Who We Are

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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.

abt1-200x300 Who We Are

Arona Sarwar LLB (Hons)

Head Of Personal & Corporate Immigration Team

Arona Sarwar was trained at Cartwright Cunningham Haslegrove Solicitors. She went onto head the Immigration team at Stuart Miller solicitors before starting her own practice.

She recently joined a Central London firm to head their Immigration Corporate and Personal Immigration team before setting up Arona St James Solicitors. Arona works on both personal immigration cases and corporate Immigration work.

Arona has over 18 years worth experience as well has years of business acumen. She is known for her strategic skills and providing a diagnostic service to all her clients. Arona has always taken pride in her work and loves handling complex cases through to succession.

She now heads our point based Corporate team.

“I love what I do and finding a solution. For me, it is about humanising each scenario and working with the client to achieve their goal. Immigration is moving target and I enjoy working with those who want my firm to manage their immigration affairs on a regular basis. More often it allows my business clients to concentrate on their day to day business. Over time my clients have grown with me and alongside my business. I see myself as a business woman with expertise in the immigration field. Employers often recognise I have insight into their business needs and truly look out for their interests. I act for a number of Tier 1 Investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. I am instructed to review their visa and carry out visa health checks on a monthly basis, this reduces the risk of refusal and gives both my client and I comfort that any dip in their fund or business issues can be picked up and acted on. My firm is a boutique law firm and we do more than just provide legal analysis and representation. We strive to offer a holistic approach.”

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.

Emma Santos Clewley

Executive Paralegal

Emma is an experienced caseworker working in our immigration and family teams.

Emma has completed an undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies with Human Rights, a Graduate Diploma in Law and a combined LPC/LLM. Alongside studying she volunteered at JCWI and Citizens Advice. Emma also lived in the USA for a year where she studied and volunteered at an Asylum and Refugee Centre. Through this work Emma developed a keen interest in assisting vulnerable and marginalized people and social welfare law.

Emma has 2.5 years of immigration experience specifically in EEA, nationality, human rights, points-based, asylum & humanitarian protection and appeals applications. In addition Emma assists the family team with cases such as international adoption, divorce and child proceedings (UK/internationally).

Emma is a Spanish heritage speaker and is currently learning sign language. She enjoys watching documentaries, travelling and coffee.

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Jessica Hunter

Paralegal

Jessica is a paralegal working in our Immigration and Family teams.

Jessica has completed a law degree and the BPTC (The Bar Professional Training Course). Jessica secured an Upper Second Class degree and was rewarded for her academic achievement during her time at Oriel College, Oxford. At the BPTC she was awarded the Immigration Prize.

Alongside her studies, Jessica worked as a volunteer for the National Centre for Domestic Violence, helping victims of domestic violence to secure injunctions against their abusers. Through this work Jessica developed a keen interest in working with vulnerable clients, and remains dedicated to providing support to all her clients. Before joining Arona St.James, Jessica also worked as an adjudicator, giving her special insight into the decision-making process.

Jessica has been working primarily in the Personal Immigration team at Arona St.James, but has also acquired experience in Family, Business Immigration, and Employment.

“I enjoy working closely with my clients and finding solutions to their legal problems. I take pride in my ability to handle complex cases.”

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Jamil Dhanji

Consultant, Barrister

Jamil is a human rights and public law barrister with particular expertise in immigration, asylum and nationality law.
Jamil graduated at Cambridge University and spent several years in independent practice at the Bar (at Mitre House Chambers and Lamb Building) before joining Arona StJames as in-house Counsel. Jamil heads up the Personal Immigration team at the firm.

Jamil has years of experience representing individuals in court, including in the First-Tier Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber), Upper Tribunal (Immigration & Asylum Chamber) & the Court of Appeal.
He has appeared in a number of cases, which have been reported because they raise important points of legal principle, including Nzangane v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2014] EWHC 555 (Admin) and Kaur [2015] UKUT 487 (IAC).

He specialises in all aspects of immigration law, including cases involving human rights claims, the EEA Regulations, the Points-Based System, points of nationality law, deportation and entry clearance. He also has a great deal of experience representing individuals in asylum cases.
His particular interest lies in applications for judicial review.

Jamil has contributed to a number of publications including writing a chapter in ‘The Law and Practice of Expulsion and Exclusion from the UK: Deportation, Removal, Exclusion and Denial and Deprivation of Citizenship’ (Edited by Fripp, Moffatt and Wilford) and writing an article, ‘An update on recent Article 8 cases’ in the Journal of Immigration Asylum and Nationality Law (Volume 28, Number 2, 2014). Jamil commentates on immigration law matters in the media, including appearing on the Victoria Derbyshire Show on BBC 2 in September 2015.

‘I love advocacy – giving a voice to those that find themselves without one. I hate losing cases, so I will always give my all to make sure that I never lose.’

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Vidya Bavan

Head of Accounts & HR

Vidya is a trained book keeper with several years experience working with law firms and accountants. She liaise with our clients, accountant and other third parties in the development of the firm.

” I am a person that prefers working with numbers and systems. I am getting used to looking at creatives and working with designers. I really enjoy this new aspect to my role!”

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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.”

Google Rating

5.0

Arona St James Solicitors

Marcos Fournier

08:39 06 Oct 17

Dear Arona, I'd like to share a few words to express how extremely happy my Husband and I are with your services. Right from the outset, I knew that we could entrust you with my immigration case. You are very professional, your attention to detail is remarkable and your extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the Immigration laws, regulations and administrative processes in the UK are exceptional. Most of all, we felt you could lead my immigration case to a successful completion because you are extraordinarily passionate about your job. I particularly appreciated the fact that you were very accessible, you took the time to answer all our questions and gave us clear guidance on how to manage the process in an efficient and successful way. Of all the law firms I have worked with in the past, I can say with confidence that you and your firm are the best in the field of immigration. Please accept our deepest gratitude for all the work that you did for us.

Jen Pulledo

13:23 10 Oct 17

No words can express our gratitude to Arona for making our family complete. Firstly by securing a grant for myself to be with my partner in the UK and now for handling such a sensitive and urgent case with my children's visa application. I have known her for several years now and she has proved over and over again that she is one of the best. With my mum who used to look after my children who has recently passed, Arona has been the most compassionate lawyer I have ever met and managing to secure an urgent entry clearance for both my daughters during a very difficult time is beyond words. Your experience, skills and knowledge of what to do and who to contact is second to none. Forever grateful to you Arona for all you've done for my family. Now we are complete. Thank you so much!!!

Edward Moses

12:52 25 Oct 17

Exceptional service. I would highly recommend anyone who has immigration issues to use ARONA ST JAMES SOLICITORS. They are very professional and honest from the start. Before using Arona St James Solicitors, I was using one solicitor who totally ripped me off and didn't do my immigration application properly so I was refused stay. I was recommended Arona St James Solicitors by a friend and its the best decision I have ever made. I have now got my Stay to remain in the UK and now I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders. Thank You Arona St James so much for your help and support through out the process.

Jay C

18:28 22 Dec 17

Top rated Solicitors firm. Friendly and knowledgeable. Tidy office and meeting rooms. Highly recommended and will be using them again real soon. Thank you.

M Hoque

10:36 26 Jul 17

I came to Arona St James to help me secure international protection it was difficult to open up to a lawyer but when I met Arona I was put at ease. She listened and understood the issues and provided a case plan. Arona throughout my case set out the process, timescales and different actions the Home Office could take. She worked with my medical and support workers and represented me herself at the main interview which helped me relax and be in a position I was able to talk about my life openly and frankly. I knew from the outset she would through all her efforts, help me secure my stay. A truly unique person that is a large part of my life now. I am now more happy and secure in my future. Thank you to her and her team - I don't have words to express how she walked side by side with me. Highly recommended to clients looking for a talented lawyer who cares about their work. Her expertise and service is of the highest calibre. A brilliant lawyer.

Pamela Astrid

12:43 10 Oct 17

Arona is not just my solicitor but has become a very good friend. She is compassionate and her level of understanding not just of the law and her empathy is way beyond expectations. Since securing a grant for my partner, she has yet again proved to be one of the best immigration lawyers around and would highly recommend her service. My partner and I have used her services again in getting our children to live with us in the UK. My mother in law who has been looking after our children has recently passed and Arona without being asked has dropped everything she has going and has handled our case most urgently and managed to secure a grant for our children by negotiating with senior member of UKVI and directors of the entry clearance section who were open to and receptive to ensuring a seamless service. Arona's experience, knowledge and compassion are what separates her from the rest. Five stars to you Arona!!! Thank you ever so much!!!

Mark Lawrence

22:27 27 Jan 18

Very very good service. The application would of probably failed if I we didn't go to a lawyer specialising in immigration. Arona had an incredible knowledge of the potential pitfalls of applying from Iran (my wife's Persian) and left nothing to chance. Highly recommended.

Nouman Asghar

13:45 14 Mar 18

Laila and Arona have been amazing! Really supportive and helpful throughout the whole process

Tia Tights

01:06 29 Apr 18

At first, I was hesitant to pursue my complicated case and felt that the odds were stacked up against me, Arona confidently cleared all my pre-conceived assumptions and my own personal fears which I had built up over the years through reading immigration forums, social media posts, government deportation propoganda, listening to friendly hearsay and the UK Border Force TV reality show ( I would specifically advice avoid watching this show if you are fighting an immigration case) I wouldn't have had the confidence to go ahead with my case if not for Arona and her team of handling my loved one and my case. Reassuring confidence, professionalism, and genuine care is how I would describe the style of Arona and her brilliant paralegal Laila for handling my case. Arona lifted me and my partner out of a life full of restrictions, misery and uncertainty and into hope and happiness..Arona is simply a LIFE CHANGER and haven't given this well deserved compliment lightly to any other professional or.... a friend, I am ever so grateful that true professionals like Arona exists in an otherwise crowded market of charlatans immigration solicitors.

ivaylo farha

11:13 07 Jun 18

Highli recommended! Thank you so much .

Hayley Hopkins

14:42 09 Jun 18

My experience with Laila & Arona was excellent! Laila provided great guidance through the entire fiancé visa process. She was very timely and quick to answer any questions. I felt the service was well worth the price. She curated excellent witness statements and did a wonderful job creating the entire application. We were extremely thankful for her diligence with our application. We had a successful outcome as well with the visa! Absolutely recommend!

Jacek Stopa

12:49 16 Jun 18

I am a Polish National and my wife is a Vietnamese National. I work as an engineer in the UK. My now wife came to the UK and left voluntarily after she was not granted permission to marry in the UK. The Home Office felt she had mislead them in her visitor's visa application. Of course this was not true. However when you find your partner at the time being incarcerated and your fighting away it becomes difficult as you feel no one is listening to you. you read the news that the environment is hostile and we know we have been victims of this. The Home Office looks at paperwork and asserts what the person's intention is. My wife had come over on a visit and met me, and her former relationship that she wrote in her application was a new one and one that had not turned into a committed one. They did not believe how we met and refused us permission to marry. Needless to state this was a difficult and demotivating time in our lives, when you fall in love and you have a third person telling you that you have lied to them. We cannot erase this but can talk about how important it is to find the right support. My wife returned home. We married in Vietnam and she fell pregnant shortly afterwards. I am over the moon that we are expecting our first child, so bringing her back to the UK to me was important and time sensitive as I wanted the baby to be born in the UK. Arona Sarvar of Arona St James took over the visa application and relied upon EEA regulations. I would give her 5 stars and a golden star. Arona is a briliant and confident Immigration Solicitor. She worked on our case with her team. Our case because of my wife's return and the assertion she was dishonest was a difficult case. Arona and Emma her caseworker persevered. She and her team worked quickly and met timelines throughout. She kept her word and followed through on the case plan in timely fashion and my wife was granted her visa. The fact is Arona is competent and can win difficult cases by providing a strategic approach; such as ours and this is a simple fact. I travelled from Sheffield to London, and I will always come to London to instruct Arona St James for all future immigration applications. I recommend her with 100% of confidence you are in the best solicitors hands. I trust her with my wife's case and she has given my wife and me endless happiness. Jacek & Thi.

Frederick Kourouma

11:06 14 Jul 18

Back when I was first looking for lawyers to help me with my immigration case, I was met with a lot of disappointment and let down several times. It was a long and difficult search, and when other lawyers like Duncan Lewis failed to make any progress at all, I thankfully found Arona. From the first meeting where I explained my case, feeling very vulnerable and basically baring my soul, Arona was fully supportive professionally and with her heart. She really made it easy, and I am forever grateful for that. As a gay African man, Arona’s expertise in minority LGBT issues helped her empathise and really sort out my issues in exactly the right way. No other lawyer had shown such a clear understanding of my situation, or show me that they had the care or determination to take it on and win. My entire asylum seeker application process - from interview to being granted asylum - was expected to take months or even years, yet Arona got it done in 3 weeks. Throughout that process, and much more, she always showed grace, patience, and positivity. Years later I got in touch again, and she recently helped me get my indefinite stay as well, cementing her further as an essential pillar in my story and my success. Arona helped me get my life back, I’m forever grateful and would not hesitate to recommend her to anybody. Especially if you are BAME person and or LGBT, I cannot recommend her more highly, as these are issues personal to her and that she is hugely passionate about. I have been able to gain security in my life and have been working, studying and growing ever since. My life would have been in a very different place if it weren’t for the professionalism, efficiency, thoroughness and most of all heart of Arona and her team. Thank you so much.

Sami Dermishaj

22:32 17 Jul 18

I would like to say a big thank you to AronaStJames solicitors for being a great professional solicitor and acting on behalf of me for my immigration status. I was given professional advice from the start of my application and to the end of my application which was successful also because of these great and professional people which works @ AronaStJames solicitors ! I cannot find the words to describe how happy and satisfied I am with you guys! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Arona & Emma for representing my case , I will surely recommend to all my friends and people for any legal matter! AronaStJames you got my❤️

Reine Geldenhuys

19:36 15 Aug 18

Definitely made our application process completely stress free. Outstanding, professional and swift service and support throughout. We have used Arona St James Solicitors previously and we will be back.

mahyar falak

13:53 17 Aug 18

I can begin with magnificent service , follow up the progress all the time , frindly environment, absolutely transparent conversations , confirming everything by email, and emazing barrister , totally satisfied with everything. Also Arona is a power of the firm. However I changed many solisitor before Arona but never be satisfied.

21:42 06 Nov 18

Dear Arona and your lovely team We would like to send our never-ending thanks and gratitude to you and your team for confidently securing the grant of extension of leave for my children and I. Your wealth of experience and knowledge of the immigration law has put our minds at ease during the whole process - you know what we were going through and you made it personal to you and for that we truly are grateful. You felt for us and we are going to say it again - we will be forever in your debt. Even up to the point where we may no longer require your services, we are so lucky and glad that we have gained a friend in you and will always be in touch. Arona StJames Solicitors is definitely the best out there if you want a tailor-made, professional, committed and most importantly a caring service. Arona, thank you again! Superb 10-star service!!! XXXX

DJ WALZ

12:07 22 Nov 18

Words cannot describe how I feel right now. Arona and her PA Emma personally handled my case. The communication, encouragements, care,love shown to me and my family was great. AronaStJames took us like her own family. I really don’t know how to thank you enough because so many lawyers have taken my money and done nothing but for AronaStJames, it’s not like that. She truly cares about her clients. A massive thank you to Arona and Emma. God bless AronaStJames is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Ampomah Boahen

09:51 04 Jan 19

I went to Arona as a 6yr overstayer in the uk with my Eu partner when things seemed impossible(l had been with my partner for less than 6months when we approached Arona).The atmosphere at her office and the way we were received alone assured us we were at the right place. Arona and her team including Emma led us to register our marriage in the uk even when we had been told by others l will be detained if l try. She further made an EEA fm for me and also were accompanied by Emma to Liverpool when we were called for an interview by the Home office. Their professionalism made the whole process very straight forward. In less than 4months from when the application was made l have been granted a 5yr brp as an EEA family member with no stress. I would highly recommend Arona and her team for any immigration matter you might have.They are the best

Kwame Benard

18:25 18 Jan 19

Excellent service, years of experience in their field and right approach to deliver a great results . Very customer focus, well intune and they know their stuff.. Any case no matter complicated it may be, or seems Arona st James solicitors are the right place to be.Their professionalism as well as their friendly approch to service. Highly recommend.

Edirlan R. Marinho

21:56 24 Jan 19

Arona St James Solicitors is the place to go for every LGBT couple facing challenges posed by complex and often unfair immigration system. The case involved applying for EEA family permit for me as an overstayer. I have been impressed by Arona's thoroughness, which is matched by a clarity that made everything understandable, despite the obvious complexity. I also acknowledge her ability to balance the utmost professionalism with a human touch, which reassured and sustained me and my husband throughout this challenging process. It goes without saying that we will unhesitatingly recommend Arona to anyone in a similar situation to us.

Eslam Soliman

20:38 11 Mar 19

As an Egyptian who applied for asylum in the UK I met with several immigration lawyers. They were helpful to me but the most helpful, and the person who had the most in depth knowledge of both the conditions in Egypt and of my situation as a gay man was Arona St James. She impressed me because she knew exactly what information was relevant to my appeal and how to write an effective personal statement. I would therefore recommend her to anyone and especially to people from the Middle East who need an insightful and outstanding solicitor to guide them through this very difficult procedure.

Ye Naing

23:12 16 Apr 19

If you are looking for the best immigration solicitors in london this is the one Arona st james solicitors. Highly recommended. Thank you so much to arona and her team..

Katie Matthews

19:45 05 Jun 19

Friendly. Approachable. Professional and Delivered. ...Made contact with Arona St James earlier on in the year. I have been dealing with Laila who has help with UK Spouse Visa for my Husband to join me in UK. The visa process is highly stressful however Laila eased the stress and took control of compiling our application and answering all my questions and I had lots. Reccomend this lovely firm to everyone and want to thank you for helping me bring my Husband home.

Laura m

21:22 04 Jul 19

100% Highly recommend Arona and her team; Specifically Laila. I’ve received the quickest service ever for a residence permit for my fiance and we received that within 2 days of applying for premium service. Arona and Laila explained everything in debt of what and won’t be needed for our case and were extremely helpful. If you want the right to live in the UK without any doubt ,definitely go to Arona St James.

H Ghulam

12:22 08 Jul 19

I have known Arona Sarwar for over 18 years, reflecting through the times, like many teenagers, I did not have any knowledge about the immigration matters. It was extremely difficult for me to get settlement in the UK. Arona supported my case and I had successful leave to remain applications which was helpful for me to continue my studies at College and University. Ultimately, I have had my settlement over 7 years ago and have built my home and a good career in the UK. This would not have been possible without Arona’s support. Over the years, I have recommended my friends to Arona and we found that Arona always maintained her client's best interests at heart. Arona has in-depth and most recent knowledge about immigration matters. She also has good networking with the barristers and would choose the most appropriate specialist barristers if required. More recently, Arona and Emma have processed my wife’s application which was successful in a matter of weeks through a priority service. I thoroughly recommend Arona and I know her ethos is shared within her team.

Nike Adedeji

06:12 11 Jul 19

Arona is the best i wil recommend..excellent service...A solicitor with a difference shes very good...i was so scared and she kept on re-assuring me on everything....when it comes to immigration issues u can trust her 100%...if you need a stay in UK then u should go to Arona..very friendly team,worth every dine...if she tells u its possible trust me it is..her professionalism is top notch...i will recommend her again and again to anyone...

Bilel DJAREDDIR

14:53 24 Jul 19

Highly recommend, very friendly staff and professional work , the Best solicitor ever , Thank you so much Emma, Arona and all the team .

sam gun

14:26 26 Jul 19

Outstanding support and careful consideration at all stages of the process, in particular to their organisation and the management of the sensitive matter, moreover, their ability to work comprehensibly to our individual needs and circumstances. I won't forget the first consultation where Arona explained the whole process with clarity, rejuvinating us with confidence and keeping us in the loop every step of the way throughout the whole process. I wish to give thanks to Laila for being at the forefront of supporting this case.

Emilie Neuss

11:36 17 Oct 19

All members of staff are courteous, kind, hard-working, effective and efficient. They take care and time with each person and always help/answer any questions to the best standards. I always feel confident at Arona St James Solicitors. They have helped us with a Partnership Visa and then the renewal two years later. We already know that in another two years we will be back to renew again. We worked closely with Laila and Arona and have only positive thoughts and feedback for both. Thank you Arona St James for being professional, helpful and putting our minds at ease. We will see you again in a couple of years!

Maja Kovacev

14:30 31 Oct 19

Thank you Laila, Arona and all the team of Arona St James Solicitors. Arona and Laila explained my husband and me, everything in debt of what needed for our case and were very helpful. We mostly communicated with Laila. She responded quickly to any queries I raised and were informative, patient and clear with any explanations. We always felt we could contact them with any concerns. I would recommended Arona St James Solicitors because they are the best.

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Who We Are

Arona Sarwar LLB (Hons)

Head Of Personal & Corporate Immigration Team

Gillian

Family & Immigration

LAILA MAHEN

Executive Paralegal

Emma Santos Clewley

Executive Paralegal

Jessica Hunter

Paralegal

Jamil Dhanji

Consultant, Barrister

Vidya Bavan

Head of Accounts & HR

Hubert Ellis

Liaison Officer

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