Zahra Pabani

Practice Areas

I am a Tier One ranked family law partner, and for over twenty years I’ve advised individuals and families navigating the financial and practical complexities of high value relationship breakdowns. I work nationally with clients whose matters often involve significant wealth, business interests, and long-term family considerations, where clarity and sound judgment are essential.

I’m renowned for my experience in ultra-high-net-worth family law cases. I am consistently recognised for my expertise by leading independent legal guides such as Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500, who call me “… a powerhouse, with a wealth of knowledge and experience”.

I appreciate that instructing a family lawyer is rarely something clients have planned for. By the time they reach me, they are often facing decisions that will have lasting personal and commercial consequences. My role is to bring structure and certainty to that process, providing clear, strategic advice that allows my clients to move forward with confidence.

At every stage, my objective is to deliver tailored advice that’s in my clients’ best interests, supporting them through complex matters with empathy and compassion.

I am particularly sought after for work involving pre- and post-nuptial agreements, complex financial settlements, and cases with multijurisdictional or layered wealth structures. Many of the matters I handle sit at the intersection of personal, business, and generational assets. I focus on identifying what truly matters early on, cutting through unnecessary complexity and offering practical guidance that supports timely and effective resolution.

Clients often describe my approach as positive, tenacious, and unwavering. I place great importance on delivering advice that is commercially astute and legally precise, while remaining realistic and constructive. At a time when emotions can easily cloud judgment, my aim is to provide a steady, objective perspective and a clear sense of direction.

I work closely with my clients throughout negotiations or, when necessary, court proceedings. I believe it’s important to be direct and honest, especially when conversations are challenging, while maintaining a thoughtful and respectful approach to the wider implications of each decision. When litigation can’t be avoided, I lead matters with authority and strategic focus, ensuring clients remain fully informed and involved at every stage.

My approach is always bespoke. I combine technical excellence with a strong understanding of the personal and reputational considerations that often accompany UHNW family disputes, aligning legal strategy with broader financial and family priorities.

Alongside my client work, I hold a national leadership role as Business Development and Growth Lead for Irwin Mitchell’s Private Client Group. In this capacity, I help shape the group’s strategic direction and support a culture of excellence across the practice, while also mentoring the next generation of family lawyers.