Amina Shafiq

Housing Disrepair Litigation Executive with over four years' legal experience, including extensive claimant housing disrepair experience across pre-action and litigated matters. Experienced in independently managing claims from issue through to settlement, hearings and trial preparation, with strong practical knowledge of the Civil Procedure Rules, court directions, liability, quantum and litigation strategy. Skilled in drafting pleadings and witness evidence, preparing court applications, analysing expert evidence, negotiating settlements and liaising with counsel, experts, defendants and clients.

LLB and LLM qualified, with strong legal drafting, analytical, organisational and client-care skills.

Litigation Executive - Veritas Solicitors LLP

(2022-12 - 2026-05)

Independently manage a high-volume caseload of claimant housing disrepair matters from issue through to settlement and trial preparation, taking ownership of case progression and procedural compliance.

• Draft pleadings, witness statements, replies to defences, court applications, draft orders and other litigation documents in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.
• Prepare matters for allocation hearings, application hearings, disposal hearings and final hearings, including instructing counsel and preparing hearing documentation and court bundles.
• Analyse defences, expert reports, repair evidence and client evidence to identify issues concerning liability, causation, quantum and litigation risk.
• Develop case strategy by considering procedural options, evidential strengths and weaknesses, settlement prospects and proportionality.
• Negotiate settlements with defendants and their representatives, assessing offers against liability, quantum, costs and litigation risk.
• Liaise with counsel, experts, clients and defendants to progress claims efficiently and ensure evidence and matters are prepared within court deadlines.
• Conduct legal research on housing disrepair law, civil procedure and developing case law to support applications, arguments and litigation strategy.
• Advise clients on evidence, settlement offers, procedural developments and litigation risk while maintaining effective relationships throughout contested proceedings.
• Manage competing court deadlines and directions across a busy caseload while maintaining accurate and proactive case progression.

Housing Disrepair Paralegal - Veritas Solicitors LLP

(2022-01 - 2022-11)

Managed a caseload of claimant housing disrepair matters at the pre-action stage.

• Drafted Letters of Claim, legal correspondence and settlement communications in accordance with the relevant Pre-Action Protocol.
• Reviewed expert reports, repair records and supporting evidence to assess liability and quantum.
• Negotiated settlements and progressed claims efficiently towards resolution or litigation.
• Provided clients with clear, practical guidance throughout housing disrepair disputes.
• Progressed into a Litigation Executive role with responsibility for litigated housing disrepair matters.

Adviser - Citizens Advice Bureau – Bury & Bolton

(2021-09 - 2021-11)

Provided advice and support on housing, debt management and welfare benefits matters, including assistance to vulnerable clients.

• Conducted client assessments, identified appropriate support pathways and liaised with external agencies to help resolve disputes.

Customer Care Advisor - FM Outsource – Missguided

(2021-11 - 2021-12)

Handled customer enquiries and complaints across telephone, email and live chat in a fast-paced environment.

Call Centre Operator - Warth Business Centre

(2015-03 - 2017-01)

Managed inbound and outbound communications within a target-driven environment, developing strong client-handling and organisational skills.

LLM - International Business Law - De Montfort University

LLB - Law - University of Leicester