About us

Maurice Cassel Mason is a seasoned legal professional and Senior Managing Partner with decades of experience in property law, wills, probate, matrimonial matters, and commercial litigation. With an exceptional academic and professional background, Maurice has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive legal services and strategic solutions to a diverse range of clients.

Academic and Professional Foundation

Maurice’s journey in law began with an LLB (Hons) from the University of Bristol Faculty of Law (1976-1979), followed by professional training at Lancaster Gate London College of Law (1979-1980). He qualified as a solicitor in December 1982, laying the foundation for an illustrious career spanning over four decades.

Career Milestones

• Partner, Burton & Co Solicitors (1983-1984): Maurice began his partnership career at Burton & Co, where he developed his expertise in property law and private client work.
• Transition to Burton Copeland Solicitors (1985): He further expanded his practice, handling complex legal matters across common law and commercial litigation.
• Founding Mason & Co (1999): Recognising the need for a more tailored approach to legal services, Maurice established Mason & Co, focusing on high street practice areas, including property transactions, wills, probate, matrimonial cases, and contract law.
• Incorporation as Charmax LLP (2012): Under Maurice’s leadership, Mason & Co transitioned into Charmax LLP, solidifying its position as a forward-thinking legal firm offering comprehensive services across property, private client work, and commercial law.

Areas of Expertise

Maurice specialises in:

• Property Law: Advising clients on property transactions, lease agreements, and disputes.
• Wills and Probate: Drafting wills, managing estates, and ensuring seamless estate administration.
• Matrimonial Law: Handling divorce, child arrangements, and financial settlements.
• Commercial Litigation: Representing clients in business disputes, contract issues, and common law cases.
• Private Client Work: Providing personalized legal support tailored to individual and family needs.

Vision and Leadership

As the Senior Managing Partner of Charmax LLP, Maurice is dedicated to maintaining the firm’s legacy of excellence while driving innovation in client service. His forward-looking approach includes:

• Building long-term client relationships based on trust and integrity.
• Expanding the firm’s expertise in evolving areas of law, such as technology and commercial contracts.
• Ensuring Charmax LLP remains a trusted name in legal practice through consistent professional development and client-focused strategies.

Maurice’s leadership and commitment to excellence continue to shape Charmax LLP’s growth, ensuring it remains a trusted partner for individuals and businesses navigating complex legal challenges.

Reza Dolat Raftar is a distinguished legal professional and strategist with extensive experience in law, development, and strategic management.

With a strong academic foundation in Judicial Law and Higher Education Studies (International and Public Law), Reza has honed his expertise through numerous academic, research, and executive programs at esteemed institutions, including:

• University of Qom
• Shahid Beheshti University
• University of Tehran
• City University of London
• EIMT, Switzerland
• Durban, South Africa

Academic and Professional Contributions

As a long-standing faculty member at Shahid Beheshti University’s Faculty of Law, Reza has made significant contributions to legal academia. Beyond teaching, he has:

• Founded and managed legal entities such as the Institute for Law and Development.
• Provided strategic consultation to numerous law firms, consultancy companies, and private banks.
• Successfully managed high-value claims exceeding $100 million.

Vision for LFCS Legal

Reza is dedicated to expanding the firm’s services into new domains, such as:

• Technology Law
• Artificial Intelligence Law

He leverages data analytics to monitor performance and measure the success of strategies, ensuring that LFCS Legal remains aligned with social, economic, and legal advancements.

By driving innovation and excellence, Reza continues to position LFCS Legal as one of the leading law firms in the UK and internationally.

Reza's Role at LFCS Legal

In 2024, Reza Dolatraftar was appointed as the Development and Strategy Manager at LFCS Legal, the trade name of Charmax LLP. In this pivotal role, Reza is responsible for aligning the firm’s vision with actionable and strategic initiatives. His key responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Management

• Market Analysis: Identifying target markets and growth opportunities.
• Short- and Long-Term Strategies: Crafting plans that align with the firm’s goals.

2. Innovation and Technology Integration

• Streamlining internal processes through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to deliver efficient and cost-effective legal services.

3. Building Partnerships

• Establishing collaborations with academic institutions, startups, and technology companies to expand the firm’s expertise in emerging fields.

4. Marketing and Client Relations

• Designing and executing innovative marketing strategies to enhance client trust and strengthen the firm’s market presence.

Nazanin Tania Varley is a highly skilled legal professional and Partner & Head of our property and conveyancing department.

After studying law at the University of Westminster, Tania qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and has since developed an impressive portfolio of expertise in both residential and commercial property transactions.

Areas of Expertise

Tania handles a comprehensive range of property matters, including:

• High-value sales, purchases, and remortgages of freehold and leasehold properties.
• New build properties, stair-casing, and auction transactions.
• Lease extensions, transfers of equity, and grants of new leases.

Client-Centred Approach

Tania is committed to delivering a personalised service to every client. She ensures that in most cases, transactions are managed personally from start to finish, offering clients seamless communication and exceptional attention to detail.

Her dedication and extensive expertise have positioned her as a trusted advisor for property transactions of all complexities, ensuring her clients achieve smooth and efficient outcomes.

Joanne Ruth Feldman is a highly experienced legal professional with over 35 years of experience, specialising in family law for the past 12 years.

As a Partner and Head of the Family Law Department, Joanne expertly handles a wide range of family matters while leading and supervising a team of dedicated professionals.

Her extensive expertise and compassionate approach have earned her recognition in areas such pre-and post-nuptial agreements.

Areas of Expertise

Joanne has experience in managing all aspects of family law cases, including:

• Applications under the Children Act 1989 (Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders, Residence and Contact Orders).
• Family law applications in cases of domestic violence.
• Divorce applications and Financial Remedy Applications.
• Drafting Cohabitation and Separation Agreements.

Currently, Joanne's main area of interest is Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements.

Educational Background

Joanne’s strong academic foundation includes:

• Bachelor of Education (1977–1980): Manchester Metropolitan University.
• Common Professional Exam (1981–1982): Conversion to Law (Part 1 of Solicitors Finals).
• Legal Practice Course (1982–1983): Part 2 of Solicitors Finals, Manchester Metropolitan University.
• Certificate in Counselling (2002–2003): University of Salford.
• Family Mediator Qualification (2007–2008): ADR Group, FMC, and Law Society, with additional training to consult directly with children.

Professional Journey

Joanne began her career advocating for children and adults in criminal cases and transitioned into family law, where she has excelled in leadership roles:

• Charmax LLP (2011–Present): Partner / Head of Family Law Department.
• Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council (1994–1996): Childcare Solicitor.
• Burton Copeland Solicitors (1988–1994): Family and Child Law Practitioner.

Additional Achievements and Contributions

• Advanced MS Office Certification (2002): Proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Family Mediation Training (2007/2008): Qualified mediator with skills in direct consultation with children.
• Co-Chair of Nisa Nashim (2018): A national Muslim-Jewish interfaith group fostering collaboration and dialogue.
• Active volunteer in charitable initiatives, including cooking for the homeless and supporting elderly care homes.

Vision and Commitment

Joanne is committed to delivering empathetic, client-centred legal services. Her focus on holistic family support is complemented by her skills as a certified counsellor and mediator, enabling her to navigate complex emotional dynamics with sensitivity.

Her dedication to excellence and community engagement ensures that her work extends beyond legal solutions to fostering harmony and understanding in every case.

Cordia White- Dempster is a Litigation Solicitor at LFCS Legal, specialising in housing disputes and civil litigation. She has extensive experience representing clients in complex housing matters, including possession proceedings, disrepair claims, and unlawful eviction cases, across multiple County Courts.

Cordia’s advocacy experience lies primarily in County Court housing disputes, where she has developed a reputation for delivering clear, practical legal advice and securing favourable outcomes for her clients. With her broad knowledge in litigation she provides expert skills  in commercial and general civil litigation.

Before joining LFCS Legal, Cordia gained frontline experience in Legal Aid housing law and civil litigation, acting on behalf of tenants and defendants in urgent court matters. She also has a background in commercial and contract disputes, giving her a broad foundation for her expanding litigation practice.

Committed to achieving fair and effective resolutions, Cordia combines strong technical expertise with a compassionate understanding of the challenges her clients face.

With over 25 years’ experience, Lawrence is an expert in immigration and nationality law. He has been recommended in the Legal 500, ranked in the Chambers and Partners UK Guide, and is ranked in the Who’s Who Legal Corporate Immigration report for 2024 and recently the Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) Immigration report for 2025.

Lawrence appreciates the importance of being friendly, approachable, and providing pragmatic advice that offers solutions to your immigration or global mobility needs.

Background

After graduating in law at Birmingham University, Lawrence completed his legal training in London’s West End. Initially a criminal lawyer, and with experience in personal injury and trial advocacy, Lawrence has specialised in immigration law since 1993.

Handling a wide range of individual and business immigration cases, Lawrence has succeeded in securing positive outcomes for a wide range of clients, including:

• Businesses applying for sponsor licences
• High net worth investors
• Entrepreneurs
• Representatives of overseas businesses
• Applicants in the global talent category

Lawrence has also assisted employers with right to work checks for their employees and has successfully challenged decisions to suspend or revoke sponsor licences.

He has extensive experience in family migration, EEA (EU) applications, and human rights, including representation in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

Lawrence will be more than happy to have an initial no-obligation chat to assess whether he can assist you.

Greg Tierney is a seasoned Consultant Litigation with extensive experience in managing a wide array of legal disputes. His expertise spans several key areas, including:

• Commercial Litigation
• Dispute Resolution
• Property Disputes
• Insolvency
• Contentious Probate and General Probate

Legal Expertise

Greg’s practice encompasses cases ranging from small claims to complex litigation in high-stakes disputes. He has represented clients in various courts, including:

• County Courts
• High Courts
• Tribunals
• The Court of Appeal
• The Supreme Court

Collaborative and Strategic Approach

Known for his strategic mindset, Greg adopts a collaborative approach, often working as an integral part of his clients’ legal teams. He liaises with Junior and Leading Counsel, experts, and other professionals to develop well-rounded strategies that deliver optimal results.

With his extensive experience and client-focused philosophy, Greg Tierney continues to provide unparalleled legal guidance, ensuring the best possible outcomes for even the most challenging cases.

Muhammad Usman Malik is an experienced Senior Immigration Caseworker with over 14 years of experience supporting immigration and legal casework within regulated legal practice environments in the United Kingdom. He has extensive experience assisting solicitors and legal teams in the preparation, management, and progression of complex immigration matters, with a strong focus on client care, compliance, and procedural accuracy.

Professional Experience

• Senior Immigration Caseworker / Legal Caseworker (2016–2024) Supported solicitors and legal teams in the management of complex immigration and litigation matters within regulated legal practice environments. Responsibilities included case preparation, client liaison, drafting legal correspondence, evidence review, application preparation, and procedural case management under solicitor supervision.
• Immigration Caseworker (Level 1 Accredited – Historical Accreditation) (2012–2015) Provided casework support and administrative assistance on immigration matters, developing strong knowledge of immigration procedures, documentation requirements, and client communication processes.

Educational Background

• Post-Graduate Diploma in Law (2010–2011): Middlesex University, London.
• Bachelor in Law with Business (2006–2009): Middlesex University, London.

Previous Accreditations

• OISC Level 1 Certification: March 2013.
• IAAS Level 1 Certification: January 2019.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Extensive experience supporting immigration casework and legal case management within regulated legal practice environments
• Strong knowledge of UK immigration procedures, case preparation processes, and litigation support work.
• Experienced in client care, case progression, document management, and procedural compliance.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, case management systems, and legal administration tools.
• Strong organisational and communication skills with the ability to manage sensitive matters professionally and efficiently.
• Experience working collaboratively with solicitors, legal teams, and clients from diverse backgrounds.

Commitment to Excellence

Muhammad Malik has dedicated his career to supporting clients and legal professionals in immigration matters through careful case preparation, professional client care, and effective case management. He works within supervised and regulated legal practice structures and is committed to maintaining high professional and compliance standards in all aspects of his work.

Melina Mobashery is a member of the Marketing Team at LFCS Legal, supporting the firm’s communication and outreach initiatives.

She assists with content preparation, digital communications, and marketing activities that help present the firm’s services clearly to clients and the wider public. Melina works collaboratively with colleagues across the firm to support day-to-day marketing tasks and contribute to the firm’s online presence and client engagement.

Educational Background

Melina studied Nuclear Energy Engineering at Hacettepe University and is currently pursuing studies in Psychology at Middle East Technical University (METU).

Her academic background reflects a combination of analytical thinking and an interest in human behaviour and communication.

Kamsy Okorie is a Legal Administrator at LFCS Legal, where he supports both the property and immigration teams across a broad range of matters. His role involves liaising with clients and third parties—including lenders, landlords, and solicitors—to progress transactions efficiently, while maintaining a high level of attention to detail in document management and compliance processes. He is experienced in drafting client care letters and legal correspondence, as well as assisting with AML checks and onboarding procedures to ensure files are progressed in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Kamsy is also a barrister (unregistered) assists with the preparation of legal documentation and correspondence and has drafted skeleton arguments in support of appeals against Home Office immigration decisions. He regularly liaises with clients, lenders, landlords, agents, and opposing solicitors, helping to obtain outstanding documentation and move matters forward in a timely and organised manner.

Seifeldin Sharaf is a Litigation Solicitor at LFCS Legal, where he acts on a range of civil and commercial dispute matters. He handles cases across the full lifecycle of litigation, from initial instruction through to resolution, including advising clients, preparing legal documentation, and progressing matters in line with procedural requirements.

Seifeldin takes a structured and practical approach, providing clear and commercially minded advice while ensuring matters are handled efficiently and professionally.

Prior to joining LFCS Legal, Seifeldin gained experience in immigration and corporate matters. In immigration, he worked on a range of matters, supporting the preparation of applications and related documentation inline with relevant requirements. In corporate work, he was involved in company formation, corporate governance matters, and the drafting and review of commercial agreements, as well as supporting compliance-related processes.

Seifeldin is dual qualified in England & Wales and Egypt, and holds an LLM with Distinction. He is fluent in Arabic and English, enabling him to work effectively with a diverse client base.

He has gained legal experience across the UK and internationally, contributing to his broader and well-rounded understanding of legal practice.

Seifeldin is committed to delivering reliable, professional, and client-focused legal services.

Farzad Ghods is a dual-qualified legal professional with over 14 years of multi-jurisdictional experience across the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Iran. As a Registered Foreign Lawyer (RFL) regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a practicing Barrister in Iran, he provides expert UK immigration consultancy at LFCS Legal under senior management supervision.

Farzad’s practice is defined by analytical precision and a commitment to realistic legal appraisal. Eschewing idealistic shortcuts, he applies a critical lens to every mandate, meticulously evaluating applications from the perspective of the Home Office to pre-emptively address potential grounds for refusal. His linguistic proficiency in English, Farsi, Turkish, Dari, and Azerbaijani serves as a vital tool for delivering precise communication and cultural nuance in complex international cases.

Farzad provides strategic advice and representation across a broad spectrum of UK immigration law, including:

• Family and Private Life: Strategic counsel on Spouse Visas, family-based applications, and Leave to Remain (FLR/ILR).
• Visitor and Business Visas: Preparation of robust, evidence-driven applications for tourism, family visits, and corporate entry.
• Nationality Law: Navigating the statutory requirements for Naturalisation and Registration as a British Citizen.

Qualified as a lawyer in Iran, Farzad has an extensive history of managing high-stakes litigation in superior courts, with a focus on human rights matters. Upon relocating to the UK, he bridged the gap between international advocacy and British regulation, serving as an OISC-accredited advisor (Level 1) and collaborating with prominent organizations such as the British Red Cross and the Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London (RAMFEL). His work is characterized by a disciplined adherence to SRA standards and a logical, merit-based approach to every legal challenge.

Simon Frater is a highly experienced Commercial and Technology Solicitor with extensive expertise advising organisations across the technology, telecommunications, engineering, procurement, and public sectors.

With a strong commercial and risk-based approach, Simon has successfully supported businesses on complex contractual, regulatory, and procurement matters across the UK and internationally.

His core areas of expertise include:

• Commercial Contracts
• Public Procurement
• Technology & SaaS Agreements
• Intellectual Property
• Data Protection & GDPR
• Dispute Resolution
• Governance & Compliance

Commercial & Procurement Expertise

Simon has played a leading legal role in major procurements and contract negotiations, including projects valued up to £2 billion. He has extensive experience supporting bid teams, drafting bespoke commercial agreements, and negotiating complex public and private sector contracts.

His background includes advising on:

• High-value outsourcing arrangements
• Technology and telecoms agreements
• Framework agreements including CCS and G-Cloud
• International and cross-border contracts
• Submarine telecoms maintenance agreements

Strategic & Collaborative Approach

Known as a dependable and commercially focused legal adviser, Simon works closely with stakeholders at all levels to become an integral part of the wider business team. He is recognised for delivering pragmatic legal solutions in fast-paced and highly regulated environments.

Simon has extensive experience across both interim and permanent in-house legal roles with organisations including Vodafone, BT, Siemens, Telefónica Tech, BAE Systems, and Digital Catapult.

He is particularly valued for:

• Providing practical, business-focused legal advice
• Managing complex negotiations and disputes
• Supporting governance and compliance initiatives
• Leading and mentoring legal teams
• Building strong stakeholder relationships

With broad international experience and deep commercial understanding, Simon continues to help organisations successfully manage legal risk while supporting strategic business objectives.