We are delighted to share the results of the AULP Awards 2026, announced during the Awards Ceremony at the Gala Dinner on 18 June at the University of St Andrews.
The AULP Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of legal teams and professionals working across the Higher Education sector. They shine a light on excellence, innovation, collaboration, and the outstanding dedication shown by colleagues supporting universities through an increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape.
This year’s winners exemplify the very best of our community, and we extend massive congratulations to all of them. Their contributions continue to strengthen the sector and highlight the exceptional talent within university legal teams.
You’ll find the full list of winners below, along with the full citations read out at the ceremony, capturing the impact and achievements that led to their recognition.
For a Legal team (or sub team) that has gone above and beyond to deliver an excellent, value-added service to their institution.
Legal Team (University of York)
'York’s submission demonstrated the impressive breadth of work managed by this small but dynamic team — from major international collaborations to student complaints, freedom of speech guidance and a significant geothermal project. Their ability to deliver complex, high impact work while maintaining team cohesion and meeting demanding deadlines is remarkable.
Alongside this, they have sourced a new case management system, arranged a conference, recruited new team members and successfully relocated their offices — all while maintaining an exceptional standard of service.
The York team’s versatility and professionalism are truly inspiring.'
For a member of legal team (or wider University team) who has made a significant impact to their team by consistently delivering excellent legal support.
Samantha Eldridge (University of Plymouth) & Esther Duncan (The University of Edinburgh)
Samantha Eldridge
'There is more to an effective legal team than its lawyers alone. Support staff play an essential role in maintaining morale, ensuring smooth operations and managing demanding workloads. Samantha exemplifies these qualities and more, taking on new challenges with commitment and professionalism.'
Esther Duncan
'Described as “the cornerstone of our team”, Esther embodies what a proactive and reliable in house HE lawyer should be. Versatile, collaborative and supportive, she is a mentor to juniors, a trusted adviser to peers and a valued support to directors. Her growth mindset and drive to continually improve the legal function make her an exceptional colleague.'
For an individual in a leadership role (at any level) who is an inspirational leader, demonstrably making a difference to the development and wellbeing of their colleagues, while delivering first class legal support.
Nicola Cardenas Blanco (University of Birmingham)
'Nicola is recognised for inspirational leadership, exceptional support for colleagues and a clear commitment to developing the legal function. Their influence is felt across their institution, and their nomination demonstrated excellence in judgement, collaboration and strategic thinking.'
For an individual or a team that has delivered a project in a collaborative or innovative way, working either internally or with external organisations.
Micheala Meeraus (University of Warwick)
'Michaela demonstrated innovation and collaboration at its best — combining sector insight, partnership working and forward thinking approaches to deliver meaningful impact. Her work reflects the very best of what our community strives for.'
For an individual who has made a significant, long term contribution to the higher education sector through their leadership, specialism or excellence, over their career.
Rachel Gower
'The winner of this year’s Carolyn Pike Award really needs no introduction, as she is well known to so many of AULP’s members and has been a stalwart of the organisation since she joined the sector.
Under her leadership, her institution’s Legal and Compliance team has grown and flourished, expanding from a small team of 5 to a larger team of 20, and developing close relationships with departments across the university. Her team have always valued the positive and inclusive culture which she created, leading to the highest of employee satisfaction scores, with colleagues praising her open, supportive and empowering leadership style.
At AULP, she has been a member of the Executive for a number of years, and has led calls and initiatives across a wide range of areas, being the AULP South rep for much of her time on the Committee, and being passionate about AULP’s role in supporting our colleagues across the sector.
This year, she has decided to take a step away from the in-house world and is returning to private practice, after 8 and a half years, steering the ship at Warwick. She doesn’t leave the sector though – and I know she will be delighted to continue to hear from us in her role in private practice.
Rachel, the Committee were really sad to lose you and – on a personal note – I would like to thank you for all of your support and generosity over the years – not just for me, but other members of AULP and the Executive. We will miss you in our meetings, but we know you’re not going to be far away.
As an exemplar of how to lead legal in a large university, and someone who has exemplified dedication to and collaboration across the sector, this year’s Carolyn Pike Special Recognition Award goes to Rachel Gower.'
For a junior member of legal team who has made a significant impact to their institution and who can demonstrate excellence in their contribution.
Megan Ellis (University of Huddersfield)
'Megan impressed the judges with her capability, confidence and impact at an early stage in her career. Her contribution to her institution and her commitment to developing her expertise mark her out as a future leader in the sector.'
