Welcome To Zasha

Zalena Vandrewala is a seasoned commercial litigator with the Top 40 national law firm Freeths LLP, where she has spent over 20 years resolving complex commercial and general disputes for clients across the UK. Recognised by The Legal 500 for the quality of her work, Zalena is known for her strategic insight, pragmatic guidance, and her ability to cut through complexity to achieve strong outcomes for her clients.

Alongside her legal practice, Zalena is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of business leaders. She mentors start‑ups and SMEs throughout Cheshire and Staffordshire, championing young entrepreneurs and helping them build the confidence and clarity needed to achieve their goals.

Zalena has also played a transformative role within the Women of the Year Luncheon & Awards. Having worked with the organisation for 21 years, she was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2009 and became Chair of the Board in 2018. Her leadership has been instrumental in expanding the event’s audience from 350 to more than 600 guests and in forging partnerships with a wide range of women‑focused organisations, significantly amplifying the platform for women in business.

Motivated by her family’s experience following the premature birth of her son, Zalena has dedicated herself to raising awareness and vital funds for neonatal charities and prematurity‑related causes. Zalena has written articles and appeared on several podcasts to raise awareness. In 2023, she joined charities and campaigners in lobbying the Government for improved parental leave for families of babies born before 28 weeks’ gestation. Her family’s story was read in the House of Lords in support of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Bill, which successfully passed into UK legislation in 2024.

In 2025, together with a team from Liverpool Women’s Hospital, Zalena co‑founded the Miracle Babies Foundation, which supports families affected by prematurity across the Northwest of England.