Cassandra Mann-Haye Chin

Cassandra Chin is a Partner with Nichols Zauzig and joined the firm in 2001, the first job of her career. Since then, she has become a leader in Virginia family law, earning both the respect of her peers and the gratitude of clients.

Cassandra has built her career on going beyond 100% for every client. As a result, her busy practice is based on referrals – from former clients, other attorneys, judges, even opposing parties. Many people also find and request her after reading the dozens of detailed reviews that her clients share online.

While devoted to her practice, Cassandra is also committed to developing the family law profession. Early on, she got involved with local and state bar associations. Ultimately, she became the youngest person to serve on the Board of Governors for the Virginia State Bar Family Law Section, later becoming Chair. On a national level, she was one of the youngest fellows when she was accepted into the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), after meeting their stringent membership criteria. She is now a 2nd Vice President serving on the organization’s National Executive Committee, as well as Immediate Past President of the AAML Virginia Chapter. For the Prince William County Bar Association, Cassandra served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Committee from 2007 - 2023. Her service to the family law community earned her the Virginia State Bar Family Law Service Award in 2023.

Cassandra knew as early as 10 years old that she wanted to become a lawyer. In fact, she made a pact with her cousin to open and run a law firm together. Even though he is not part of the same firm, her cousin is also a practicing attorney.

Cassandra majored in business at James Madison University and contemplated going into corporate law, but “family law found me,” she says. It was while clerking for Judge Richard Potter that she was drawn to divorce and child custody cases. What was the attraction? “When it comes to cases involving kids, you can really help the family get through a tough time in a way that leaves everyone with respect for one other,” she says.

Family law also appealed to her business background, given the considerable financial aspects involved when dividing marital assets.
“I’m very practical and tell clients my true opinion. We look at things from a cost/benefit approach. It’s important they have realistic expectations.”
But first and foremost, Ms. Chin helps her clients understand the divorce process in plain English that they can understand. “I recognize divorce is a strange and new experience for most people and really do try to guide my clients through it with that in mind.”

Accepting nothing less than the best from herself and those who work with her is what drives Cassandra to excel. “If I’m going to do something, it’s going to be done to the best of my ability…plus. I have certain expectations for my work product, and I have to meet my own expectations.”