Awani Patel—LHS Solicitors

LHS Solicitors LLP has grown its crime and regulatory team with the appointment of solicitor Awani Patel. Awani previously worked at Bullivant Law Limited where she began as a trainee assisting the criminal and extradition departments, before becoming qualified in November 2015.

Awani will be based at LHS’ Croydon office where she will work alongside Joanna Mantell, regulatory investigations advice team manager, to represent clients across England and Wales.

Within the crime and regulatory team, Awani will specialise in health and safety matters, and handle fostering related queries through the legal advice line. She will work closely with foster carers to offer practical advice on a variety of issues and guide them on legal matters. She will also act for clients under caution, at interview and represent them right through to criminal prosecution.

Beverley East, head of non-contentious legal services at LHS Solicitors LLP said: ‘‘Our regulatory team has built long-standing relationships with the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA) and the Police Superintendents Association of England & Wales (PSAEW), having represented them for many years. The team’s wealth of experience has meant it has never lost a criminal trial for an officer it has advised from the outset.

‘‘Awani couldn’t have joined us at a more exciting time. Not only have we been involved in every major 21st century policing inquest, but last year we underwent major developments geared towards us becoming leading digital innovators in the legal sector. We are excited to have input from such fantastic talent and we look forward to watching Awani grow within the team.’’

Awani said: ‘‘It’s a great opportunity to have been able to join LHS at a time when it is striving to lead the digital world and modernise the workings of the legal sector.

‘‘I’m looking forward to building on my current experience in an environment that is set to continue to evolve.’’