About
Before joining the Family Bar, Sarah spent four years working for family law solicitors, where she developed an in-depth understanding of family law practice and the needs of her clients.
Sarah worked directly with clients, solicitors and barristers in complex private law children proceedings, abduction, ancillary relief and TLATA applications. Her later years were spent working for specialist solicitors in Women’s Aid, where she developed her expertise in representing victims of domestic violence in public and private law Children Act 1989 proceedings, abduction, and Family Law Act proceedings.
Sarah’s practice now focuses solely on children matters, and she continues to specialise in cases concerning domestic violence and vulnerable clients. Sarah also has extensive experience in cases involving drug and alcohol issues, sexual abuse, physical abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence and non-accidental injury.
Experience
Within care proceedings, Sarah represents local authorities, parents and children. Within private children proceedings, Sarah attracts frequent instructions from mothers, fathers, extended family members and children. Her experience to date includes issues with paternity, implacable hostility, vexatious litigants, drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and international relocation.
Sarah assisted in Re B (Children) [2008] UKHL 35 concerning the standard of proof in care proceedings; complex High Court proceedings which involved Hague Convention and public child law; and the case of Re B-A (Children) [2011] EWCA Civ 1643 concerning an application by a family member to be joined to challenge a negative assessment and the right to a fair trial.
Sarah regularly delivers seminars on topical family law issues including:
Sea Change: Risk and Harm in Private Law Proceedings On the future implications of the MoJ 2020 Final Report, ‘Assessing Risk of Harm to Children and Parents in Private Law Children Cases.
Private Law Panel: Answering the questions you want to ask Topics covered: 16.4 Guardians, FFHs, Domestic Abuse, disclosure and case management.
Practice Areas
Local Authority
Private Law Children
Public Law Children
Education and Professional Memberships
Education
University of Manchester, English & Drama (2002)
Law Conversion:
College of Law (2005)
Law School:
College of Law (2006)
Memberships
FLBA
Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Middle Temple
Testimonials
“Sarah prepares thoroughly and is adept at identifying and narrowing the issues at the outset. She really knows her stuff and easily holds her own with the best of opponents. Her friendly, approachable manner quickly makes the client feel at ease”. Anita Mills – Newmans Solicitors (2021)
