Saracens Solicitors pay a heartfelt tribute following the sad loss of one of the firm's key people, Fariha Butt, who died gently last Thursday after a brave battle with illness. All who knew her have spoken about the enduring mark she left on them and on the legal profession as a legacy for all to remember her by. 

Fariha joined Saracens on 1 December 2006 as a newly qualified solicitor. Her adept skills were swiftly recognised and in 2009, she was promoted to director and subsequently, Practice Manager. Her vision and skills as a leader ensured that the firm attained legal excellence, achieving year on year growth as well as nominations for many awards including the Law Society’s prestigious awards for excellence. 

A keen adventurer, Fariha travelled far and wide in pursuit of her dreams but she never forgot her roots or her legal background. Whether she was travelling around Australia or island hopping in different places, she never forgot the legal skills that had kept her in good stead nor the key principles she held close to her heart. Her love of equality and social justice were a pervasive theme throughout her life and she changed the lives of so many people. They will never be the same again without her, every one of them having been enriched for knowing her. People relied on her for guidance and help, the ultimate compliment for a leader. They trusted her and they were right to. She never let anyone in need down. 

Her return to Saracens in 2018 marked a turning point in her life and it propelled the firm to evolve significantly. Her tenure as the first female director of the practice symbolised not only her sharp legal mind but also her commitment to breaking barriers for women in the profession. To this end, she joined the executive committee of the Management Section at the Law Society in 2018. 

Fariha’s leadership transformed and inspired colleagues, friends and clients alike. 

'She was an asset to the firm, not just as a leader with drive and foresight, but as a friendly and empathic person who deeply cared for the well-being of staff and their careers,' the Saracens management tream said.  

Beyond her profession, Fariha worked closely with a number of charities, always helping those less fortunate than her and she took part in many events and talks for the legal community at large. Her involvement in the Law Society’s executive committee exemplified her commitment to shaping the future of law for us all. 

Fariha will be missed by those who knew her and even by those who didn’t. She helped people silently, with no wish for public recognition. She leaves behind an enduring and astonishing legacy - a testament to her pioneering spirit and kind heart.  

Her memory will inspire generations of women to be the best that they can be. She will be profoundly missed. 

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