A YOUNG award-winning Bradford lawyer has been made a partner in the city's oldest law firm.

Saf Salam, who represented ‘Crossbow Cannibal’ Stephen Griffiths during his police interviews, was an associate solicitor with Lumb and Macgill Solicitors in Bradford.

Less than two years after qualifying as a solicitor he has now been made a partner with the firm, joining the three senior partners.

Mr Salam was last year honoured by the Law Society when he was named Solicitor Advocate of the Year for the Yorkshire and Humber region, for his work as a solicitor in the city.

The award earned Mr Salam, who had only been qualified for six months, the Richard Cawthron Prize, at a ceremony attended by the Recorder of Bradford, Judge Roger Thomas QC, and guest speaker Christine Hamilton.

The annual prize is given to young lawyers who have shown exceptional promise.

Speaking of his partnership, Mr Salam said: "I am proud and honoured to be made a partner with such a prestigious and renowned company, and I fully attend to prove it was the right decision."

Senior partner Philip Ainge added: "We were inspired by Saf's willingness to work and his care towards his clients."

Mr Salam, who lives in Bradford, joined Lumb and Macgill as an office junior after leaving school at 16.

He progressed through the ranks to become an accredited representative, representing clients at police station interviews, before qualifying as a solicitor in October 2013. He has represented clients at tens of thousands of police interviews – including serial killer Griffiths.

Griffiths was already a client of the firm and when he was arrested requested Mr Salam personally to be present.

"It was an interesting experience. It is daunting to be involved in a case like that," he said.

"You must never lose sight of the fact that lives have been lost, but you have to act with integrity in the best interests of your client."

Another senior partner, Paul Milner, referred to Mr Salam's out of hours work at police stations as "breath-taking."

Mr Salam regularly represents clients at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court, and also works at courts and police stations in Leeds, Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

He described his Law Society award as "mind blowing."

Mr Salam, who has said he has ambitions to be a judge, added: "I love the English language, and advocacy allows you to use it."