Our team

Alia is a director and award-winning solicitor at Duncan Lewis, who specialises in representing children in complex child protection cases and is committed to upholding the rights of neurodivergent individuals within family proceedings. In 2017 at the age of three, Alia’s son was diagnosed autistic.

Her learning journey since then in relation to autism and special needs has made her acutely aware of the knowledge gaps and discriminatory practices relating to neurodivergence in the family justice system. This has rapidly led to Alia developing an unwavering determination to effect positive change.

In 2023, Alia established the first specialist Autism and ADHD care team in the UK, offering bespoke and highly skilled representation to neurodivergent clients. Alia’s personal experience as a parent of a child with special needs makes her highly relatable to her parent clients which is the key to establishing a working relationship based on trust. It has also been the catalyst for Alia developing a formidable reputation amongst many London based Cafcass guardians as the “go to” solicitor for representing neurodivergent children.

This has placed her in high demand to accept instructions in cases involving children with extremely complex needs and in large neurodivergent sibling groups. Alia consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback on her unique, thorough and empathetic approach from the Cafcass guardians and parents she represents. She is widely respected amongst her peers and is regularly approached by other solicitors seeking her advice and guidance.

Alia is a member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme and has gained a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism. In the Legal 500, Alia is ranked as a Next Generation Partner and Recommended Lawyer and is described as “incredibly thorough and always on top of the case.” Alia is often asked to speak at events highlighting issues around neurodivergence within the family justice system and in 2023, won the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award for Children’s Rights in recognition of her ongoing work. View Alia’s full profile here.

Sheena is a senior solicitor and member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme, specialising in complex child protection proceedings. Her experience extends to representing clients in cases involving deaf adults, children and children of deaf adults (CODA). Having completed a Level 2 accredited course in Understanding Autism, Sheena has developed a particular expertise in representing neurodivergent children and adults.

Her interest in this area stems from her personal experience of supporting close family members who are neurodivergent, through periods in their lives when they have been unable to access the necessary support from the child and adult social care systems.

Sheena has first-hand experience of the detrimental effect the lack of understanding and support has on neurodivergent individuals through all stages of their lives. This in-depth insight underpins her patient, empathetic and down to earth approach, which immediately puts her clients at ease and gains their trust, whilst also effectively advocating for their needs. Sheena is proud to be a member of Duncan Lewis’ specialist Autism and ADHD team and is strongly committed to campaigning for much needed reform of the family justice system in relation to cases involving neurodivergence. View Sheena’s full profile here.

Fauzia is a child protection solicitor and member of the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme, specialising in cases involving neurodivergence and disability. She has also completed a Level 2 accredited course in Understanding Autism and is a committed member of Duncan Lewis’ specialist Autism and ADHD team.

Having supported her husband through the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, Fauzia has gained a unique insight into the challenges adults face when navigating both the diagnostic process and securing the necessary support, including medication. In addition, for many years Fauzia has supported a close family member with special needs and in doing so has developed an empathetic and sensitive approach to clients in similar situations.

In Fauzia’s role as a Girlguiding leader, she has worked directly with a number of children who present with neurodivergent conditions, learning disabilities and/or physical challenges. She offers experience-led expertise to assist other leaders in creating suitable adaptations in the interest of inclusivity. Her dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all has driven her work in campaigning for systemic change within the family justice and child protection sectors. See Fauzia’s full profile here.