Sheena Vadher

I am a Solicitor in the Childcare department and I supervise a hardworking team of solicitors, trainees and caseworkers, all dedicated to this area of law. I am part of the specialist Autism and ADHD team, where I am committed to representing and protecting the rights of my neurodivergent clients, to ensure they are treated fairly and with dignity within the family justice system. My interest and experience extends to representing adults and children who are neurodivergent/ with hidden disabilities and cases involving deaf parents/ adults, children and/or children of deaf adult(s) (CODA).

I have completed a Level 2 accredited course in Understanding Autism and am a co-founding member of Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent community (FLANC). I have good knowledge of the strengths and challenges my neurodivergent clients may face in terms of their communication, social interaction, behavioural and sensory needs and ensure reasonable adjustments are made and my approach is tailored to better manage any anxieties, during stressful proceedings.

I was admitted as a Solicitor in 2011 and have extensive experience in a wide range of family and child care matters representing children directly or through their guardians, parents, family members, interveners and clients through the Official Solicitor. I have a wealth of experience representing vulnerable clients, including those who have been victims of abuse and those with learning difficulties/disabilities, low cognitive functioning and mental health needs. I deal with cases relating to neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health and non- accidental injury. I also have experience dealing with applications for Deprivation of Liberty Orders and Secure Accommodation cases.

As an experienced advocate, I undertake the majority of my own advocacy to provide my clients with continuity. I am also an accredited Member of the Law Society's Children Panel Scheme which means I have demonstrated the required level of competence and specialist knowledge, as defined by the Law Society in all areas of children law and the representation of children.

• View Sheena Vadher’s "Deprivation of Liberty Applications" profile
• View Sheena Vadher’s "Autism/ADHD in Family and Children Law" profile

Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) - BPP Law School (2009)

LLB Honours Degree - Queen Mary University of London (2007)

Duncan Lewis Solicitors (2013 - Present)

Admitted as a Solicitor (2011)

• Law Society's Children Panel Member
• Co-founding member of Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent community (FLANC)

• FLANC Named as Finalists for Three Resolution Awards (12 July 2024)
• Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community celebrates its first conference at Slaughter & May (26 April 2024)
• Law Gazette shines a spotlight on Alia Lewis’ campaign with other family lawyers to improve Family Justice System for Neurodivergent Community (8 April 2024)
• Family Law Advice for the Neurodivergent Community to Host its First Conference at Slaughter & May (19 March 2024)
• Launch of Duncan Lewis’ Specialist Autism & ADHD Family and Child Care team featured in Today’s Family Lawyer (18 March 2024)
• Duncan Lewis Family Law Director Alia Lewis Heads Specialist Family and Child Care Law Team for Neurodivergent Clients (6 March 2024)