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Despite losing its own records after its offices were bombed in the second world war, Gard & Co. can trace its history in Plymouth back through public records to at least 1822.

With nearly 200 years of continuous provision of quality service to local people, we understand the importance of training and nurturing the next generation of lawyers.

In order to help foster and encourage those who will be serving you in the future, Gard & Co. began sponsoring a prize for the Best Law Graduate at Plymouth University almost 20 years ago.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge the support of Gard & Co. for the Law Programme at the University of Plymouth. This was the first local firm to recognise the importance and quality of our provision, some twenty years ago. Now nationally recognised, we remain locally orientated, taking pride in the fact that Gards still present the annual award for 'The Best Law Graduate'. Professor Peter Shears

We were particularly interested in promoting skills beyond the academics, such as communication, which are vital in everyday contact with clients. Therefore the prize is awarded to the graduate with the best all round ability, with the finest skills for practice.

This year's recipient was Emma Bethell.  You can read a biography by clicking the following link or the picture below:

Emma Bethell Biography

Gard & Co. is always keen to encourage relationships with the University who give enormous support to the local community, much of it unseen.