The Luton branch of National Legal Service has become a cornerstone of support for families and children across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and other areas of the country.
Whilst we have long had a presence in Luton, from November 2022, under the leadership of Supervising Solicitor‑Advocate Attia Hussain the doors opened for the start of a new chapter. The office has grown into a dynamic team whose shared commitment to justice and community service has shaped its reputation as one of the most robust family law practices in the region.
Attia Hussain, recognised in The Legal 500 as “passionate about her clients and goes above and beyond in trying to achieve the best outcomes for them,” has specialised in Family and Children Law since 2008, qualifying in 2011. Her membership of the Law Society’s Accredited Children Panel since 2012 reflects her longstanding dedication to protecting the rights of children and families. Attia’s practice spans the most complex areas of Public and Private Law Children matters, from care proceedings and wardship to cases involving child human trafficking, non‑accidental injury, and cross‑jurisdictional disputes. Known for her ability to explain intricate legal issues in a way that is accessible to children and young people, she ensures that clients feel supported and empowered throughout the process. Her reputation for acting swiftly in urgent High Court applications, including Deprivation of Liberty and Secure Accommodation matters, has made her a trusted advocate in the most challenging circumstances. She was named Hertfordshire Lawyer of the Year at the HLS Legal Awards in 2024 and recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Associate in both 2025 and 2026.
From the outset, Attia has cultivated a team that reflects both professional excellence and a deep sense of community spirit.
Joining her, in December 2022, was solicitor Adelina Morku who has established herself as a vital part of the team. Fluent in Albanian, Adelina has broadened the team’s ability to serve diverse families while specialising in complex care proceedings involving allegations of serious harm. Her work in reported cases both with Attia and her own, demonstrates her skill in navigating sensitive cases and her unwavering dedication to vulnerable clients.
The team expanded further with the arrival of Antony Starnes in October 2023, who began as a paralegal before progressing to a trainee solicitor role in November 2024. Antony has already made his mark by assisting on reported cases and representing clients at hearings, including final hearings. His nomination for Trainee Solicitor of the Year at the Hertfordshire Law Society awards 2025 reflects both his growing expertise and his commitment to supporting families facing issues such as neglect and domestic abuse.
Solicitor Shumyla Sheikh has brought additional strength to the Luton team in September 2024, specialising in both Public and Private Children Law. Fluent in Urdu, she has enhanced the team’s inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that more families can receive clear and compassionate advice. Shumyla’s involvement in reported cases, highlights her ability to manage complex cases with precision and empathy.
Most recently, the team welcomed Legal Assistant Baris Ulusoy, whose proficiency in Turkish has further extended the office’s reach into the community. Baris plays a key role in case management, supporting solicitors and counsel, preparing bundles, liaising with clients, and ensuring continuity of care throughout proceedings. His energy and dedication embody the collaborative spirit that defines the Luton office.
The Luton team does not work in isolation. Collaboration across National Legal Service offices is central to their success, ensuring that clients benefit from the combined expertise of colleagues nationwide. Special thanks go to Kirsty Richards, Head of Family, and Sheena Donlon, Head of Care, whose leadership and guidance have been instrumental in supporting the Luton office’s growth and achievements. Their commitment to fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence has strengthened the firm’s ability to deliver outstanding outcomes for families across the country.
Together, the Luton team has built a reputation not only for legal excellence but also for their commitment to serving the community with compassion, inclusivity, and resilience. Their multilingual capabilities, spanning Albanian, Urdu, and Turkish, reflect the diverse communities they serve, while their collective expertise ensures that families facing the most difficult circumstances receive both robust advocacy and empathetic support. Over the past three years, the office has grown to a thriving team whose work has been recognised in reported cases and professional accolades. More importantly, they have become a trusted presence for families navigating the complexities of the legal system.
The Luton office of National Legal Service stands as a testament to what can be achieved when professional excellence is combined with community spirit. As the team continues to grow, their shared mission remains clear: to provide accessible, compassionate, and effective representation for families and children, ensuring that justice is not only achieved but felt by those they serve.
Most Recent Reported Cases
- Re A (A Child) (Abduction from Pakistan) [2025] EWHC 2637 (Fam) Acting on behalf of the Mother, for the reunification of her child, who had been abducted in the most serious circumstances from abroad.
- Re G and B (Children) (Abduction: Settlement: Grave Risk: Ukraine) [2025] EWHC 795 (Fam) Acting on behalf of the mother, successfully argued grave risk in a cross‑border child abduction matter involving Ukraine. Hague and Private children law matter.
- Re E (Special Guardianship Order: Ukraine) [2024] EWHC 263 (Fam) Representing the child, successful outcome in a sensitive Special Guardian, Wardship and Hague matter
