The CLASA Lifetime Achievement Award went to Nelson Mandela's former lawyer, George Bizos, one of South Africa's most famous human rights lawyers.

Bizos (pictured), who received a standing ovation from the 250-strong gathering, praised the South African legal profession – including many of its judges – for the role it played in bringing about the end of apartheid.

He also heralded South Africa's constitution, which was adopted in 1996, for being admired across the world and for "upholding the fundamental rights of ordinary people".

He added: "Some of my fellow South Africans say that nothing has changed – they are quite wrong."

Bizos was born in Greece in 1928 and immigrated to South Africa in 1941 as a World War II refugee. He was admitted to the Johannesburg Bar in 1954 before embarking on a glittering career, with high-profile cases including a role representing Mandela in the Rivonia Trial, which led to the future South African President's life imprisonment. He went on to appear for the families of several high-profile casualties of the anti-apartheid struggle, including Steve Biko, before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Presenting the award, CLASA chief executive Alison Lee said: "I'm honoured to present the lifetime achievement award to an iconic individual who has become a household name; one of South Africa's most loved and esteemed advocates and human rights activists whose career has spanned more than 50 years. A man who is proud to be an African and whose clients included our dear departed Nelson Mandela, who was not only a client but who became a dear family friend."