Fuzhan Abasi
Principal Director
As the Founder of Family First Lawyers, I am driven by a clear mission to improve how individuals and families access legal support. Our organisation focuses on innovative, affordable and client-centred services across unreserved family law matters, working collaboratively with SRA-regulated practices where reserved work is required.
With experience in family law and advocacy, I approach each matter with both empathy and determination, supporting clients as they navigate complex and sensitive legal processes. This work has provided broader insight into the justice system and informs my commitment to improving access to justice and supporting meaningful change.
Beyond practice, I remain engaged in initiatives that contribute to a fairer and more accessible justice system. I work with sector partners and advisory forums focused on tackling violence against women and girls, and continue to support charities and community organisations on the frontline through our access to justice scheme. Mentorship sits at the heart of my vision, and I am passionate about supporting aspiring lawyers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, by helping them build the skills, confidence and opportunities to progress.
At Family First Lawyers, I lead a dedicated team united by a shared commitment to high standards, collaboration and continuous improvement. Together, we aim not only to support positive outcomes for clients, but also to contribute to a more responsive, inclusive and modern approach to legal services.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Aminah Karim
Simeon Valchev
Aminah Karim
Head Of Legal Training
Aminah Karim is a Barrister (Unregistered) and Head of Legal Training at FFL, where she leads the firm’s training programmes.
Her work is centred on personalised development, ensuring that every member of the team receives tailored 1:1 support, mentoring, and training to build confidence, practical skills, and profes
Head Of Legal Training
Aminah Karim is a Barrister (Unregistered) and Head of Legal Training at FFL, where she leads the firm’s training programmes.
Her work is centred on personalised development, ensuring that every member of the team receives tailored 1:1 support, mentoring, and training to build confidence, practical skills, and professional standards. She brings extensive experience teaching on the LPC, SQE, and the Bar, as well as over five years as a Senior Lecturer in Law. Aminah has worked closely with students and aspiring practitioners across the UK, providing individual guidance to prepare them for both academic achievement and qualification as lawyers.
Alongside her professional role, Aminah is completing a PhD in Law and holds several master’s and postgraduate qualifications.
Sahra Ali
Simeon Valchev
Aminah Karim
Trustee
Sahra is a qualified Barrister of England and Wales. She serves as a trustee member at our company, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting families in need.
With a background in Criminal and Family Law, Sahra plays a vital role in ensuring that our services align with the best interests of our clients.
Trustee
Sahra is a qualified Barrister of England and Wales. She serves as a trustee member at our company, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting families in need.
With a background in Criminal and Family Law, Sahra plays a vital role in ensuring that our services align with the best interests of our clients.
Sahra is equally committed to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals, offering mentorship and guidance to those entering the profession, particularly those from non-traditional backgrounds. She believes that the legal sector is strengthened when it reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and this belief underpins everything she does.
Simeon Valchev
Simeon Valchev
Simeon Valchev
Head of Technology and Compliance
Simeon is the Head of Legal Technology and Compliance at Family First Lawyers, responsible for ensuring that both our clients and their information remain safe, secure, and protected at every stage. Simeon brings a forward-thinking approach to everything he does, his work spans website design, digital infr
Head of Technology and Compliance
Simeon is the Head of Legal Technology and Compliance at Family First Lawyers, responsible for ensuring that both our clients and their information remain safe, secure, and protected at every stage. Simeon brings a forward-thinking approach to everything he does, his work spans website design, digital infrastructure, client-facing systems, and in-house IT, all built and maintained with regulatory compliance and data security at their core.
Simeon ensures that Family First Lawyers operates securely, efficiently, and in line with best practice, giving our clients the confidence that their matters are handled with the highest standard of care.
By bringing together technology, compliance, and strategy, Simeon is integral to the firm's operations and its continued growth."
Sana Khoshnaw
Wellbeing and Support Lead
Sana Khoshnaw serves as Family First Lawyers’ Staff Wellbeing and Support Lead, overseeing initiatives that promote staff care, resilience, and a healthy organisational culture. With a Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology, she brings specialist insight into wellbeing, mental health, and professional de
Wellbeing and Support Lead
Sana Khoshnaw serves as Family First Lawyers’ Staff Wellbeing and Support Lead, overseeing initiatives that promote staff care, resilience, and a healthy organisational culture. With a Master’s degree in Applied Clinical Psychology, she brings specialist insight into wellbeing, mental health, and professional development across the team.
She plays a key role in fostering an inclusive and supportive working environment, embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organisation to ensure staff feel valued, empowered, and able to thrive both personally and professionally.
Milad Shojaei
Direct Access Barrister
33 Bedford Row Chambers
Milad is a highly accomplished barrister practising across both family, children and criminal law. He works with Family First Lawyers on a Direct Access basis, offering specialist advocacy and advisory support where appropriate, in accordance with the Bar Standards Board Direct Access schem
Direct Access Barrister
33 Bedford Row Chambers
Milad is a highly accomplished barrister practising across both family, children and criminal law. He works with Family First Lawyers on a Direct Access basis, offering specialist advocacy and advisory support where appropriate, in accordance with the Bar Standards Board Direct Access scheme.
He is regularly instructed in matters involving domestic abuse injunctions, children disputes, and criminal defence proceedings. Milad is recognised for his calm authority, meticulous preparation, and ability to navigate sensitive issues with empathy and precision. His measured and persuasive approach has earned him the confidence of clients and professionals alike.
Fluent in Farsi, Milad provides valuable support to clients from Iranian and other Persian-speaking communities, ensuring that language and cultural nuances are understood and respected throughout proceedings.
Milad’s collaboration with Family First Lawyers reflects a shared commitment to accessible, high-quality representation and to nurturing the next generation of advocates. Through his mentorship, he provides our junior legal professionals with invaluable insight into courtroom practice and case strategy.
For more information about Milad’s professional background and practice areas, please visit his 33 Bedford Row Chambers profile.
Negar Sayfikar
Negar Sayfikar
Negar Sayfikar
Paralegal
Negar is a dedicated Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, assisting with legal research, drafting, and case preparation across a range of matters. She is valued for her thoughtful approach, strong communication skills, and sensitivity when working with clients facing complex and emotionally challenging situations.
Currently undert
Paralegal
Negar is a dedicated Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, assisting with legal research, drafting, and case preparation across a range of matters. She is valued for her thoughtful approach, strong communication skills, and sensitivity when working with clients facing complex and emotionally challenging situations.
Currently undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), Negar is developing her legal knowledge and practical skills as she works towards qualification as a solicitor. She is fluent in Farsi and provides culturally aware support to clients from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to accessible legal services.
Mahta Khazaei
Negar Sayfikar
Negar Sayfikar
Paralegal
Mahta is a capable and committed Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, supporting clients and the wider team through careful case preparation, drafting, and client-focused assistance. She is recognised for her professionalism, precision, and ability to handle matters with consistency and care.
Mahta is fluent in Farsi and is curren
Paralegal
Mahta is a capable and committed Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, supporting clients and the wider team through careful case preparation, drafting, and client-focused assistance. She is recognised for her professionalism, precision, and ability to handle matters with consistency and care.
Mahta is fluent in Farsi and is currently undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as she progresses towards qualification as a solicitor. She provides clear and culturally sensitive guidance to clients and remains dedicated to developing her skills within family law and related practice areas.
Ela Mehmeti
Negar Sayfikar
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Paralegal
Ela is a skilled and diligent Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, supporting the team across a range of family and related legal matters. She is known for her organised approach, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage cases with care and efficiency, ensuring clients feel informed and supported throughout the process.
E
Paralegal
Ela is a skilled and diligent Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, supporting the team across a range of family and related legal matters. She is known for her organised approach, strong attention to detail, and ability to manage cases with care and efficiency, ensuring clients feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Ela is fluent in Albanian and is currently undertaking the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as she works towards qualification as a solicitor. She brings a calm, professional manner to her work and is committed to delivering clear, reliable legal support.
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Paralegal
Ilgi is an aspiring family law solicitor currently completing her Legal Practice Course (LPC). With extensive experience in managing sensitive matters and a strong focus on client care, she is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support. Fluent in both English and Turkish, Ilgi is well equipped to communica
Paralegal
Ilgi is an aspiring family law solicitor currently completing her Legal Practice Course (LPC). With extensive experience in managing sensitive matters and a strong focus on client care, she is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support. Fluent in both English and Turkish, Ilgi is well equipped to communicate with a diverse range of clients, ensuring their needs are fully understood.
In addition to her client work, Ilgi also mentors our junior paralegals, offering guidance and support as they develop their skills and explore future opportunities within the legal profession.
Oceane Lopez
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Lithusa Suresh
Paralegal
Oceane holds a law degree and is currently preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), with a clear focus on building a career in family law.
Fluent in French and English, Oceane brings strong communication skills and a thoughtful approach to everything she does. At Family First Lawyers, she supports client care, l
Paralegal
Oceane holds a law degree and is currently preparing for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), with a clear focus on building a career in family law.
Fluent in French and English, Oceane brings strong communication skills and a thoughtful approach to everything she does. At Family First Lawyers, she supports client care, legal research, and case preparation, working closely alongside the team to contribute meaningfully to the day to day delivery of our services.
Driven by a genuine commitment to access to justice, Oceane is developing her expertise through hands on experience and is determined to make a real difference to the clients she works with.
Lithusa Suresh
Ilgi Yeter Kepez
Lithusa Suresh
Paralegal
Lithusa is a committed and compassionate Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, known for her strong client care and thoughtful approach to legal support. She assists across a range of matters, supporting case preparation, legal research, and client communication with professionalism and care.
Fluent in Tamil, Lithusa provides clear,
Paralegal
Lithusa is a committed and compassionate Paralegal at Family First Lawyers, known for her strong client care and thoughtful approach to legal support. She assists across a range of matters, supporting case preparation, legal research, and client communication with professionalism and care.
Fluent in Tamil, Lithusa provides clear, culturally aware support to clients from diverse backgrounds. She is recognised for her empathy, reliability, and clear communication, and continues to develop her experience in family law as she works towards her ambition of qualifying as a solicitor.