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.
PHOEBE CHAU
Family Law Solicitor
Phoebe is a dedicated family solicitor who joined the firm in 2025, bringing with her a strong background in family law and a reputation for outstanding client care. Prior to joining the firm, she worked at a respected city firm, where she specialised in family law, handling a wide range of matters including private children disputes, domestic abuse injunctions, and complex financial remedy cases for a diverse range of clients.
Since qualifying as a solicitor, Phoebe has focused solely on family law, representing clients in matters involving Child Arrangements Orders, non-molestation and occupation injunctions, consent orders, and complex financial remedy proceedings. She also regularly advises on cases involving international jurisdictions and has experience guiding clients through negotiations and the legal process. She is acting on surrogacy cases together with the Immigration team.
Clients and counsel frequently commend Phoebe for her empathy, attentiveness, and clear communication. She is known for her calm and considerate approach, particularly with clients navigating emotionally difficult or high-conflict situations, while remaining pragmatic and solution-focused in her legal strategy.
Phoebe is a member of Resolution, reflecting her commitment to resolving family disputes constructively and with minimal conflict wherever possible.
Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys discovering new restaurants, swimming, and travelling to new places.
LAILA MAHEN
Executive Caseworker
Laila is a highly experienced Caseworker, who joined the firm in April 2017. She currently works in our immigration team and specialises in various aspects of UK Immigration law, including cases involving Partners, Parents, Children, Private Life, Entry Clearance, Settlement, Naturalisation, Fee Waiver applications, complex outside of the rule’s applications and human rights applications.
Laila completed a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later completed a Graduate Diploma in Law. She has now completed her training contract at the firm and is in the process of finalising her Legal Practice Course/master’s in law.
In her free time, Laila enjoys going to the gym, trying new foods and spending time with family and friends.
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.
NOEL CARROLL
Consultant Solicitor – Private Client and Estate Planning
Noel joined Arona St James Solicitors in 2025 as a Consultant Solicitor. He brings over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families through often sensitive and complex legal matters. His work spans the full range of private client services, including probate (both UK and international estates), estate planning, Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and advice on Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements. He also has particular insight into insolvency matters that impact estates.
Clients value Noel’s calm, pragmatic approach and his ability to provide clear, practical advice during times of uncertainty. His background includes senior roles in legal, corporate, and compliance teams across the UK and internationally — experience which adds depth and commercial awareness to his work.
Outside of his legal practice, Noel enjoys swimming, hiking, public art, theatre, and travel.
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.”
