Three solicitors recognised in 2025 honorary silks round

City of London Law Society (CLLS) chairman Colin Passmore, a former senior partner at Simmons & Simmons, received the award alongside Peter Kandler – the co-founder of the North Kensington Law Centre, the UK’s first law centre. Consumer law specialist Dean Dunham, a presenter for national radio network LBC, was also recognised for his work in developing claimant recourse to alternative dispute resolution (ADR), having founded Consumer Dispute Resolution in 2014, the first approved ADR scheme under UK regulations.

In response, the CLLS said Passmore was nominated for his work in shaping the modern understanding of privilege through his scholarship, and for his leadership in firm-level and sector-wide approaches to diversity, social mobility and responsible business – including initiatives to support access to the profession and the next generation of lawyers.

The society said: “This award is a fitting tribute to Colin’s continuous dedication, influence and service to the law, not least since assuming the chairmanship of the CLLS four years ago.”