“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

Sahra Amani Raza

Head of Legal Assistants & Costs Draftsman

Abiodun Wusu

Solicitor

Andrea Royce

Trainee Solicitor

Alix Rodwell

Paralegal

Magdalena Bachulska

Paralegal

Farnaz Khan

Paralegal

Giulia Kaur

Paralegal

Hazel Fernandes

Paralegal

Yanusha Niranjan

Paralegal

Victory Lato

Paralegal

Rosie Coban

Legal Assistant

Bahar Dag

Legal Assistant

Enejda Zhuzhi

Legal Assistant

Vianne Alhayderi

Legal Assistant

Zaynah Raza

Senior Administrator & Costs Draftsman

Usman Hussain

Operations Officer

Abid Riaz

Director

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

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

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

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.

Sahra Amani Raza

Head of Legal Assistants & Billing Assistant

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

She leads 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.

Abiodun Wusu

Solicitor

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.

Andrea Royce

Trainee Solicitor

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.

Alix Rodwell

Paralegal

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.

Magdalena Bachulska

Paralegal

Magdalena is a Paralegal at AVANTIS, where she supports clients through family law proceedings with a strong focus on safety, reassurance and clear communication. She regularly assists clients seeking protective injunctions, including non‑molestation and occupation orders, as well as children matters such as prohibited steps and child arrangements applications.

Magdalena is closely involved in drafting applications, witness statements and court orders, and works with counsel to represent clients at hearings. She builds strong rapport with clients and understands that every client’s situation is different, taking time to listen and understand their individual needs so they feel supported throughout the process. She is known for her approachable and calm manner, helping clients feel reassured during what can be very distressing situations.

Magdalena holds an LLB (Hons), a Master’s degree in Law, and has completed the Bar Practice Course. She also has experience working in family law pro bono, supporting vulnerable clients, and is a member of the Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn. Outside of work, she enjoys reading and has set herself the goal of finishing two books each month.

Farnaz Khan

Paralegal

Farnaz is a Paralegal with experience across a wide range of private children and domestic abuse matters. She works predominantly on cases involving non‑molestation orders, child arrangements orders, and prohibited steps orders, supporting clients through what are often highly sensitive and emotional proceedings.

Her role includes drafting court forms and statements, preparing hearing bundles, completing applications, and assisting with advocacy and representation at court hearings. Farnaz regularly liaises with third parties such as Local Authorities, CAFCASS, the Police, opposing solicitors, and counsel to ensure cases progress efficiently and are properly prepared.

Farnaz was called to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2025 and is due to graduate with an LLM Master’s degree in May 2026. Farnaz is fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi, allowing her to support a diverse client base and assist those who may find it difficult to communicate in English.

Giulia Kaur

Paralegal

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.

Hazel Fernandes

Paralegal

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.

Yanusha Niranjan

Paralegal

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.

Victory

Paralegal

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.

Rosie Coban

Legal Assistant

Rosie is a Legal Assistant, she is instrumental in supporting clients through often complex and sensitive applications with care, efficiency, and professionalism. In her day‑to‑day role, she assists with preparing and submitting legal aid applications, gathering and reviewing financial documentation, and supporting clients to understand the legal aid process and the appropriate applications to make.

Rosie works closely with clients to ensure matters are progressed smoothly while maintaining a sensitive and supportive approach at all times. She is fluent in Turkish, enabling her to assist clients who may struggle to communicate in English and ensuring they feel heard and understood throughout their case.

Before moving into family law, Rosie worked in immigration law, bringing strong transferable skills to her current role. She holds a law degree and is currently completing the SQE as part of her journey to qualification as a solicitor.

Outside of work, Rosie enjoys horse riding and spending her free time pursuing this passion.

Bahar Dag

Legal Assistant

Bahar is a Legal Assistant and is often the first point of contact for clients at AVANTIS. She plays a key role at the outset of matters, providing clear and supportive guidance to clients as they begin what can often be a stressful and uncertain process.

Her day‑to‑day work includes assisting clients with legal aid applications, ensuring all documentation is completed accurately and submitted in line with strict Legal Aid Agency deadlines. Bahar is committed to delivering clear, empathetic communication, helping clients understand each stage of the process while offering reassurance throughout.

She works closely with fee earners on case preparation to ensure matters progress efficiently and without unnecessary delay. Known for her organisation and attention to detail, Bahar takes pride in delivering a smooth and professional service from the very beginning of a client’s journey.

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

Enejda Zhuzhi

Legal Assistant

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.

Vianne Alhayderi

Legal Assistant

As a Legal Assistant, Vianne’s role involves directly liaising with clients as the first point of contact, supporting them with their Legal Aid applications, drafting legal documents and correspondence as well as answering any questions or concerns about the process.

Vianne is a recent Law with Spanish Law graduate from the University of Oxford with experience working with various pro-bono organisations and legal clinics as a caseworker, with a particular focus on Immigration Law and Social Security Law.

Vianne especially enjoys learning languages and speaks Kurdish, Spanish, French and Catalan. In her free time, she enjoys watercolour painting and experimenting with new mediums of art.

Zaynah Raza

Administrator & Costs Draftsman

Zaynah is an Administrator and Costs Draftsman who supports 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.

Usman Hussain

Legal Admin Support

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.

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