Our firm is led by our award-winning solicitor and founder, Cassandra Zanelli.
Cassandra is recognised for her knowledge and expertise in the property management sector, having twice been awarded the accolade of industry legend in the Property Management Awards.
In particular, Cassandra is recognised for her experience and expertise in Tribunal matters, including service charge disputes, dispensation applications, RTM matters and appointment of manager cases.
Alongside Justin Bates (of Landmark Chambers) and Rupert Cohen (also of Landmark Chambers), Cassandra represented the Property Institute (TPI) who acted as intervener in the Supreme Court appeal in Aviva Investors Ground Rent GP Ltd and anr v Williams and ors. Aviva v Williams explores the impact of section 27A(6) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and whether a provision providing that the landlord may reasonably determine the tenant’s share of service charges in a residential lease is invalidated or affected by section 27A(6).
Cassandra is also known for her company law expertise, providing tailored advice for management companies (and managing agents). Alongside Justin Bates (of Landmark Chambers) and Alice Richardson (of Trinity Chambers), she represented the appellant in the Court of Appeal in Houldsworth Village Management Company Limited v Barton.
Cassandra has the privilege of working with leading industry organisations including the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA), the Institute of Residential Property Management (IRPM), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and The Property Institute (formerly ARMA and IRPM).
Cassandra’s expertise also extends to right to manage matters. Alongside Rupert Cohen (of Landmark Chambers) she had the privilege of representing ARMA (who acted as intervener) in the Supreme Court appeal in the landmark case of FirstPort Property Services Ltd v Settlers Court RTM Company Ltd.
She is passionate about sharing knowledge and education within our sector.
Cassandra writes and presents a number of training courses for ARMA, including courses on fire safety, company law, property transfers and data protection. She also had the absolute privilege of moderating ARMA’s annual conference held in Westminster in October 2018. She is also a regular presenter at ARMA’s regional briefings and annual conferences. And is a member of The Property Institute’s Commonhold and Leasehold Expert Advisory Group (having been a former member of the ARMA Advisory Panel).
Cassandra has also had the honour of presenting at IRPM’s annual conference, together with their regional roadshows over a number of years.
Cassandra is a honorary consultant of the Federation of Private Residents’ Associations (FPRA), and in that capacity was a member of the leasehold reform task and finish group working alongside the Welsh government. She headed up the subgroup focusing on estate rent charges, a topic which she has a particular interest in.
Outside of the office (and Tribunal!), Cassandra writes and maintains the legally speaking resource hub, and is also (still) learning to fly.
