Who We Are
Proudly situated at the heart of the East London community, but with a footprint that crosses borders as a result of its partnership with national and international clients, Arona St James Solicitors focuses on providing bespoke solutions tailored to meet the needs of its clients.
The firm was founded by Arona Sarwar, a solicitor with over 18 years experience of advising individuals and businesses, with the ambition of doing law differently. We make things personal. From the moment you first come in to see us, our solicitors and barristers make themselves available either by phone, e-mail or in person to ensure that solutions are found to your problems. For us, no problem is too small or too large – if it matters to you, then it matters to us.
Gillian
Family & Immigration
Gillian joined the practice in May 2019, bringing with her a wealth of experience in family and immigration matters. Her most successful cases have included special guardianships, domestic and foreign leave to remove applications, Child Arrangement applications requiring expert evidence or where Children’s Services are involved, as well as committed work with financial orders, such as maintenance and financial settlements to Final Hearings.Gillian specialised in family law from her qualification in 2011 and she advises on all aspects of family and divorce law, inclusive of adoption, along with immigration matters and Wills and Probate. She has been commended by clients and barristers alike for her care, empathy and direct approach to individuals from a variety of backgrounds, providing a dedicated and personal service.Gillian has been accredited by the Law Society in Family Law and is an active member of Resolution, the organisation dedicated to non-confrontational resolution of family matters.In her spare time, Gillian enjoys restaurant recommendations, especially if they’ve come from the Great British Menu, going to the theatre and travelling.
LAILA MAHEN
Executive Paralegal
Laila is an experienced caseworker who joined the firm in April 2017 and works in our immigration and family teams. She specialises in various aspects of immigration law, including cases involving family and private life, entry clearance, British nationality, outside of the rules applications and human rights. In addition, Laila assists with family matters.
Laila completed an undergraduate degree in Education and later went on to complete a graduate diploma in law. She is currently completing a legal practice course/masters in law.
In her free time, Laila enjoys spending time with her family and friends, fashion and trying new restaurants.
GWAN CHOI
Trainee Solicitor
Gwan is an experienced caseworker who joined the firm in July 2024, working in the family, immigration, and wills and probate department. Before joining the firm, Gwan worked at London based firm, specialising in family law, dealing with private children, domestic abuse and financial remedy cases. She has been commended for her excellent client care, particularly being empathetic and considerate towards her clients. Since joining the firm, Gwan has been assisting with immigration and wills and probate matters.
Gwan has completed her LLM, Legal Practice Course, achieving a distinction at BPP University. She speaks Cantonese and Mandarin fluently.
In her free time, Gwan particularly loves baking, travelling and volunteering to help children from social disadvantaged backgrounds.
Hubert Ellis
Liaison Officer
Hubert works as a consultant on a non advice basis. He liaises with clients who are vulnerable and ensures that we secure a full set of instructions from our clients that reside out of London.
Hubert is a valuable member of our firm and adds more than legal expertise by listening and ensuring a plan of action is implemented for our long distance clients.
” I enjoy being that stepping stone and knowing that such individuals are in the hands of experienced solicitors who care about the service they deliver. I have seen clients achieve successful outcomes where many have failed. I enjoy cooking and making cocktails in my spare time. I am keen to travel more and be a positive role model to others.”
