“The lawyers who were provided to me were excellent and very professional. The supporting staff were also extremely helpful and took the time to explain everything in detail, which made it much easier for me to understand each step of the process”

Our Team

Abid Riaz

Director

Suna Duzgun

Principal Solicitor

Sadya Nawaz

Senior Supervising Solicitor

Taylor Mcleod

Supervising Solicitor

Shamila Bryan

Supervising Solicitor

Ayesha Choudhury

Supervising Solicitor

Reena Padhiar

Deputy Supervising Solicitor

Abiodun Wusu

Solicitor

Holden Desouza

Solicitor

Andrea Royce

Trainee Solicitor

Kelly Alston

Paralegal

Alix Rodwell

Paralegal

Mahta Khazaei

Paralegal

Umer Yahya

Paralegal

Giulia Kaur

Paralegal

Chenika Amoah

Paralegal

Yanusha Niranjan

Paralegal

Hazel Fernandes

Paralegal

Shivani Sharma

Paralegal

Victory Lato

Paralegal

Bahar Dag

Paralegal

Zarin Ali

Paralegal

Zaynah Raza

Head of Legal Admin

Sahra Amani Raza

Senior Legal Admin & Costs Draftsman

Enejda Zhuzhi

Legal Assistant

Henry-John Eadsforth

Legal Assistant

Arya Mohottige

Legal Assistant

Maya McDonald

Legal Assistant

Roma Bhandal

Legal Assistant

Anthea Tai

Legal Assistant

Charlotte Wilson

Legal Aid Manager

Shahnaz Kausar

Operations Manager

Neha Bansal

Billing Manager

Usman Hussain

Operations Officer

Humayoun Akbar

Accounts

Tayyub Akbar

Costs Draftsman

Amira Habib

Costs Draftsman

Abid Riaz

Director

Watford

Abid Riaz is a Director at AVANTIS, as well as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) and plays a central role in the firm’s operational, financial, and regulatory management. He is responsible for overseeing financial compliance & governance, and internal processes, ensuring the firm meets its regulatory obligations while continuing to grow in a transparent, ethical, and sustainable way.

Abid holds a degree in Investment and Risk Management from Bayes Business School, London. He began his career at Clifford Chance before moving into investment banking, where he worked on a range of high‑profile transactions, including IPOs and major corporate deals in both London and the Middle East. This background gives him a strong commercial and analytical perspective, which he brings to the firm’s strategic and operational decision‑making.

Drawing on his experience in finance, law, and technology, Abid manages the firm’s strategy, commercial direction, and business development, supporting long‑term growth while ensuring robust financial controls and well‑governed systems are in place. He works closely with the senior leadership team and provides support across departments, enabling solicitors and staff to focus on delivering high‑quality, client‑centred legal services.

Abid’s vision is to build and support a strong team of professionals who feel valued and empowered to deliver their best work. This vision closely reflects the firm’s core values of professionalism, integrity, teamwork, accessibility, and care. He believes that investing in people and fostering a collaborative working environment is essential to achieving the best outcomes for clients and maintaining a positive, supportive workplace culture.

Outside of work, Abid is a father of three and enjoys spending time with his family. Having lived and worked abroad for over a decade, he is a keen traveller and enjoys seeking out new experiences and adventures.

Suna Duzgun

Principal Solicitor

Watford

Suna Duzgun is the Principal Solicitor at AVANTIS, as well as the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Supervising Solicitor. She has been qualified and has specialised exclusively in family law for over 15 years, acting for clients in complex and sensitive matters with a strong focus on delivering excellence in both legal advice and client care.

Suna is accredited under the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Scheme and is a proud member of Resolution, working in accordance with its core values by promoting a constructive, child‑focused and non‑confrontational approach wherever possible. Her practice includes extensive experience in private children matters and supporting survivors of domestic abuse. She has also worked closely with charities supporting victims of domestic abuse, reflecting her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and improving access to justice.

As part of her wider professional commitment to the legal community, Suna has also served as a Council Member of the Hertfordshire Law Society for a number of years. Suna is a member of the Pro Bono Duty Solicitor Advocacy Scheme, providing free legal advice at Watford and Hertfordshire courts on allocated days, ensuring individuals are able to access timely and practical guidance at critical moments.

Alongside her casework, Suna oversees supervision, training and regulatory compliance across the firm, ensuring high professional standards, robust systems, and a supportive and inclusive working environment. Her aim is to build a team of solicitors who genuinely support clients, understand their individual needs, and help them make informed decisions to move forward, while acting with compassion, care and determination at every stage of the process. Outside of work, Suna enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures through authentic travel experiences, including backpacking, which continues to shape her open‑minded, people‑focused approach both personally and professionally.

Sadya Nawaz

Senior Supervising Solicitor

Watford

Sadya Nawaz is an experienced Family Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals and families through some of the most challenging periods of their lives. She brings a, compassionate and practical approach to her work, helping clients feel supported, informed and confident about the steps ahead.

Sadya advises across all areas of family law, including divorce and financial remedy proceedings, private children matters such as Child Arrangements Orders, care proceedings involving local authorities, and domestic abuse cases, including non‑molestation and occupation orders. She also assists extended family members in matters such as Special Guardianship Order applications.

A significant focus of Sadya’s practice is Care and safeguarding work. She regularly supports parents and families involved in Public Outline (pre proceedings) and Care proceedings, providing clear, straightforward advice where the stakes are high and decisions can feel overwhelming. She is experienced in urgent and sensitive cases, including those involving child protection concerns and emergency applications, and is particularly mindful of the needs of vulnerable clients.

Sadya acts for both privately funded and legally aided clients and strongly believes that everyone should be able to access clear and reliable legal advice when they need it. Alongside her work at the firm, she also provides free legal advice through a charity Rights of Women, helping individuals who may otherwise struggle to obtain support and guidance.

She is accredited on the Law Society’s Family Law Panel, reflecting her commitment to high professional standards. Known for her supportive and pragmatic manner, Sadya always aims to resolve matters constructively where possible, while offering firm and confident representation when court proceedings are necessary.

Sadya is fluent in Urdu, allowing her to assist clients from a wide range of backgrounds with understanding and sensitivity.

Outside of work, Sadya enjoys baking and spending time with her family and friends.

Taylor Mcleod

Supervising Solicitor

Reading

Taylor is a Supervising Solicitor at AVANTIS and is accredited under the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Scheme. She qualified as a solicitor in 2022 and has specialised in family law since and is based in the firm’s Reading office. Taylor joined the firm as a junior solicitor and quickly demonstrated the skill, knowledge and professionalism required to progress into a supervisory role, where she now manages her own caseload while supervising a small team of paralegals and supports the wider team when needed.

Taylor predominantly works on complex children matters and protective injunctions, including applications for non‑molestation and occupation orders and child arrangements proceedings. She has significant experience representing vulnerable clients and has acted for under‑18s in non‑molestation proceedings. Taylor is passionate about ensuring safety for children and victims of abuse and began her career in public law, including care proceedings.

Before joining US, Taylor also worked with an animal rights firm, reflecting her strong values and commitment to advocacy and protection.

She is known for being highly welcoming, calm and empathetic, helping clients feel supported and reassured throughout difficult proceedings.

Outside of work, Taylor is a passionate writer and animal advocate. She is a part of a local writing group and writes stories focused on animal welfare and social justice. She is also a keen runner, often using her long runs to think up new creative story ideas.

Shamila Bryan

Supervising Solicitor

Reading

Shamila is a Supervising Solicitor at AVANTIS and is accredited through Resolution since 2025. She qualified as a solicitor in 2020 and has specialised in family law since qualification.

She specialises in domestic abuse and private children matters, with experience across a broad range of family law matters, including complex children proceedings, domestic abuse and protective injunctions, care proceedings, Public Law Outline (PLO) matters, Special Guardianship Orders, applications to discharge Care Orders, financial matters and divorce.

Shamila has significant experience representing vulnerable clients and acts for both privately funded and legally aided clients. She has a strong focus on advocacy and representing her clients at hearings, as well as providing clear and practical advice throughout proceedings. Before joining AVANTIS, she worked at another family law firm, where she gained experience dealing with a wide variety of family law matters.

She is known for her clear, practical and straightforward approach, particularly her ability to explain complex legal issues and processes in a way that clients can easily understand. Shamila works closely with her clients to ensure they understand their options and feel supported throughout their case, while providing honest and realistic advice.

Outside of work, Shamila is a passionate novel reader and a self-confessed foodie. She enjoys cooking, trying new restaurants and discovering good places to eat.

Ayesha Choudhury

Supervising Solicitor

Watford

Ayesha is a Supervising Solicitor at AVANTIS and is accredited under the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Scheme. She qualified as a solicitor in 2012 predominantly in immigration law however, her passion has always been in family law and has practiced in this area solely since 2015.

Her practice includes extensive experience in private children matters and supporting survivors of domestic abuse and has significant experience representing vulnerable clients. Ayesha predominantly works on complex children matters and protective injunctions, including applications for Non‑Molestation and Occupation Orders, Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders as well as divorce proceedings. Ayesha also conducts her own advocacy where possible.

Ayesha is known for her calm professionalism, strong client rapport and hands on approach.

Ayesha is based in the firm’s Watford office where she manages her own caseload while supervising her team of paralegals and supports the wider team when needed.

Ayesha is fluent in Bengali and confident in Urdu which allows her to assist clients from a wide range of backgrounds with understanding and sensitivity.

Outside of work, Ayesha enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with her family and friends.

Reena Padhiar

Supervising Solicitor

Reading

Reena Padhiar is a Deputy Supervising Solicitor at AVANTIS and is accredited under the Law Society’s Advanced Family Law Scheme. She is an experienced solicitor with over 20 years’ specialist practice in Children and Family Law. She advises and represents clients in public and private children matters, including Care proceedings, Public Law Outline cases, Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issue Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders and domestic abuse injunctions.

She acts for parents, grandparents, extended family members and victims of domestic abuse in complex cases involving safeguarding concerns, non-accidental injury, substance misuse, neglect and high-risk family dynamics. Working collaboratively with local authorities, guardians, CAFCASS and multidisciplinary professionals, she seeks safe, child-focused outcomes grounded in evidence and compassion.

Reena is known for her calm professionalism and strong client rapport. She has handled significant matters, including the reported case H (A Child) [2013] EWHC 4501 (Fam), concerning care proceedings and a proposed placement in Ireland.

She is a fluent Gujarati speaker and she supports families with cultural sensitivity.

Outside work, she enjoys community volunteering, travelling, cooking, dancing and spending time with family.

Abiodun Wusu

Solicitor

Reading

Abiodun is a Solicitor at Avantis who qualified in 2023. Since completing training, Abiodun has specialised exclusively in Family Law.

Abiodun has experience across a wide range of family matters, including financial proceedings, child arrangements, care proceedings, and applications for non-molestation orders. At a previous firm, Abiodun primarily handled financial and child arrangement cases, while also undertaking advocacy across a broad range of matters, gaining valuable experience and confidence in representing clients in court.

Abiodun is particularly skilled at developing clear, strategic approaches from the outset of a case, ensuring that a client’s objectives are identified early and pursued effectively throughout proceedings. With a strong attention to detail, Abiodun ensures that each case is prepared thoroughly and handled with precision. Client care is of the utmost importance, and Abiodun is committed to providing reassurance and confidence that every matter is dealt with professionally, diligently, and with the client’s best interests at heart.

Outside of work, Abiodun enjoys football, reading manga, and socialising with friends.

Holden Desouza

Solicitor

Reading

Holden is a solicitor at Avantis, they qualified in 2025.

Holden has specialised in family law since 2017 and they have a range of experience in private family law including domestic abuse, child arrangements, and emergency children act orders. Holden also complete significant portion of their training within public law care proceedings and has experience acting on behalf of parents and children.

Outside of work Holden spends their time crocheting, crafting, and fostering stray kittens.

Andrea Royce

Trainee Solicitor

Watford

Andrea joined AVANTIS as a paralegal and quickly distinguished herself through her professionalism, commitment, and genuine care for clients. Her strong work ethic, attention to detail, and thoughtful approach to client care led to her being offered a training contract with the firm. Andrea is developing into a talented and confident practitioner and is firmly on track to becoming an accomplished solicitor.

She has experience supporting parents as they navigate disputes involving children, including applications for child arrangements orders and specific issue disputes, and approaches this work with sensitivity and clarity. Andrea also works closely with victims of domestic abuse, providing calm, compassionate support during what are often emotionally challenging and urgent situations. In addition, she supports Sadya on care proceedings and financial matters, working collaboratively to help progress complex cases. Known for her approachable manner and dedication, Andrea takes pride in ensuring clients feel listened to, supported, and reassured throughout the legal process.

Kelly Alston

Paralegal

Watford

Kelly is a Family Law Paralegal who works alongside solicitors to support clients through a wide range of sensitive family law matters, including non-molestation orders, child arrangements, and occupation order applications. She brings a diverse professional background, having previously worked in corporate law, government, and Citizens Advice. Outside of her legal career, Kelly enjoys travelling and exploring new destinations.

Alix Rodwell

Paralegal

Reading

Alix is a Paralegal at AVANTIS, where she works closely with clients throughout family law proceedings, from the early stages of an application through to final hearing. She supports clients with the preparation of court documents, takes witness statements with care and sensitivity, and helps clients understand what to expect at each stage of the process.

Alix has a strong background supporting individuals affected by domestic abuse, having previously worked with hard‑to‑reach and high‑risk clients to achieve safe outcomes. She is known for her calm, empathetic approach and is highly valued by clients, who often comment on how supported and reassured they feel when working with her.

Alix is passionate about empowering clients and helping them feel informed.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family.

Mahta Khazaei

Paralegal

Reading

Mahta is a Paralegal who assists clients with a range of family law matters, with a particular focus on domestic abuse cases, including Non-Molestation Orders and Child Arrangements Orders. She supports clients throughout the legal process, from preparing court documents and witness statements to liaising with counsel and assisting with representation at court hearings.

Mahta takes a compassionate and client-focused approach to her work, recognising the sensitive nature of family proceedings. She is committed to taking the time to listen to clients, understand their concerns and provide clear, practical guidance, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their case.

Mahta holds an LLB Bachelor of Laws degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and is working towards qualifying as a solicitor, with plans to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations (SQE) in the near future.

Umer Yahya

Paralegal

Reading

Umer Yahya holds a degree in Law and Business Management from the University of Sussex. He has previous experience within family law; where he had worked on a range of domestic abuse matters with a strong focus on client care and reassurance. He regularly assists clients seeking protective injunctions, as well as children matters and divorce.

Umer is closely involved in lodging applications, witness statements and court orders whilst working closely with counsel to represent clients at hearings

Giulia Kaur

Paralegal

Reading

Giulia is a Paralegal supporting solicitors on a range of family matters. My day-to-day responsibilities include drafting correspondence and legal documents, preparing court bundles, liaising with clients, counsel, and third parties, and ensuring files are managed efficiently in line with procedural requirements.

She has experience assisting on family matters such as divorce, child arrangements, as well as immigration matters including visa applications and asylum claims. She regularly supports clients through sensitive and complex situations, ensuring clear communication and attention to detail throughout.

Giulia began her legal career as a paralegal in 2017 after completing my LLB, building a strong foundation in legal processes and client service. She can speak Punjabi, English, Italian, Hindi and basic French.

She is committed to ongoing professional development and is working towards further legal qualifications. Outside of work, Giulia enjoys reading and travelling.

Chenika Amoah

Solicitor

Watford

Chenika is a family law paralegal with four years of experience supporting clients with the day-to-day aspects of their cases. She assists with a range of family law matters, including non-molestation orders and cases involving children where supervised contact is required. She understands that family proceedings can be stressful and emotional for clients and is committed to providing supportive, compassionate and professional assistance throughout the legal process.

Chenika works closely with clients to help progress their matters, ensuring they feel supported and have a clear understanding of the proceedings and the next steps involved. With a law degree and currently studying towards the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), she continues to develop her legal knowledge and expertise, with a particular focus on family law.

Outside of work, Chenika enjoys reading and going on walks.

Yanusha Niranjan

Paralegal

Watford

Yanusha is a Paralegal specialising in private family law matters, with a particular focus on cases involving domestic abuse. She manages her own caseload, advising and supporting clients in relation to non‑molestation orders and occupation orders, often in urgent and highly sensitive circumstances.

Her day‑to‑day work includes advising clients, drafting applications and witness statements, and liaising with counsel and the court to ensure matters are progressed effectively and with care. Yanusha is experienced in handling complex and emotionally charged cases and is known for her calm, compassionate, and professional approach to client care.

Before transitioning into private family law, Yanusha developed experience across both public and private family law roles. She previously supported care proceedings and children matters within public law, working alongside local authorities and supporting parents involved in care proceedings. This background has given her a strong foundation in legal drafting, case management, and understanding the wider context of family proceedings.

Outside of work, Yanusha has co‑founded and runs a social club focused on connection, wellbeing, and personal development within the Tamil and South Asian community.

Hazel Fernandes

Paralegal

Reading

Hazel Fernandes is a Family Law Paralegal who provides thoughtful and reliable support to clients during what can often be an uncertain and emotional time. She assists on a wide range of family law matters, including complex financial cases involving property and assets across different jurisdictions, helping clients navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence. Her day-to-day work includes preparing legal documents, managing case progression, liaising with third parties and ensuring each matter is handled with care and attention to detail.

Qualified as a lawyer in India, she brings a broad legal perspective to her work and is a member of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (United Kingdom). She is committed to offering practical guidance and steady support throughout every stage of a case.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking (with varying degrees of success) and is always planning her next trip to somewhere new.

Shivani Sharma

Paralegal

Reading

Shivani is a paralegal specialising in domestic abuse and emergency protection orders. She is committed to building positive relationships with clients, providing safe, supportive and compassionate care while recognising the stressful and sensitive nature of seeking legal advice. She works closely with clients to take instructions, draft applications and witness statements, and prepare other key legal documents to progress their cases.

Shivani has experience in both private and public family law, supporting clients through a wide range of proceedings. She takes care to ensure clients understand the legal process, what to expect and the next steps involved. Having previously worked on a variety of matters within a family law department, she has since developed a particular focus on domestic abuse cases.

Outside of work, Shivani enjoys spending time with her family, going on long walks and unwinding through baking.

Victory

Paralegal

Watford

Victory is a Family Law Paralegal who primarily focuses on domestic abuse matters and private children’s proceedings. On a daily basis, she handles non-molestation order applications, including completing court forms, drafting witness statements, and preparing key supporting documentation. Additionally, she regularly speak to clients, and provides them with clear guidance, take instructions from them, and offers them ongoing support throughout their case.

Victory also adheres to court deadlines and regularly correspond with the courts and third parties. She has been working as a Family Law Paralegal for a year.

Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym and playing tennis.

Bahar Dag

Paralegal

Watford

Bahar is a Paralegal at AVANTIS, supporting clients throughout their legal journey and playing an important role in the progression of matters.

She provides clear, empathetic and professional guidance, helping clients navigate what can often be a stressful and uncertain process with confidence and reassurance.

Her day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with case preparation, drafting and reviewing legal documentation, managing client correspondence and ensuring that relevant paperwork is completed accurately and submitted within deadlines.

Working closely with solicitors and other fee earners, Bahar contributes to the effective management and progression of cases, maintaining organised and accurate case files while ensuring that key deadlines are met. She takes pride in her attention to detail, strong organisational skills and commitment to delivering a high standard of client care.

Bahar holds both an LLB and an LLM and is currently preparing for the SQE, with the ambition of qualifying as a solicitor in the near future.

Zarin Ali

Paralegal

Reading

Zaynah Raza

Head of Legal Admin

Watford

Zaynah is the Head of Legal Admin supporting the firm with legal aid billing and costs‑related work. She plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, assisting with the preparation and submission of claims, and supporting fee earners with costs and financial queries.

Working closely with solicitors and the wider billing team, Zaynah helps to ensure that matters are billed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with strict legal aid and procedural rules. Her attention to detail and methodical approach help the firm maintain high standards of financial compliance and accountability.

Zaynah is known for being approachable, organised, and reliable, and provides valued support to colleagues across the firm. She takes pride in contributing to the smooth running of cases behind the scenes and supporting the delivery of a high‑quality service to clients.

Outside of work, Zaynah enjoys traveling and exploring through hiking.

Sahra Amani Raza

Senior Legal Admin & Costs Draftsman

Watford

Sahra is a key member of the firm’s legal admin and a key member of the firm’s billing team. She supports the day‑to‑day running of the legal assistant function, ensuring both clients and solicitors receive consistent, high‑quality support across the firm.

She helps lead a dedicated, client‑focused team and plays a central role in making sure matters progress smoothly behind the scenes. Sahra works closely with solicitors to support case preparation and billing processes, while ensuring clients receive clear, responsive, and professional assistance at every stage of their journey. She is widely regarded as the firm’s “go‑to” person for guidance, problem‑solving, and support.

Sahra has a strong background in teaching and training. She is a fully qualified teacher, holding a PGCE, and delivers training across the firm, particularly in relation to billing and systems. She also holds a qualification in supporting vulnerable individuals, including those with SEND, which greatly informs her approach when supporting both clients and colleagues who may require additional care, understanding, or adjustments.

She is highly valued for her leadership, organisation, and calm, solutions‑focused approach, and takes great pride in running a team that reflects the firm’s values of care, accessibility, and professionalism.

Outside of work, Sahra enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Enejda Zhuzhi

Legal Assistant

Watford

Enejda is a Legal Assistant supporting a busy family law team with the day‑to‑day management and progression of cases. She plays a key role in assisting with legal aid applications, preparing court bundles, and liaising with counsel to ensure matters are properly prepared ahead of hearings.

Working closely with solicitors, Enejda helps to keep cases organised and moving forward efficiently, taking particular care to ensure documents are accurate and deadlines are met. She has developed a strong practical understanding of how cases progress behind the scenes and takes pride in supporting the team to deliver a high standard of service to clients.

Enejda also speaks Albanian, which enables her to support a wider range of clients and assist those who may find it difficult to communicate in English.

She is known for being organised, reliable, and approachable, and values being part of a supportive and collaborative team.

Outside of work, Enejda enjoys staying active and exploring new places.

Henry-John Eadsforth

Legal Assistant

Reading

Henry-John is a Legal Assistant who provides essential support to clients with legal aid applications, enquiries and the day-to-day matters they may face. He is committed to ensuring clients receive clear, helpful and professional assistance, recognising the importance of making the legal process as accessible and straightforward as possible.

Henry-John plays an important role in supporting clients throughout their initial enquiries and ongoing matters, helping them navigate the administrative aspects of their cases and ensuring they receive the guidance they need.

He graduated from Keele University with a degree in Law with Politics and is currently awaiting his final Master’s grade in Legal Practice from the University of Law at Royal Holloway. His academic background reflects his commitment to developing his legal knowledge and building a career within the legal sector.

Outside of work, Henry-John enjoys running and spending time outdoors taking his dog on walks.

Arya Mohottige

Legal Assistant

Reading

As a Legal Support Administrator, I am the first point of contact for clients, providing professional and empathetic support from the outset of their legal matter. My day-to-day responsibilities include answering and transferring calls, handling client enquiries, assisting with the completion of Legal Aid applications, and providing administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the firm.

I hold an LLB in Law with Business from St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Prior to my current role, I volunteered with Support Through Court in the Family Court, assisting individuals who were representing themselves in legal proceedings. I also completed a Legal Internship at MYM Solicitors, where I developed strong client care and communication skills, gained experience in drafting legal documents, and supported fee earners with a range of legal and administrative tasks.

Additionally I speak Italian, Sinhalese and basic French. Outside of work, I enjoy reading and swimming, and I value the opportunity to unwind with a good book or stay active through regular exercise.

Maya McDonald

Legal Assistant

Reading

I am a Legal Assistant at AVANTIS where I support the team in handling initial client enquiries and helping them navigate the initial stages of their legal matters. My responsibilities include assisting with Legal Aid applications and providing support to our caseworkers.

I graduated from the London School of Economics last year with a degree in Law and Anthropology. After graduating, I worked as a Legal Typist for an employment barrister, providing support during hearings and mediations before moving to South Korea for several months to teach English as a foreign language.

I’m currently studying the Bar Course alongside my role as a Legal Assistant at Avantis. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and reading whenever I have the time!

Roma Bhandal

Legal Assistant

Reading

My name is Roma and I am a Legal Support Administrator at Avantis Law. My role is to liaise with clients to complete their Legal Aid Application and progress their case onto a caseworker within our firm. Some of my other responsibilities include answering the phone lines, preparing court bundles for fee earners, and assisting fee earners with requesting counsel for hearings.

I am committed to delivering excellent service alongside providing empathetic reassurance to clients when they may require it.

I am a recent LLB Law graduate from the University of Leicester, where I took part in various extra-curricular competitions such as mooting and negotiation. I have a particular interest in Human Rights law.

I am an accredited nail technician so in my free time I enjoy practicing new nail designs on myself and others.

Anthea Tali

Paralegal

Reading

Charlotte Wilson

Legal Aid Manager

Reading

I am the Legal Aid Manager who deals with any queries and issues in relation to public funding. I also train and support new staff and new fee earners providing all legal aid application training and guidance. I started my legal career working in costs for a national set of Chambers in 2012. I moved to fee earning in 2017 at a legal aid family firm and progressed to running my own case load and have decidedly come back to the funding side of legal aid.

In my spare time I enjoy spin classes, catching up with friends and the Eurovision Song Contest.

Shahnaz Kausar

Operations Manager

Watford

Neha Bansal

Billing Manager

Reading

Neha is a Billing Manager with over eight years’ experience in legal billing and costs. She manages day-to-day billing operations, supervises and supports billing professionals, and works closely with fee earners and other stakeholders to ensure bills and claims are prepared accurately, efficiently and in accordance with applicable requirements.

Her specialist expertise includes legal aid billing, certificated and controlled work, inter partes costs, e-billing, costs drafting, detailed assessment proceedings and WIP management. She is experienced in using CCMS, CWA, CostMaster and LEAP, and regularly liaises with the Legal Aid Agency, courts, chambers, experts and other solicitors.

Neha has a broader professional background spanning finance, law and operations. She holds a Master of Science in Finance and is a member Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Usman Hussain

Legal Admin Support

Watford

Usman works in Admin supporting the team’s day-to-day operations. He manages referrals, coordinates communications, and maintains accurate records to ensure matters run smoothly and efficiently. He works closely with colleagues to provide reliable administrative support and contribute to a high standard of service.

He joined the team in June 2025 and is developing his knowledge of internal systems and processes while building his professional experience.

Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym and watching football.

Humayoun Akbar

Accounts

Reading

Humayoun works within the Accounts team at AVANTIS, with a particular focus on the day-to-day financial operations of the organization by maintaining accurate financial records, processing transactions and assisting accounts matters for suppliers, customers and clients.

His working day consists of processing office and client account transactions, invoices and supplier payments, recording customer payments, reconciling bank statements, and maintain accurate financial records & filling systems.

Before transitioning into family law, Humayoun had gained experience across other law firms and practices. He holds an AAT membership and has completed a SRA training certificate for law firm accounts, which included handling office and client account money. Indeed, he has experience with client money matters and reconciling client ledgers in his previous roles, and additionally, maintained accurate financial records using legal accounting software.

Outside of work, Humayoun is a father of two who has been involved in various charity work, including community wellbeing and personal development within the Asian & Arab communities.

Tayyub Akbar

Costs Draftsman

Watford

Tayyub is a Cost Draftsman at AVANTIS. His role is to prepare accurate, detailed bills of costs and handle all the related procedural paperwork, making sure the firm recovers costs whilst maintaining compliance with the rules, and helping our financial process run smoothly behind the scenes.

Tayyub is someone who takes real pride in getting things right and has a real eye for detail. He is hardworking, reliable and always makes sure every bill is thorough and submitted in a timely fashion – doing his bit to keep the team moving and the firm running efficiently.

Outside of work he enjoys playing football regularly, and likes to get out and about to explore new places in his spare time.

Amira Habib

Costs Draftsman

Watford

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