Syma Tayyab

I am a Solicitor in the Family Law department at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, I joined the team in November 2021. I work under the supervision of Director Julie McNamara and I'm based in the Birmingham office.

I am a positive and conscientious person; I like challenges and getting things done. Having an aversion to motorway driving, I was one of two women in a convoy of 15 vehicles to drive an ambulance full of medical supplies from Birmingham to the Turkey/Syria border.

I spent a year in Syria: travelling, doing voluntary work (mainly education and community) and studying Arabic at Damascus University. My experiences there with vulnerable families are one factor which persuaded me towards Family Law.

I gained valuable experience working as a volunteer for The Citizens Advice Witness Service (Birmingham Magistrates Court). In addition to the administrative work, I regularly accompanied witnesses in court. Liaison with solicitors in relation to their clients was another important aspect of the work. I became a reliable point of call for prosecution and defence witnesses, solicitors and barristers.

I have experience assisting clients in private children proceedings including the following:

• Child arrangements orders for contact and residence;
• Prohibited steps orders; and
• Specific issue orders including applications for external relocation and name changes.

Also, I have experience assisting clients in obtaining and opposing applications for protective injunctions.

I am fluent in speaking the Mirpuri dialect and Arabic. I can also communicate in Punjabi and Urdu.

• View Syma Tayyab’s "Domestic Violence" profile

• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) - The University of Law: Distinction
• LLB (Hons) - University of Wolverhampton>/li>

• Duncan Lewis Solicitors (November 2021 – Present)

• Reading: especially biographies, history, religion and current affairs
• Travel
• Baking
• Attending and supporting charity and community events

• Understanding Live With Child Arrangements Orders: Rights and Implications for UK Parents (12 September 2024)