Meet The Team Behind Bonsai Law

Qualifying in 2003 after roles in respected provincial firms, Vanessa moved from corporate and commercial litigation into prevention, supporting owner managers with M&A (well over £100M), succession planning, exits and a wide range of commercial agreements. Celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and insight into SMEs, her own business experience gives her a rare understanding of clients’ legal hurdles.

Known for clear, cost-effective advice, she’s built her firm to deliver accessible, proactive support while promoting work–life balance for her team.

Vanessa speaks Greek and basic Albanian. A mother of three and committed lawyer, her passion is pursuing equality for all.

Nour El Haddad, a tri-lingual corporate and commercial law expert, joined as an associate solicitor. With an LLM from Queen Mary University, experience at leading Lebanese firms, and an internship with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in Dubai, she brings international expertise and a dynamic approach, having passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination in England and Wales.

Fluent in Arabic and French, Nour adds further multicultural depth to the firm.

Working with Vanessa, she has quickly shown the initiative, enthusiasm and ethics to grow the department, taking on responsibility and leading transactions with Himanie’s support from the outset.

Fluent in English, Spanish and French, with strong Catalan, Himanie Dubois is known for her flexibility and dedication to the legal industry.

She began as a paralegal at Kingsley Napley, building the foundations of her career, before joining Bradstone Allington CPD to enhance her skills. She later moved to Turnblock.io, applying her legal training in the tech sector and showing versatility.

Returning to law, Himanie worked as a freelance Commercial Paralegal for Strand Sahara before being offered a permanent trainee solicitor role. 

Himanie’s diverse career and commitment to continuous learning make her a notable legal professional.

Emily Howard is a paralegal at Silverstone Law, recognised for her commitment to client service.

With a solid understanding of the legal landscape, she ensures clients receive personalised support, making their experience seamless and reassuring. Her attention to detail and warm personality make her a valued team member.

Emily strives to exceed expectations and build lasting relationships with clients, agents and brokers, strengthening Silverstone Law’s reputation for excellence.

She is also pursuing professional development and training to follow in Rebekah’s footsteps.

She helps clients anticipate and manage risks, ensuring matters are resolved constructively with minimal business disruption.

She previously worked in commercial real estate, advising on property matters. Having passed SQE1 and SQE2 and gained a Master’s in Law, Isha is now working towards qualification as a solicitor with Silverstone Law.

Alongside this, Isha has experience in legal aid, advising and representing vulnerable clients. This shaped her empathetic approach and reinforced her commitment to placing client needs first. Known for clear communication and practical solutions, she focuses on building lasting relationships and offering reliable support throughout the legal process.

She guides clients through purchases, sales, remortgages, and transfers of equity with confidence and care, ensuring each transaction runs smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Her attention to detail and proactive communication help clients feel informed and supported from start to finish.

With nearly a decade of experience, Aurora has built a reputation for her pragmatic, client-focused approach and practical problem-solving. Fluent in both Albanian and English, she works closely with a diverse range of clients, always taking the time to understand their individual needs and goals.

Her calm and reassuring manner, makes her a trusted and valued part of the Bonsai Law team.

Qualifying in 2003 after roles in respected provincial firms, Vanessa moved from corporate and commercial litigation into prevention, supporting owner managers with M&A (up to £30M), succession planning, exits and a wide range of commercial agreements. Celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and insight into SMEs, her own business experience gives her a rare understanding of clients’ legal hurdles.

Known for clear, cost-effective advice, she’s built her firm to deliver accessible, proactive support while promoting work–life balance for her team.

Vanessa speaks Greek and basic Albanian. A mother of three and committed lawyer, her passion is pursuing equality for all.

Rebekah is a highly experienced conveyancer with a background in banking and pensions. She specialises in complex residential property transactions, including auction work, new builds, site developments and shared ownership, as well as standard conveyancing. With wide experience acting for purchasers and sellers, she is known for making clients feel supported and valued. Renowned for taking on cases that challenge other conveyancers, she has built a loyal network of clients, estate agents and brokers.

As the conveyancer “who can”, Rebekah has earned many 5-star reviews. Clients value her trusted, down-to-earth approach.

Rebekah is learning Makaton while advancing her professional studies, with her sights set on the SQE.

Nour El Haddad, a tri-lingual corporate and commercial law expert, joined as an associate solicitor. With an LLM from Queen Mary University, experience at leading Lebanese firms, and an internship with Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP in Dubai, she brings international expertise and a dynamic approach, having passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination in England and Wales.

Fluent in Arabic and French, Nour adds further multicultural depth to the firm.

Working with Vanessa, she has quickly shown the initiative, enthusiasm and ethics to grow the department, taking on responsibility and leading transactions with Himanie’s support from the outset.

Since qualifying as a Solicitor in 2000, Sangita has represented clients, banks and businesses in finance and asset transactions. She spent years at a West End boutique firm focused on real estate.

She has acted for UK and international clients, private banks, property companies, SMEs, landlords and tenants.

Sangita has also been a UK panel lawyer on secured lending, representing lenders and borrowers for overseas clients and banks. She has strong experience with mortgages and bridging finance.

Her expertise includes sales and acquisitions of UK and offshore companies, often with Vanessa on large deals. Sangita is fluent in Gujrati and understands Hindi.

Fluent in English, Spanish and French, with strong Catalan, Himanie Dubois is known for her flexibility and dedication to the legal industry.

She began as a paralegal at Kingsley Napley, building the foundations of her career, before joining Bradstone Allington CPD to enhance her skills. She later moved to Turnblock.io, applying her legal training in the tech sector and showing versatility.

Returning to law, Himanie worked as a freelance Commercial Paralegal for Strand Sahara before being offered a permanent trainee solicitor role. 

Himanie’s diverse career and commitment to continuous learning make her a notable legal professional.

Katerina is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales and a member of the Athens Bar Association in Greece, boasting over 25 years of experience across both jurisdictions. At Silverstone Law, her practice focuses on private client international law, primarily involving litigation related to international family disputes as well as civil and commercial disputes. Additionally, Katerina is an accredited mediator in Greece, with a proven track record of successfully resolving numerous conflicts. She is fluent in Greek, English, and German and is based in London.

Katerina finds great satisfaction in cross-border legal work and the process of mediating, settling, and winning international disputes; being an international lawyer is not only fulfilling but also enlightening.

Emily Howard is a paralegal at Silverstone Law, recognised for her commitment to client service.

With a solid understanding of the legal landscape, she ensures clients receive personalised support, making their experience seamless and reassuring. Her attention to detail and warm personality make her a valued team member.

Emily strives to exceed expectations and build lasting relationships with clients, agents and brokers, strengthening Silverstone Law’s reputation for excellence.

She is also pursuing professional development and training to follow in Rebekah’s footsteps.

With over 20 years experience working for various law firms both in London and Kent, Jodie has worked in many different areas of law, but feels at home with residential conveyancing. Commenting on her history with the law, Jodie said “I first got interested in the law following a long stint of jury service about 25 years ago, I then qualified with an ILEX certificate and started working.”

Jodie’s work is integral to the final stages of any residential property transaction, ensuring that stamp duty and Land Registry formalities are taken care of and our clients are kept updated.

She guides clients through purchases, sales, remortgages, and transfers of equity with confidence and care, ensuring each transaction runs smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Her attention to detail and proactive communication help clients feel informed and supported from start to finish.

With nearly a decade of experience, Aurora has built a reputation for her pragmatic, client-focused approach and practical problem-solving. Fluent in both Albanian and English, she works closely with a diverse range of clients, always taking the time to understand their individual needs and goals.

Her calm and reassuring manner, makes her a trusted and valued part of the Bonsai Law team.