At Berlad Graham, our solicitors bring their own experience, approach, and personality to the work they do, helping clients navigate important decisions with confidence.
In our latest employee spotlight, we’re introducing Areesha Amin-Rafiq, a Consultant Solicitor specialising in residential property. Areesha supports clients through buying, selling and remortgaging their homes, providing clear, practical advice throughout the conveyancing process.
For Areesha, working in property law is about more than contracts and legal requirements. It’s about helping people through significant milestones, solving problems and making what can sometimes be a stressful experience feel more manageable.
We caught up with Areesha to learn more about her journey into law, the work she does, her experience at Berlad Graham and what she enjoys about being part of the team.
Meet Areesha Amin-Rafiq
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role at Berlad Graham?
I’m a residential property solicitor at Berlad Graham, helping clients navigate the buying, selling and remortgaging of their homes. I focus on providing clear, practical advice and making the conveyancing process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Find out more about Areesha on her professional profile.
Areesha’s Journey into Property Law
What first drew you to working in law, and to property work in particular?
I was drawn to law because I enjoy problem-solving and helping people make important decisions. Property work particularly appealed to me because it combines the legal side with real-life milestones, such as buying or selling a home, where I can make a practical difference to clients.
What does your journey to where you are today look like, and what have been the highlights along the way?
My career in law has allowed me to combine my interest in working with people with my enthusiasm for property. As a residential property solicitor, I take pride in guiding clients through the conveyancing process, providing clear advice, and making what can often be a stressful experience as smooth and straightforward as possible.
What attracted you to Berlad Graham, and how have you found working here?
I was drawn to Berlad Graham because of its client-focused approach and commitment to delivering practical, high-quality legal advice. Unlike a traditional high street firm, Berlad Graham focuses on providing specialist legal services, with lawyers who have expertise in their respective areas of law. I have particularly enjoyed being part of a supportive team, working alongside experienced professionals and building strong relationships with both clients and colleagues.
What do you enjoy most about the work you do?
I enjoy the variety that comes with residential conveyancing and the opportunity to work closely with clients at every stage of their property transaction. Whether dealing with a straightforward sale or purchase or navigating more complex legal issues, I aim to provide a responsive, tailored service and ensure clients feel informed and supported throughout the process.
Spotlight on Residential Property
For anyone unfamiliar with the process, how would you describe the Property department and the work it does?
The Property Department specialises in residential property law, providing expert advice and support on sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity and other property-related matters. We manage transactions from instruction through to completion, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and our clients’ interests are protected.
We take a proactive, client-focused approach, working closely with clients, estate agents, mortgage lenders and other professionals to keep transactions progressing efficiently. From reviewing contracts and investigating title to resolving legal issues and addressing enquiries, we aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Our focus is on delivering clear, practical advice tailored to each client’s needs, keeping them informed at every stage and helping them navigate the complexities of property law with confidence.
Where does your own work tend to focus within property law?
My practice is primarily focused on residential property, covering matters such as sales, purchases, remortgages, transfers of equity and leasehold transactions. I work closely with clients throughout each transaction, providing clear and commercially focused advice to ensure the process is handled efficiently and effectively.
What does a typical day or week look like for you?
No two days are the same in residential conveyancing. My day involves juggling a variety of property transactions, solving legal challenges, negotiating with other solicitors and working closely with clients, estate agents and mortgage lenders to keep matters moving forward. From overcoming unexpected hurdles to helping clients reach completion on their new home, the role is fast-paced, rewarding and constantly evolving. It requires a combination of legal expertise, problem-solving, attention to detail and strong communication skills, with the ultimate satisfaction of helping clients achieve their property goals.
Buying or selling a property is often one of the biggest financial decisions people make. How does the team keep clients informed and reassured from start to finish?
We keep clients informed through clear, timely communication at every stage of the transaction, ensuring they understand what is happening and what is required by them. We aim to be approachable and responsive, providing practical advice, addressing concerns promptly and guiding clients through to a smooth and successful completion.
What do you think sets the Berlad Graham Property team apart in the way it looks after clients?
I think what sets the Berlad Graham Property team apart is our genuinely client-focused approach. We take the time to understand each client’s individual circumstances, provide clear and practical advice, and remain responsive throughout the transaction, ensuring clients feel supported and confident at every stage.
Conveyancing Advice from Areesha
Buying or selling a home can raise plenty of questions, particularly around timescales and what happens behind the scenes. We asked Areesha to share some practical insights from her experience.
How long does a typical purchase or sale take, and what are the main things that can slow it down?
A typical residential purchase or sale can take around 8–12 weeks, although this can vary depending on the circumstances of the transaction. Delays can often arise from lengthy chains, outstanding enquiries, mortgage arrangements, searches or delays in receiving information from other parties, so clear communication and proactive management are key to keeping matters on track.
What do you wish more people knew about the conveyancing process?
I wish more people understood how much work goes on behind the scenes when buying or selling a property. Every transaction comes with its own challenges, from investigating title issues and dealing with mortgage lender requirements to resolving unexpected legal complications. Having a solicitor involved early on, providing documents promptly and keeping communication open can make a real difference in avoiding delays and ensuring the transaction progresses as smoothly as possible.
For more practical advice, read some of our previous guides:
A Guide to Property Searches: Protecting Your Next Move
Why Do Solicitors Request Source of Funds?
Life in the Property Team
How would you describe the team you work with day to day?
I would describe the team as professional, supportive and highly client-focused. We work collaboratively, share knowledge and support one another to ensure that matters are progressed efficiently while maintaining a high standard of service for our clients.
Is there a particular piece of work or client outcome that you’re especially proud of?
One matter I was particularly proud of involved a client selling an unregistered property. The buyer wanted the property registered with HM Land Registry before proceeding, but the process could have taken up to a year. I contacted HM Land Registry and actively followed up on the application to speed things up. I was pleased to get the property registered much sooner than expected, allowing the sale to go ahead without a lengthy delay. It was a great example of how being proactive and persistent can make a real difference to a client.
Working at Berlad Graham and Building a Career in Law
Berlad Graham combines a modern approach with the strengths of a traditional firm. What does that look like from your perspective?
From where I sit, it means combining the personal, trusted service you would expect from a traditional firm with a modern and forward-thinking approach to the way we work. We focus on understanding our clients, using technology and efficient processes where appropriate, while maintaining the high standards of expertise and personal service that clients value.
The firm is built on three pillars: Innovation, Integrity and Results. How do those values show up in your work?
For me, those three values are at the heart of how I work with clients. I always look for ways to make the conveyancing process more efficient and straightforward, while being honest and transparent with clients at every stage. Ultimately, I want my clients to feel well advised, supported and confident that I am doing everything I can to achieve the best possible result for them.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in property law or conveyancing, or in the legal sector more widely?
I would encourage anyone considering a career in property law to give it a go. It is a varied and fast-paced area of law where you develop strong problem-solving and communication skills while working closely with different people. Although it can be challenging at times, it is rewarding to help clients through important milestones in their lives and play a part in making their property journey a positive experience.
What skills or qualities do you think make someone good at property work?
I believe being organised, having good attention to detail and communicating effectively are key to working in property law. You also need to be approachable, practical and able to think on your feet, as unexpected issues can arise at any stage. Most importantly, you need to be proactive and keep clients informed so they feel supported throughout the process.
Is there any advice you wish you’d been given when you started out?
I wish I had known earlier that it is okay to ask questions and that understanding the bigger picture is just as important as getting the task done. You learn a lot through experience, and building good relationships with clients and colleagues makes a real difference. These things help you grow in confidence and become a better solicitor.
A Bit More About Areesha
Which subjects did you enjoy most at school?
English literature and law
If you hadn’t gone into law, what do you think you would be doing instead?
If I hadn’t gone into law, I would probably have chosen a career that involved working with people and helping them find solutions. I enjoy building relationships, taking on challenges and making a positive difference, so I would have looked for a role that allowed me to do the same.
How do you like to switch off and recharge outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and unwinding with a bit of light reading. These simple things help me switch off, recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What is something about you that colleagues might be surprised to learn?
Something my colleagues might be surprised to learn is that I really enjoy travelling and exploring new places. I enjoy experiencing different cultures, trying new food and seeing how people live in different parts of the world. It’s a great way for me to switch off from work, broaden my perspective and come back feeling refreshed.
Looking Ahead
What are your hopes for the Property department over the next few years?
Personally, I’d like to see the Property Department continue to grow while maintaining the personal and approachable service that is so important to me. I hope to continue developing my own expertise, building strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and being part of a team that is known for providing a high-quality, trusted property service.
What are you personally looking forward to at Berlad Graham?
Personally, I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow and develop at Berlad Graham, both professionally and personally. I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Property team and building relationships with clients and colleagues, so I’m excited to keep learning, take on new challenges and play a part in the firm’s continued growth and success.
In one line, what would you say to someone considering Berlad Graham, whether as a client or as somewhere to build their career?
I’d say Berlad Graham is a firm where people genuinely care about doing a great job, supporting each other and putting clients first, making it a great place to both work and build a long-term relationship.
Speak to Our Residential Property Team
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a property, remortgaging or dealing with a more complex residential property matter, our team at Berlad Graham can provide practical legal advice and support throughout the process.
Areesha works with clients to help them understand their options, navigate legal requirements and progress their transactions with confidence.
To find out more about how we can help, please contact Berlad Graham today by calling 0330 175 5655 or you could contact a member of the team by phone or email direct from the Our Team page. You can also contact us online by completing our enquiry form.
Considering a Career as a Consultant Solicitor?
At Berlad Graham, we recognise that experienced solicitors may be looking for a different approach to building their legal careers.
Our consultant solicitor opportunities offer an alternative to the traditional law firm structure, with a model designed to give legal professionals greater control over how they develop their practice.
If you’re an experienced solicitor considering consultancy, whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or explore a different way of working, we’d welcome you to find out more about the opportunities available.
Explore consultant solicitor opportunities at Berlad Graham.
Please note that this article is not intended to be legal or professional advice. It is for general guidance only, and the law may have changed since it was published.
