Woodfines celebrates career milestones
At Woodfines, we are committed to investing in our people, supporting them at every step of their careers, so we can continue to deliver the highest standard of service to our clients. It is this commitment to professional development that makes us proud to celebrate Anushri Maynard, who has qualified as a Solicitor, Amira Abdu for passing the Probate Practitioner exam with Distinction, alongside welcoming Olivia Hill-Richards and Joe Bottomley, as they begin their journeys towards qualification.
Anushri joined the firm as a Paralegal in June 2022, having previously worked at another firm in Milton Keynes. In 2024 she secured a 2-year training contract gaining legal experience across the Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team, Crime and Regulatory team, and the Family team. Throughout her training, the Family team has been incredibly supportive of Anushri, with her colleague, Denise Higgins (Equity Partner CILEx and Team Leader), being a particular source of inspiration. Anushri qualified as a Solicitor on 12th October 2026, and will remain in the Family team, focusing on Public Law matters.
Having worked in the Private Client sector since 2016, Amira joined Woodfines in February 2022 as part of the expanding Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team. She assists clients with the preparation of Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and wider estate planning, taking a thoughtful and practical approach to understanding each client’s individual circumstances. Amira recently completed the Probate Practitioner Course and was awarded a Distinction, which has strengthened her specialist knowledge and expertise in probate practice.
Olivia joined the firm in April 2024 as a Paralegal in the Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team in Milton Keynes, having prior experience working in probate administration. Whilst obtaining her degree, Olivia volunteered as an Advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau and a student advisor at her university’s legal clinic. Olivia started her training contract with the firm on the 2nd of November, taking her first seat in the Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team. Alongside her training contract, she is undertaking her LPC LLM at the University of Law and hopes to qualify as a Solicitor whilst working at Woodfines.
Joe joined Woodfines in November 2024, also as a paralegal in the Wills, Probate and Lifetime Planning team, based in the Cambridge office. Having previously worked as a Data Analyst, Joe gained valuable experience in research, problem-solving, and attention to details. Skills that now compliment his role in supporting our clients. Joe started his training contract with the firm on the 2ndof November, taking his first seat in the Commercial Property team, based in Cambridge.
Denise Higgins, Equity Partner and Team Leader for Child Care, said, “I am delighted Anushri will be staying in the Family team as a newly qualified Solicitor. Throughout her training, she has continued to develop her skills and confidence, showing a clear commitment to her clients. Anushri has already become a valued member of the team, and I am confident she will continue to thrive in her legal career.”
Mike Hayward, Training Principal and Head of Regulatory and Dispute Resolution, said, “Having joined the firm originally as Paralegals, Olivia and Joe have already shown they are a great addition to the team and have now secured a training contract, and I wish them all the best in their journeys to qualifying. It is fantastic to celebrate these achievements and the continued progression of our people. Huge congratulations to you all.”