Meet Our Team

Michael Pobi

Founder, Principal Strata Lawyer and Practice Leader

Michael Pobi is the Principal Solicitor at Pobi Lawyers, a leading NSW law firm specialising in Strata and Community Title Law. With over two decades of legal experience, Michael has provided expert advice as a solicitor in New South Wales since 2004.

Since 2008, Michael has focused exclusively on strata law, earning a strong reputation for his deep expertise in Strata and Community Title Law. Michael regularly advises lot owners, owners corporations, strata committees, and strata managers on a wide range of strata legal matters.

Michael’s areas of specialisation include:

• Advice on obligations and disputes relating to the maintenance and repair of common property under section 106 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
• Representation in claims related to breach of duty to maintain and repair common property.
• Resolving complex strata disputes between lot owners and owners corporations.
• Advice and litigation related to by-law disputes, including cases involving unreasonable refusal of by-law claims.
• Advice and representation in loss of rent and damages claims before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
• Handling disputes over unauthorised works to common property.
• Claims involving unreasonable refusal of by-laws before NCAT.
• Representation and advice on compulsory strata management orders under section 237 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
• Legal counsel on retaining wall disputes.
• Handling building defects claims, including appearances in the Tribunal and the Supreme Court of NSW.
• Comprehensive litigation and alternative dispute resolution services.
• Drafting and registering special by-laws tailored to the needs of individual strata schemes.

Before founding Pobi Lawyers, Michael honed his skills at some of Sydney’s most respected strata law firms. He and his team regularly appear before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and participate in mediations, representing clients effectively in strata disputes and building defect litigation.

Michael’s approach combines strategic legal counsel with practical, client-focused solutions, helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes. His personal experience living in a 12-lot strata scheme for 13 years, including 2 years serving on the strata committee, gives Michael unique, firsthand insights into the everyday complexities faced by his clients.

This blend of professional expertise and lived experience enables Michael to provide pragmatic and insightful legal advice, ensuring his guidance is both legally sound and practically relevant.

Qualifications and Memberships:

• Diploma in Law, Legal Profession Admission Board/University of Sydney (2003)
• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, College of Law, St Leonards (2003)
• Diploma of Biblical Studies (2020)
• Admissions to the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia (Current)
• Member of the Law Society of NSW (Current)
• Former Member, Australian College of Strata Lawyers (ACSL), 2013 – 2023

Iain Fairholm

Special Counsel

Iain Fairholm joined Pobi Lawyers in 2016 as a commercial litigation lawyer, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in Commercial Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Building and Construction Law, and litigation related to the Home Building Act 1989. He also has notable expertise in Commercial Law as well as Strata and Community Title Law.

Iain regularly represents clients before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and the Supreme Court of NSW, particularly in cases involving building defects and strata disputes. His comprehensive legal knowledge enables him to proactively assist clients in effectively identifying and resolving disputes, managing risks, and completing transactions efficiently and cost-effectively.

Before joining Pobi Lawyers, Iain gained valuable experience working with some of Sydney’s most respected commercial and strata law firms.

Qualifications and Membership:

• Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Bachelor of Laws (University of Adelaide)
• Member of the Law Society of NSW (current member).