The awards are presented every year as part of FLAC’s annual justice lecture, delivered last week by renowned human rights lawyer and academic Professor Colm Ó Cinnéide.

McCann FitzGerald lawyers Doug McMahon and Evan Sheedy were presented with awards in recognition of their pro bono work to develop FLAC’s data protection policy.

In a statement, FLAC said: “Their patience and expertise have been invaluable in helping us stay compliant and safeguarding sensitive information. We are so grateful for their time and commitment, and award them a Golden Pin in recognition of this.”

Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL and Leigh Brosnan BL were given special recognition for their work accompanying and monitoring the Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza aboard the independent legal support boat.

“Both demonstrated tremendous bravery and commitment to the principles of human rights, equality and access to justice for which they are being awarded the FLAC Golden Pin,” FLAC said.

James Rooney BL and Cillian Bracken BL also received special recognition for their work with the FLAC LGBTQIA+ Legal Clinic, which lost its only source of funding in mid-2024.

“Even after the loss of funding, James and Cillian have showed a sustained commitment to access to justice, rights and equality for the gay and trans community,” FLAC said.

“Both continue to provide legal advice and support to individuals and organisations on a pro bono basis and to publicly discuss the importance of the access to justice and public legal assistance for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

Golden Pins were also presented to more than two dozens lawyers who have volunteered with FLAC.

These include Arthur Cox lawyers Madeleine Long, Aine Chatterjee, Grace Itolfa-Ivarah, Isobel Kenny and Karolina Kukstaite, Matheson lawyers Eimear Flynn and Emma Kilbane, and McCann FitzGerald lawyers James Fitzgerald and Alva McDermott.

FLAC also recognised Jennie Ng of Simmons & Simmons and Ciara Ni Longaigh of Maples.

The final pins were presented to Sabina Purcell MBE, Ruth Cormican, Liam Halloran, Gillian Cox, Morgane Conaty, James McEvoy, Peter Hughes, Michael O’Doherty, Andrew Crawford, Eoin Deeney, Clodagh McGreal, Emmet Clarke, Paul D Maier, Maura Kavanagh and Martin Phelan.