Search and find what you need faster.

Shabnam Shekarian

Posted on: July 1st, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I am a property litigation solicitor with over a decade of experience in housing and property law, including more than six years of post-qualification expertise. I specialise in complex residential property disputes and represent a diverse client base including landlords, tenants, developers, managing agents, and management companies.

My practice is defined by a strategic, results-driven approach and a commitment to delivering cost-effective solutions. I am known for my strong negotiation skills and practical mindset, always focused on resolving disputes efficiently while aligning with my clients’ commercial and personal objectives.

I have a strong academic foundation, having graduated with a First Class LLB Law degree, followed by a Distinction in both the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and an LLM Master of Laws from the University of Law.

Key areas of expertise include:

  • Section 21 / Section 8 possession claims and tenancy enforcement
  • Forfeiture claims
  • Orders for Sale
  • Service charge recovery and disputes
  • Breach of covenant and lease breaches
  • Residential lease extensions
  • Business lease renewals
  • Co-ownership disputes (TOLATA)

Outside of work I’m a fitness enthusiast with a passion for weightlifting, long walks, and nutrition. I also enjoy travelling and discovering new places. Committed to giving back, I volunteer with the Citizens Advice Bureau, participate in the London Legal Walk, and mentor aspiring law students through tuition and career guidance schemes.

Experience highlights

  • Rent arrears & possession: Successfully recovered possession for landlords with large property portfolios through Section 8 proceedings, including substantial rent arrears recovery.
  • Order for Sale – debt recovery: Successfully obtained an interim charging order, followed by a final charging order and an Order for Sale to recover a debt of £80,000 on behalf of my client.
  • Service Charge Recovery: Brought and won numerous claims for service charge debt recovery on behalf of managing agents and landlords, often involving complex lease interpretation and statutory compliance.
  • Relief from forfeiture: Successfully acted in proceedings seeking relief from forfeiture, preserving clients’ leasehold interests and negotiating favourable terms for reinstatement.
  • Disrepair Defence & Counterclaims: Defended private landlords against substantial disrepair counterclaims, achieving negotiated settlements that avoided trial and protected clients’ financial and reputational interests.
  • Boundary and Right of Way disputes: Obtained an injunction in a contentious right of way and boundary dispute and represented clients at mediation to reach a practical and enforceable resolution.

 

 

Laura Brown

Posted on: May 30th, 2025 by Natasha Cox

I have extensive experience advising lenders and borrowers on all aspects of real estate finance. My practice includes domestic and cross-border transactions, spanning senior, mezzanine and whole loans.

My investment expertise encompasses all asset classes, from office spaces, retail units, mixed use and leisure facilities, industrial and business parks, hotels and PBSA, including landmark buildings and large portfolios. 

I excel in managing a wide range of development finance transactions, from large scale ‘ground up’ developments to small refurbishment projects. I also advise on planning assistance and development exit loans. 

My client base includes financial institutions, senior lenders, mezzanine lenders, and bridging financiers.

I have a deep understanding of the industry and I am focused on delivering high quality pragmatic advice on transactions, irrespective of size or complexity.

Alysha Mohammed

Posted on: December 6th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

I joined Lawrence Stephens in 2024 as a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Borrower team. Prior to this, I completed my training contract and continued as an associate at a city law firm.

I have experience working on a wide range of transactions, including advising developers and private individuals on property portfolio refinancing, secured lending transactions, and acquiring bridging loans. I also collaborate closely with brokers and other professionals on each transaction, ensuring all parties are well informed. I am passionate about delivering successful outcomes for my clients, particularly when navigating complex transactions within tight timeframes.

Outside of work, I enjoy baking, staying active, and spending quality time with family and friends. I am also an avid traveller who loves discovering new destinations.

Alexandria Clarke

Posted on: November 18th, 2024 by Hugh Dineen-Lees

I am a solicitor in the Real Estate Finance Department at Lawrence Stephens having joined in 2024. 

I have over have seven years’ experience in real estate finance, acting for large lenders providing regulated buy-to-let loans, bridging loans and development loans secured over both residential and commercial security. I also act on deals secured with a portfolio of property. I have experience in acting on a dual representation basis for both the bank and borrower. 

As my knowledge has been developed acting for one client with a large number of deals, I understand the importance of maintaining client trust and satisfaction. I pride myself on excellent communication and quality of work delivered with a personal and down to earth approach.

In my spare time, I enjoy trying to reach my Goodreads target, long walks stroking as many dogs as possible, eating good food and drinking great wine.

Career highlights

  • £4million bridging loan over 14 new residential dwellings;
  • £7million buy-to-let loan over a parade of high street shops; and
  • £3million loan over two nursing homes.