Summary
Sarah joined Chambers in September 2019 after successfully completing her pupillage under the supervision of Moira Ashton-Walsh, Steven Veitch and James Cleary.
Sarah was called to the Bar in 2017 by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple. She studied Law at the University of Liverpool and graduated with First Class Honours. Sarah completed her BPTC at Nottingham Law School where she received the Dean Master’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence. She achieved ‘Outstanding’ grades in Family and Resolutions of Disputes Out of Court.
Throughout her studies Sarah was involved in several pro bono projects, working with both the Liverpool Law Clinic and Nottingham Legal Advice Centre. Most notably Sarah volunteered as part of the Hillsborough Disaster Project, assisting one of the legal teams in the build up to the Hillsborough Inquiry. Sarah also volunteered as a Student Advisor for the Nottingham Women’s Outreach Project based at Nottingham Women’s Centre.
“Sarah represented our client on a Finding of Fact Hearing where all of the findings sought by her were found to be true. She worked very hard to get a positive outcome for the client when it was not anticipated that all of the findings would be made. The client was very pleased with the outcome. Thank you very much for your hard work!”
Family Law Solicitor, 2023
“The client was so pleased with the outcome and felt very reassured by Sarah. Our paralegal sat behind and told me how brilliant Sarah was and incredibly well prepared.“
Family Law Partner, 2022
Legal 500 2024
Family: Children & Domestic Violence Rising Star Ranked: Tier 1
M (A Child: Leave to Oppose Adoption)
In this appeal, Sarah represented the appellant local authority without leading counsel. The local authority challenged the decision of the Family Court, to grant a mother permission to oppose the making of an adoption order for her child. The local authority’s challenge was successful and the appeal was allowed.
Sarah is regularly instructed to act in public law matters, both for the local authority and for respondent parties. Sarah has accepted instructions at all stages of proceedings, from urgent removal hearings to IRH and final hearings; she is often instructed to draft threshold documents and case summaries.
Sarah is also regularly instructed to act in all aspects of private law proceedings. Sarah has experience of matters with allegations of domestic violence, substance misuse, neglect and parental alienation. Sarah has received instructions in relation to non molestation and occupation orders.
Sarah has previously represented vulnerable clients including those with learning difficulties and mental health difficulties. Sarah has experience of working with interpreters and intermediaries.