Meet our legal team
Our People
At Yorkshire Legal, we think it helps if you know a bit about the people you'll be dealing with. You can read more about the solicitors in our Bradford and York offices that will be helping to handle your case. As we continue to succeed and expand, we are always looking for people to
join our legal team. If you're passionate about
equality and diversity,
contact our offices in Bradford or York for more information.
Contact Us
Zaheer Mahmood
Qualified – 2012
Partner – Managing Solicitor
Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious, Optimistic and Dedicated.
I have been specialising in Housing landlord and tenant issues for the past decade having been employed as a Solicitor for large national firms and Homeless Charities across the country.
I established Yorkshire Legal from our Bradford office due to the lack of Housing Legal Aid specialists in Yorkshire, where I was born and raised.
I am extremely passionate about the work I do and the people I help. I have always been vocal about access to justice for all and am committed to continuing to help those afflicted by poor housing conditions or threatened with the loss of their home.
I have a particular speciality in landlord and tenant matters including possession proceedings based on grounds of rent arrears and nuisance and anti-social behaviour, unlawful evictions, disrepair claims, tenancy disputes, tenancy deposit claims and homeless cases.
I am proud to be one of the best known practitioners in this field in the region.
Shabnam Raza
Qualified – 2014
Partner – Solicitor
Describe yourself in three words
Compassionate, Honest and Motivated.
I am a Housing and Family and Child Care Solicitor in the Bradford office. I litigate and deal with a wide variety of housing law disputes including possession claims based upon rent arrears and Anti-Social Behaviour grounds, eviction matters, landlord and tenant disputes, homelessness, housing disrepair, applications for Judicial Review, review/appeals relating to local authority homeless decisions, bringing and defending injunctions, property nuisance/negligence claims.
I am a founding member of Yorkshire Legal. Prior to doing so, I completed my training contract with a large national firm gaining a wealth of experience in Housing, Child Care and Business Immigration. I qualified as a Solicitor in May 2014. Since qualifying, I have gained extensive experience in public law proceedings and private children law matters, which include complex cases concerning non accidental injuries and inter linked immigration issues.
I also practised Child Care Law at a large national firm but my passion for helping those facing possession proceedings persuaded me to practice in Housing Law again.
I am committed to working in the legal aid sector and have significant experience in assessing client's eligibility for legal aid. I am dedicated and determined to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients. I have earned a reputation for taking on difficult cases with limited merit and I have gone on to obtain excellent results for my clients. I have also built good relations with external agencies and I am always on hand to answer housing queries and give guidance.
I am fluent in both Urdu and Punjabi. Outside of my professional life, I enjoy travelling, cooking and food styling, photography, running and socialising with friends.
Sarah Robinson
Joined - 2019
Housing Supervisor
Describe yourself in three words
Considerate, Sociable and Enthusiastic.
I am passionate about providing advice and representation to those facing homelessness. I have 11 years’ experience of working as a specialist housing adviser on cases funded by the Legal Aid Agency.
I have experience of representing clients facing possession action by mortgage lenders, Local Authorities, private and social housing landlords. I have also advised on disrepair issues, illegal eviction and injunctions. I routinely advise clients who are homeless or threatened with homelessness and provide assistance with reviews of Local Authority homelessness decisions, having successfully overturned many.
I regularly represent tenants and borrowers at the County Court in York, Scarborough, Bridlington and Bradford.
Leona Walker
Joined - 2025
Housing Caseworker
Describe yourself in three words
Proactive, Approachable and Diligent.
I completed my Law LLB at the University of Leicester and then my Barrister training course with LLM at BPP University.
During my time at University, I was a peer mentor and the academic and diversity officer on the student law society. I continue to mentor students at the university of Leicester as part of their female figures mentoring programme.
Prior to joining Yorkshire Legal, I was self-employed as a freelance County Court Advocate. This has given me exposure to various aspects of civil litigation.
Finally, outside of my professional life I regularly attend taekwondo classes and Park run.
Qais Iqbal
Joined - 2024
Paralegal
Describe yourself in three words
Dedicated, Disciplined and Compassionate.
I am a recent law graduate who has joined Yorkshire Legal Ltd as a Paralegal. During my academic journey, I gained substantial experience in advocacy and casework, demonstrating a strong commitment to social justice. My passion for preventing homelessness and ensuring housing rights for vulnerable populations drives my dedication to this field.
At Yorkshire Legal Ltd, I assist clients facing housing challenges, including eviction, disrepair, and homelessness. I also handle mortgage possession claims, providing essential support to clients at risk of losing their homes due to mortgage arrears. I am dedicated to achieving fair outcomes for clients and work diligently to protect their housing rights.
In addition to my casework, I play a key role in liaising with clients and other professionals, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the legal process. I am adept at conducting legal research, preparing case files, and supporting solicitors with complex housing matters. My proactive and empathetic approach ensures that every client receives tailored and comprehensive support.
Outside of work, I am passionate about fitness and enjoy playing tennis in my free time. My commitment to an active lifestyle reflects my disciplined and goal-oriented mindset, which I apply both personally and professionally. This dedication to health and well-being enables me to maintain focus and energy in my demanding role as a paralegal.
Ali Karim
Joined - 2024
Housing Caseworker
Describe yourself in three words
Empathetic, Determined and Easy-going.
Prior to joining Yorkshire Legal, I worked as a freelance County Court Advocate for 18 months. During this time, I gained a wealth of experience across various fields of civil litigation ranging from housing through to personal injury and insolvency.
For me, this is more than just a job—it's about making a difference. I truly care about my work and, above all, the clients I represent. Each person I work with has their own unique challenges and needs, and I approach every case with care, respect, and commitment. As my client, you can be confident that I will stand by you and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
I handle cases across the spectrum of housing law including private rental possessions, social tenancy possessions, mortgage possessions, anti-social behaviour possessions, anti-social behaviour injunctions and disrepair counterclaims.
I have a particular strength in handling Section 21 notices, with a proven track record of getting cases dismissed and ensuring my clients remain in their homes. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of housing law, I excel at identifying defects and weaknesses that others might overlook.
During our consultations I will always find time to have a chat about the football - as long as you don’t support Manchester United!
I am a proficient Arabic speaker and can take instructions from clients in Arabic, if necessary.
Maariya Shaikh
Joined - 2024
Paralegal
Describe yourself in three words
Collaborative, Resilient and Tenacious.
I offer housing law advice and provide court representation to vulnerable clients who are at risk of losing their homes. My primary goal is to empower individuals facing eviction by helping them understand their legal rights and options. I assist clients in challenging eviction notices served by landlords, ensuring that they are fully aware of their rights. Throughout the entire legal process, I prioritize the well-being and stability of my clients, working to achieve the best possible outcomes for them.
With a deep passion for housing law, I am committed to safeguarding the housing rights of those who need it most. I understand the critical importance of secure and stable accommodation, particularly for those facing financial hardship or vulnerability. My work involves not only representing clients in court but also providing them with guidance and support during a stressful and challenging time. I coordinate with clients and other experts, facilitating smooth and efficient communication during the legal proceedings.
I occasionally play tennis and badminton, enjoying the physical challenge and the social aspect of these racquet sports.
