British Legal Awards Legal Counsel of the Year: Frederic Dupas, BT

Finalists: Suber Akther, Siemens (highly commended) • Clare Belcher, Travelex • Lisa Tolaini, Mercer

BT Global Services head of competition law Frederic Dupas took the Legal Counsel of the Year award, sponsored by Thomson Reuters, for his leading role in the landmark Supreme Court battle over BT's call charges to mobile operators. The case resulted in a judgment that will affect the whole telecommunications industry.

Dupas initiated the case, successfully convinced BT's executives of its merits (even after a defeat at the Court of Appeal) and drove it passionately to a successful conclusion. He managed this case on his own and dealt with all the legal issues, assisted only by a QC and a junior barrister. He prepared court submissions, tested legal arguments and advised BT's board.