Swaye Barretto
London
Summary
Paralegal with strong academic credentials and hands-on experience supporting UK real estate transactions, regulatory compliance, and international shipping matters. SQE-trained law graduate with a solid foundation in property law, AML/KYC procedures, and legal research, gained through work in regulated legal environments in the UK and India. Experienced in transaction support, document drafting, stakeholder liaison, and maintaining audit-ready files. Brings strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and a mature, commercially aware approach suited to an international law firm.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Paralegal
Bana Vaid & Associates
London
06.2024 - Current
- Support residential property transactions from instruction to post-completion, including drafting contracts, preparing completion statements, submitting SDLT returns, and responding to Land Registry requisitions
- Liaise with lenders, estate agents, financial institutions, and registries to progress transactions efficiently and resolve procedural issues
- Conduct AML and client due diligence checks, including onboarding, verification of source of funds, and ongoing compliance reviews
- Prepare and submit probate and inheritance tax documentation, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Maintain audit-ready files and structured case management records in line with internal controls and external regulatory standards
- Handle highly confidential financial and personal information, operating within strict information-handling and risk-management protocols
Shipping & Maritime Law Intern
Crawford Bayley & Co
Mumbai
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Assisted with legal research and document preparation relating to charter-parties, cargo claims, admiralty proceedings and marine insurance disputes.
- Supported work on international shipping matters, including ship arrest procedures and time-sensitive commercial litigation.
Maritime & P&I intern
Kami Marine & Trade Central Pvt Ltd
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Assisted with P&I-related matters, including cargo claims and port incidents, supporting claims documentation and initial incident assessment
- Conducted legal and factual research on ship arrest, security, and enforcement under Indian maritime law, liaising with surveyors and correspondents
Mini-Marshal
Royal Courts of Justice - Immigration & Asylum
03.2024 - 03.2024
- Observed tribunal proceedings within a regulated judicial environment, gaining insight into evidential standards, procedural compliance, and decision-making processes
- Developed understanding of judicial reasoning, case management, and formal court protocols
Legal trainee
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
London
10.2021 - 11.2021
- Supported dispute resolution processes relating to tenancy deposit claims, reviewing evidence and assisting with case preparation under statutory frameworks
- Liaised with parties and internal teams within regulated ADR environment, ensuring procedural compliance and accurate case management
Legal intern
Lawyers in Soup Kitchen
London
06.2021 - 03.2022
- Assisted with legal triage and client intake, supporting individuals with housing, immigration and welfare-related legal issues in a sensitive, client-facing environment
- Supporting supervising lawyers through legal research, document preparation and clear communication with vulnerable clients, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
Academic and Applications Tutor
Self- Employed
02.2020 - 12.2021
- Delivered 200+ hours of virtual tutoring across multiple time zones, demonstrating organisation, adaptability, and effective remote communication
- Collaborated with an academic strategy team to design and deliver guided reading programmes for students aged 10–14
- Supported measurable academic progress, including improving a student’s performance from grade C to grade A over a six-month period
Managing editor
Park Street Journal
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Promoted to Managing Editor in recognition of consistency, reliability, and strong analytical and creative thinking during periods of operational disruption
- Oversaw editorial planning, content review, and publication scheduling across multiple departments
- Coordinated with contributors and editorial teams to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency of published material
- Led content strategy and editorial decision-making during time-sensitive and high-pressure periods
- Developed strong skills in written communication, quality control, and stakeholder coordination
Coxswain
Bombay Presidency Rowing Club
Mumbai
01.2016 - 02.2017
- Responsible for Vessel safety, navigation decisions and crew coordination in changing conditions.
Crew member
Dal Fiorentino (Italian Deli and Takeaway)
08.2023 - 09.2023
- Worked in a fast-paced customer-facing environment, handling orders and maintaining high standards of service and hygiene
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while supporting team operations during peak periods
- Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, and effective communication with customers and colleagues
Brand ambassador
Huno Sunglasses
11.2020 - 12.2020
- Harnessed social media platforms for broader reach of brand messages.
- Fostered strong relationships with store management to ensure continued product visibility.
- Assisted in organising promotional events to boost brand recognition.
- Accumulated useful feedback from consumers, allowing for improved products and services.
- Worked closely with marketing teams to understand and uphold the unique selling proposition of each product and service promoted effectively.
Cultural and Academic Representative
SVT College
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Advocated for curriculum changes, resulting in modernised course content.
- Served as a mediator between students and administrators for conflict resolution.
- Organised academic events to foster a stronger learning community.
- Assisted new students during orientation week making their transition into university life smoother.
- Held frequent consultation sessions with fellow students, which helped identify areas needing reform.
- Encouraged active participation of all members during committee meetings enhancing collective decision-making process.
- Worked closely with faculty members to address student grievances swiftly and effectively.
Education
LLM
University of Law
London 09.2023 - 05.2024
LLB
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield 02.2021 - 09.2023
Skills
- Real estate transaction support (pre-completion and post-completion)
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Legal Research & Drafting
- Case Management & Professional Skills
Languages
English
Native
Hindi
Native
French
Fluent
Portuguese
Beginner
Accomplishments
- Key Note Speaker at College Events and NGO.
- Party Host
- Black belt Taekwondo
- Head of Debate Team
- National Level General Quiz Merit
Certification
- Diploma in International & Maritime Law
- Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crime Compliance
- Legal Technology & Data Analysis (Python, Excel)
- Commercial Law & Disputes Job Simulations (Jones Day; Herbert Smith Freehills)
Timeline
Senior Paralegal
Bana Vaid & Associates
06.2024 - Current
Mini-Marshal
Royal Courts of Justice - Immigration & Asylum
03.2024 - 03.2024
LLM
University of Law
09.2023 - 05.2024
Crew member
Dal Fiorentino (Italian Deli and Takeaway)
08.2023 - 09.2023
Shipping & Maritime Law Intern
Crawford Bayley & Co
07.2022 - 09.2022
Legal trainee
Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS)
10.2021 - 11.2021
Legal intern
Lawyers in Soup Kitchen
06.2021 - 03.2022
LLB
University of Hertfordshire
02.2021 - 09.2023
Brand ambassador
Huno Sunglasses
11.2020 - 12.2020
Maritime & P&I intern
Kami Marine & Trade Central Pvt Ltd
08.2020 - 02.2021
Managing editor
Park Street Journal
08.2020 - 02.2021
Academic and Applications Tutor
Self- Employed
02.2020 - 12.2021
Cultural and Academic Representative
SVT College
09.2018 - 03.2020
Coxswain
Bombay Presidency Rowing Club
01.2016 - 02.2017