Shams was educated at City University, LSE and King's College, London. He holds degrees in Economics and Law and also has a Masters degree in corporate and commercial law. Shams has a significant specialism in property related litigation. His practice also includes planning law; contractual, partnership and building disputes; insolvency; professional negligence; regulation (including consumer law); Proceeds of Crime Act and money laundering; and road traffic defence law.

He is experienced in all aspects of property management issues and has recently taken a number of matters to trial in diverse areas ranging from a complicated residential possession claim over a secure tenancy, possession of properties arising from an alleged complicated resulting trust, possession of high value moorings, money laundering related property claim, a claim for the cost of works and related rights in a major High Court action, and Court of Appeal cases concerning matrimonial property rights and the valid execution of a property document.

Shams has also appeared in the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal on enfranchisement and lease extension claims, and advised on management issues regarding the disposal of a large portfolio for a major client involving properties across the UK. He is Treasurer of the Society of Asian Lawyers and the Solicitors International Huran Rights Group, and a committee member of the City of Westminster & Hoborn Law Society. Shams is also a dual qualified as an Advocate in Pakistan.