark and financial services firm KPMG which took home two categories each.

Future Faces manager Sophie Poduval-Morrell said: "Congratulations to our overall winner Becca Horley who we know will wear the Greater BYPY 2025 crown with pride over the next 12 months.

"Huge congratulations to all of our category winners and to each and every one one of our finalists. To apply, be short listed and interviewed for these awards is bold, brave and courageous.

"This year, the alumni showed up in force to support and champion the future leaders of our region and I could not be prouder to be a Brummie."

The awards ceremony was held at the ICC in Birmingham and hosted by TV broadcaster Amber Sandhu.