Woodfines, which has an office in Milton Keynes, has announced a newly qualified solicitor, two new trainee solicitors and a distinction in probate practice among its staff.
Anushri Maynard has qualified as a solicitor and will remain in the firm’s family team, focusing on public law matters. Meanwhile, Milton Keynes paralegal Olivia Hill-Richards has begun a training contract alongside Cambridge colleague Joe Bottomley.
The firm has also recognised Amira Abdu, who completed the Probate Practitioner Course with distinction.
Anushri joined Woodfines as a paralegal in June 2022, having previously worked at another Milton Keynes firm. She secured a training contract in 2024 and gained experience across wills, probate and lifetime planning, crime and regulatory work, and family law before qualifying on 12 October.
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.”
Olivia joined the Milton Keynes wills, probate and lifetime planning team in April 2024, bringing previous experience in probate administration. During her degree, she volunteered with Citizens Advice and her university’s legal clinic.
She began her training contract on 2 November, taking her first seat in the same team. Alongside her practical training, she is studying for her LPC LLM at the University of Law.
Joe also began his training contract on 2 November, moving into the commercial property team in Cambridge for his first seat. He joined the firm’s wills, probate and lifetime planning team in November 2024 after previously working as a data analyst.
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.”
Amira has worked in private client services since 2016 and joined Woodfines in February 2022. Her work includes helping clients prepare wills and lasting powers of attorney, alongside wider estate planning. Her latest qualification develops her specialist knowledge of probate practice.
Pictured from left: Mike Hayward, head of Woodfines’ regulatory and dispute resolution team; trainee solicitors Joe Bottomley and Olivia Hill-Richards; and newly qualified solicitor Anushri Maynard.
