Sophia Vanezis

Associate

Areas of Expertise

Sophia specialises in residential property litigation, advising registered providers, landlords, leaseholders, managing agents and portfolio investors across a broad range of contentious matters.

Her work spans possession claims, disrepair, service charge disputes, forfeiture, landlord and tenant disputes, statutory lease extensions, rights of way and boundary disputes.

Sophia made a deliberate career change from public relations into law, and that background shapes the way she works. She communicates with clients in plain terms, cuts to what matters and is known for being as approachable as she is thorough.

Experience

Sophia qualified as a solicitor in March 2023, having trained at Wedlake Bell, where she gained experience in property litigation, commercial litigation and residential property. Prior to her training contract, she worked as a paralegal at Freshfields and Stephenson Harwood.

Following qualification, Sophia joined a regional firm in Essex before moving to a Central London firm. She joined Devonshires in May 2026.

Education

LLM in Media Law, Privacy and Defamation — The University of Law (Distinction, 2024)

LPC (LLM) — The University of Law (Commendation, 2018)

GDL — The University of Law (Commendation, 2017)

BA in Philosophy — University of Southampton (2:1, 2008)

Personal

Sophia has two young children who take up most of her time outside of work, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. East London born and bred, with Greek Cypriot roots and an Italian partner, good food and wine are never far from the agenda - whether that’s cooking for family and friends, exploring the markets on her doorstep, seeking out new restaurants and bars, or taking trips to Corfu or Florence when the opportunity arises.

When she does get a moment to herself, Sophia produces music, collects vinyl and has a passion for contemporary and urban art, with a particular interest in the independent gallery scene (think Nelly Duff).

Additional languages: Greek, Italian

Property litigation solicitor delivering clear, commercially focused advice to landlords, registered providers and investors on a wide range of contentious matters.

Notable Cases

Sophia acted and successfully obtained a possession order for an Essex-based portfolio landlord in respect of a HMO, overcoming procedural defects in earlier proceedings conducted by previous representatives.

Sophia successfully recovered in excess of £500,000 in rent and service charge arrears across a substantial mixed-use portfolio for an institutional landlord by implementing a targeted pre‑action strategy, avoiding the need for costly court proceedings.

Sophia acted for homeowners in a professional negligence claim against former solicitors arising from a failure to identify a doubling ground rent clause on purchase, which adversely affected mortgageability and the ability to sell the property, securing favourable settlement.