About
In court, Sarah is known for being steely, courageous and ‘on point’. Her preparation is thorough and painstaking; with a keen eye for detail and the ability to digest paperwork quickly and efficiently. Sarah is widely recognised for working to the highest standards of client care and is often asked to act in urgent cases requiring particular sensitivity. A senior solicitor recently commended her “highly intelligent legal scholarship in submissions made to the Supreme Court.” Calmly reassuring, she is adept at explaining the often-complex processes involved in proceedings.
Experience
Sarah is regularly instructed in all aspects of private law proceedings including internal and international relocation, holidays abroad, and cases under the inherent jurisdiction. Sarah has recently acted in cases concerned with the interplay between the 1951 Geneva Convention on asylum and the 1980 Hague Convention. Sarah has extensive experience in conducting fact findings in cases of allegations of domestic abuse, and in complex and intractable cases involving allegations of alienation and often represents children through their Rule 16.4 Guardians and is relied upon for the experience she brings to the role. Sarah is particularly aware of the sensitivity and difficult nature of these cases for her clients and is astute in getting to the heart of the issue, providing sensible, robust and practical advice.
Sarah advises and represents parties in financial remedies upon divorce and claims under Schedule 1 to the Children Act 1989. Sarah’s practice increasingly involves disputed business or pension assets and complicated jurisdictional issues often involving assets abroad. Sarah has experience in cases concerning financial relief following a foreign divorce.
Sarah has extensive previous experience in public law work from which she brings significant experience in managing extensive and complex disclosure, in cross examination of experts and in contested fact finding hearings. Sarah employs these skills successfully in her current areas of practice.
Sarah is qualified to accept instructions under the Direct Access Scheme.
Testimonials
“Sarah is incredibly clever and incredibly dedicated. She works magic both in and out of the court room with her calm and measured approach.” Legal 500, 2024 Ranked: Tier 4
“She works phenomenally hard for her clients and has tremendous empathy. If you want a barrister who fights for you with all her strength, she’s the one.” Legal 500 2024, Ranked: Tier 5
“Extremely knowledgeable and able to put anxious and worried clients at ease very effortlessly. Her case preparation is exceptional and extremely thorough.” Chambers and Partners 2023
“Sarah is an excellent advocate, persuasive and practical in her submissions and always impeccably prepared. Her cross-examination is focused and effective.” Legal 500 2023
Practice Areas
Finance and Private Client
Private Law Children
Human Rights
International Family Law
Court of Protection
Publications
Co-authored ‘Let’s see how we get on’ with Radhika Handa for the Family Law Journal, covering the need for regulated provision of registered witness intermediaries in family proceedings.
Contributor to The Advocate’s Gateway Toolkit, “Vulnerable witnesses and parties in the family courts”, 8th November 2014.
A regular speaker at seminars and training sessions, she gives presentations on Family Procedure Rules, Section 8 of the Children Act 1989 and the Hague Convention on Child Abduction.
Cases
Azizi v Aghaty [2016] EWHC 110 (Fam)
In the matter of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 (Cases A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H) [2015] EWHC 2602 (Fam)
Re D (Non-Availability of Legal Aid) (No 2) [2015] EWFC 2
Re R (Care Proceedings: Appeal) [2011] EWCA Civ 1795
Education and Professional Memberships
University of Bristol, Bsc in Politics and Philosophy, Upper Second (2006)
City, University of London: Graduate Diploma in Law (2008)
BPP Law School, London: Bar Vocational Course (2010)
Family Law Bar Association
The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Resolution
Association of Lawyers for Children
Court of Protection Bar Association
Awards
Shortlisted for Young Barrister of the Year – Family Law Awards 2014
Languages
Conversational French
