Law Centre solicitor awarded MBE

Lisa Haythorne, senior solicitor at Derbyshire Law Centre, has been awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours list for her work supporting vulnerable and homeless people.

Haythorne joined the Law Centre in 2007 with a drive to help others through social welfare law. She channelled her energy into housing and homelessness prevention and her years of dedication have shaped the service into what it is today.

Alongside advising and supporting numerous clients over the years, Haythorne has acted as a spokesperson for the Law Centre. She has formed a tight network of partners with social welfare charities, community groups, local authorities and social housing landlords to help Derbyshire families stay in their homes.

Haythorne is actively involved in the local legal community. She was the only female member of the Sheffield and District Law Society to be elected for three consecutive years as president. In addition, Haythorne often works with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University to educate students and local law societies about the importance of social welfare law.

Lisa Haythorne said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been awarded an MBE. It’s a huge acknowledgement of the importance of social welfare law and how essential it is in helping everyday people access justice.

“The Derbyshire Law Centre is a critical local service and I’m proud that I’ve been able to contribute to its development and have a meaningful impact for clients.”

See coverage of Haythorne's MBE on BBC News. For media enquiries, please contact media@lawcentre.org.uk.