A READING-based solicitor has been shortlisted for this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards.
Saifalee Doolooa-Collins is a team leader at Reeds Solcitors LLP, which has an office in Castle Street. She launched the firm’s family law department in 2013, and is one of three people named as a finalist in the Family Legal Aid Lawyer category.
During her decade working in family law, she has worked with Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA, which provides confidential support, information, outreach services, and refuge accommodation for women and their children who are affected by domestic abuse and violence.
She, along with other volunteers, are affiliated to the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) and help people across Bracknell, Reading, West Berkshire, and Wokingham.
This support includes training sessions for service users on issues such as non-molestation order applications. She also runs a free legal clinic for Berkshire Women’s Aid on a monthly basis.
Since 2017, Ms Doolooa-Collins has also served on the Children’s Panel, now the Law Society’s Children Law Accreditation Scheme. This specialises in childcare and complex children litigation, and sees the lawyer represent children, parents and other family members in court proceedings.
James Ferry, head of the family law department at Reeds Solicitors, said they were proud of Ms Doolooa-Collins.
“She has a fantastic reputation for her work in the Thames Valley area and among professionals,” he said, praising her volunteer work.
“To be nominated for this accolade is testament to her hard work, kind and approachable nature, and her determination to go above and beyond for those in need.”
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London on Wednesday, July 12.
