Fieldings Porter are delighted to announce that Edward Nally, solicitor, former partner and currently a consultant with the firm has been granted the honour of a Papal Knighthood.

Edward has been with Fieldings Porter based at Silverwell Street since 1980 as solicitor, then partner, then senior partner, then becoming a consultant 12 years ago on his appointment to the role of Secretary to the Diocesan Trustees with the Salford Roman Catholic Diocese, for whom he has acted since 1983, later becoming a Diocesan Trustee himself.

Edward has achieved much in that role, including being heavily involved with the establishment of the diocesan social action charity, Caritas and the consolidation of various catholic charities under that banner, and in the wide-ranging mission and structures of the Diocese which has over 100 parishes and 200 schools across the counties of Greater Manchester and Lancashire.

Edward’s long and distinguished service has been recognised with his Holiness Pope Leo XIV admitting him to the Order of St. Gregory the Great.  In layman’s terms it is a Papal Knighthood. Bishop John Arnold, the 11^th Bishop of Salford broke the news from Rome to Mr Nally last week.

This is one of the highest honours that the Pope can bestow on lay people for service to the Catholic Church and society. It was established by Pope Gregory XVI on 1 September 1831 and is one of the five papal orders of knighthood.

The order is awarded to men and women who have given exceptional service to the Church, their local community and charitable or public life in a manner that reflects catholic values.

Aside from his role in the Diocese, Edward has served as President of the Bolton incorporated Law Society, as a member of the national Law Society Council, as national President of the Law Society of England and Wales, as President of the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, as a Commissioner of the Judicial Appointments Commission and as a member of the Legal Services Board as well as serving as advisor to various local charities.  Closer to home he is the current chair of trustees of Bolton Lads and Girls Club and is a long-suffering but dedicated Bolton Wanderers fan.

On behalf of the Partners and all his friends and colleagues here at Fieldings Porter, congratulations to Edward Nally - KSG.  Very well deserved!