Saira Sabir

Foreign-qualified lawyer and experienced Senior Paralegal with over 9 years of legal practice experience across the United Kingdom and Pakistan. Brings substantial experience in legal advisory work, contract and document drafting, legal research, regulatory compliance, dispute management, negotiation and risk assessment. Currently manages a varied caseload at MKK Solicitors, advising on complex legal and procedural issues, reviewing evidence and documentation, conducting legal research, and ensuring compliance with SRA, GDPR, Legal Aid Agency and internal requirements.

Previously practised as an Advocate High Court in Pakistan, handling contentious and non-contentious civil, family, employment and property matters, including drafting and reviewing contracts, negotiating disputes, advising clients on legal risk and coordinating litigation. Holds an LL.M and has received confirmation from the Solicitors Regulation Authority of an exemption from SQE2. Now seeking a Legal Consultant position where broad legal experience, commercial awareness, negotiation skills and a strong compliance focus can support organisational objectives and effective risk management.

Senior Paralegal - MKK Solicitors - United Kingdom

(2024-10)

• Manage a varied caseload across immigration, asylum and family law, progressing complex and urgent matters from initial instruction and evidence gathering through to application, appeal and hearing stages.
• Conduct initial client interviews, obtain detailed instructions, assess legal merits, identify evidential and procedural issues, and develop case strategy with the supervising solicitor.
• Prepare immigration and asylum applications, grounds of appeal, witness statements, affidavits, skeleton arguments, written submissions, legal representations and formal correspondence.
• Appear as the firm's sole representative at First-tier Tribunal asylum appeal hearings, presenting clients' cases and responding to questions from the Tribunal under the supervision of the solicitor with conduct.
• Prepare First-tier and Upper Tribunal appeal bundles, chronologies, evidence schedules and supporting documents in accordance with Tribunal directions and strict procedural deadlines.
• Assist with family law matters including divorce proceedings, child arrangements applications and non-molestation orders, preparing applications, statements, supporting evidence and court documentation.
• Communicate independently with Counsel, draft instructions to Counsel and coordinate conferences, evidence, hearing preparation and procedural updates.
• Review the work of junior colleagues, allocate tasks, oversee team deadlines, provide procedural guidance and deliver training on case preparation, compliance and internal processes.
• Handle difficult or vulnerable clients, complaints and urgent matters independently, identifying safeguarding concerns and ensuring appropriate escalation and support.
• Conduct conflict, client-care and compliance checks; maintain accurate files and records; and ensure matters are managed in accordance with SRA, GDPR and internal regulatory requirements, identifying compliance or procedural risks requiring escalation.
• Complete and submit CW1, CW2 and CW3 forms, assess and evidence legal-aid eligibility, maintain compliant time records and support delegated functions, billing and Legal Aid Agency requirements.
• Undertake detailed legal research on legislation, regulations, policy guidance and relevant case law, translating complex legal requirements into clear written advice, case strategy and practical next steps.

Student Enquiries & Enrolment Administrator - University of Hertfordshire - United Kingdom

(2023-08 - 2024-09)

• Managed student enquiries, enrolment and compliance matters in accordance with university regulations and internal procedures.
• Provided administrative and compliance support to admissions and academic teams, including the preparation of formal correspondence and compliance letters.
• Maintained accurate records and contributed to improvements in internal processes and information management.

Volunteer Legal Adviser / Coordinator - Citizens Advice, Chelsea - United Kingdom

(2022-05 - 2023-02)

• Provided legal information and practical support on housing, welfare benefits, debt and social welfare matters.
• Conducted client interviews and legal triage assessments, identifying key issues and suitable next steps.
• Drafted letters, completed forms, and prepared referrals to relevant authorities and support organisations.
• Managed sensitive client information in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

Advocate High Court - Khanzada Law Associates - Lahore, Pakistan

(2014-12 - 2021-01)

Handled contentious and non-contentious work from initial consultation through negotiation, litigation and resolution.

• Conducted detailed client consultations, analysed legal and factual issues, assessed legal and commercial risks, and provided practical advice on available options, potential exposure and appropriate case strategy.
• Drafted, reviewed and advised on contracts, agreements, pleadings, appeals, wills, legal notices, settlement documents and other court and client documentation, ensuring accuracy and protection of clients' legal interests.
• Negotiated with opposing parties and legal representatives to resolve disputes, agree settlement terms and protect clients' interests while maintaining professional working relationships.
• Conducted legal research on applicable legislation, procedural rules and case law, monitored relevant legal developments, and applied findings to client advice, drafting and litigation strategy.
• Managed court filings, procedural compliance, documentary evidence, hearing preparation and case deadlines, coordinating with clients, counsel, court staff and other legal professionals throughout proceedings.
• Assisted clients with employment and commercial-related legal issues, including reviewing documentation, identifying contractual or regulatory concerns and advising on dispute-prevention and resolution options.
• Maintained confidential case records and supporting documentation, ensuring that instructions, evidence, correspondence and procedural steps were properly recorded and organised.

LL.M - Master of Laws - University of Hertfordshire (2022)

LL.B - Bachelor of Laws - Punjab University (2014)

B.A - Arts - Government College Gulberg (2007)