About Shabnam
I take pride in helping my clients protect their investments and their homes and being able to explain complex legal issues in easy to digest bitesize chunks.
Shabnam specialises in lease extension and enfranchisement matters, primarily under the Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 working with a variety of clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals and companies to individual leaseholders and investor landlords. Shabnam has carved out a niche in right of first refusal matters pursuant to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987.
Shabnam advises on a wide range of other landlord and tenant matters including advising residents' freehold and management companies on various issues including block management, service charges and consultation requirements and rights for major works as well the Right to Manage. She is also a qualified mediator.
Having worked for the Leasehold Advisory Service for 14 years as an adviser and manager, she has an excellent understanding of residential leasehold law and a wealth of experience of dealing with a variety of clients.
Shabnam has contributed to outreach events speaking to groups of clients ranging from leaseholders in a block, to helping MPs with advice surgeries right through to presenting at LEASE's own leaseholder conferences. She has continued this at Russell-Cooke by speaking at various events including the firm’s property seminars and speaking at events hosted by large training providers. She has also had various articles published in the press.
She is an honorary consultant for the FPRA (Federation of Private Residents Associations).
Shabnam joined Russell-Cooke in September 2015 following its merger with Alan Edwards & Co and became a senior associate in 2017. She was promoted to partner in 2021.
Extraordinarily impressed by the way Shabnam managed to steer the transaction, us, and, in all honesty, the other side's solicitor in the right direction to obtain a successful conclusion. In between looking after us we are aware of some of the publications that she has made in the lease extension field which has given us comfort that we have on our side someone who understands their area of practice like few others.
Memberships
- Committee member for the WHLS EDI Committee ( Westminster and Holborn Law Society)
- Member of the PR committee for ALEP ( the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners)
- Member of the London South and South East Diversity and Inclusion Forum
- Part of the steering group which created the new Leasehold Engagement guide by TPAS (Tenants Participation Advisory Service)
Not only did Shabnam sort out our lease extension in a timely fashion, but she also made it a pleasure instead of a chore. I have used many solicitors over the years, but Shabnam shines bright in that world, and I look forward to dealing with her again.
Publications
- Q&A panel author on Lexis Nexis Panel
Shabnam's highlights
16.04.2024
The Leasehold and Freehold Reform Bill beyond headlines—IFA Magazine
14.02.2024
Should I buy a flat with 20 years remaining on the lease?—This is Money
11.12.2023
I want to sell my leasehold home: will it be worth more after the reform bill?—This is Money