Sandra Wallace, DLA Piper’s joint managing director, UK and Europe, has been included in the 2022 New Year Honours List with a CBE award.
Her CBE was awarded for services to law and social mobility, following a legal career spanning nearly thirty years and active roles in the advancement of socio-economic diversity including as interim co-chair of the UK Government’s Social Mobility Commission and the City of London’s co-chair of the socio-economic diversity taskforce.
Sandra is also heavily involved with DLA Piper’s efforts to increase social mobility within the firm, its community outreach programmes to address social inequality and with awareness raising activities to support disadvantaged groups.
Birmingham-based Sandra was recently appointed Pro-Chancellor for Social Mobility at her alma mater, Wolverhampton University.
DLA Piper’s Birmingham managing partner, Trevor Ivory, said: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving; we are all very proud of Sandra and everything that she has achieved. Not only is she a first-class lawyer but she is also an ambassador for our region and a champion for people of all backgrounds."
Sandra said: “I was so surprised but so proud to be recognised in this way. The reality is, I have only achieved what I have, because of the people around me and DLA Piper allowing me the time to promote and push the Social Mobility agenda. If this honour shines a spotlight on the agenda and all the work still to do, then I am delighted to accept it.”
The honour was approved by Her Majesty The Queen following a recommendation made by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Main Honours Committee, which undertook an independent assessment to review the joint nomination from the Cabinet Office and the Social Mobility Commission.
Sandra will receive the CBE insignia in person at an investiture held by a member of the Royal Family in due course.
