Barrister Profile
Sara has been working in the legal sector for over 15 years and has practiced in family law for over 11 years. Sara transferred to the Bar in 2018 from her role as a Legal Executive Advocate working in private practice. Before being called to the Bar, Sara worked in private practice for 15 years dealing with a range of matters including conveyancing, wills and probate, crime and family matters. In addition to working in private practice, Sara has worked in-house for a Local Authority undertaking litigation and advocacy relating to public law children matters. As a result of her work in private practice, Sara has an in-depth knowledge of the various stages of proceedings and pre-proceedings and applies this knowledge to her current practice. Sara has spent the last 11 years specialising in family matters which is something she really enjoys and this is the key focus of her practice. Sara is well known on the Western Circuit and receives regular instructions from local solicitors.
Sara has extensive experience of dealing with vulnerable clients and is known for her conscientiousness, empathy and work ethic. Since transferring to the bar in 2018 Sara’s practice has continued to develop and expand and she has dealt with a number of complex cases including:
- A 5 day fact finding hearing regarding allegations of interfamilial child sex abuse
- Representing a child through her Children’s Guardian at the Court of Appeal
- Representing a parent in a 6 day finding of fact hearing regarding allegations of non-accidental injury including two skull fractures and an arm fracture
- Representing a parent in the High Court in a case regarding a child’s death
- Representing a child through her 16.4 Children’s Guardian on a 6 day finding of fact hearing regarding allegations of non-accidental injury (multiple bruising)
Representing a child through her Children’s Guardian on a 10 day finding of fact hearing in the High Court regarding allegations of non-accidental injury (this was a re-hearing of a previous fact finding hearing following an appeal)
Expertise
Family: Care & Children
Public Law / Care and Adoption Proceedings
In her role in private practice, Sara has vast knowledge and experience of representing parents, family members (including intervenors), the Local Authority and Children’s Guardian in public law children matters from the pre-proceedings phase right through to final hearing. Sara has particular experience of dealing with parents with learning difficulties. Sara has continued to expand her practice since transferring to the bar and represents parties in the following matters:
- Emergency contested applications where a Local Authority seeks the removal of a child – Emergency Protection and Interim Care Orders.
- Placement Order and Adoption Proceedings.
- Applications under s34(4) s38(6) Children Act 1989.
- Cases concerning domestic violence where sexual, physical or emotional abuse is alleged.
- Cases including allegations of non-accidental injuries including infant death, multiple fractures and multiple bruising
- Cases concerning alleged fabricated or induced illness
- Cases concerning alleged neglect including chronic neglect
- Cases concerning vulnerable parents or children including those with Special Educational Needs, cognitive impairment or capacity issues
- Cases where drug and alcohol abuse or mental health concerns are a significant issue including matters before the Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC)
- Special Guardianship and Wardship applications.
- Recovery Orders
- Secure Accommodation Orders.
Sara continues to accept instructions from all parties involved in public law care proceedings. Since transferring to the Bar, Sara has been involved in complex Finding of Fact hearings relating to allegations of non-accidental injury and sexual abuse. In November 2019 Sara represented a child through their Children’s Guardian at the Court of Appeal and continued to represent the child and Children’s Guardian at 10 day re-hearing of the Fact finding where she was led by Queen’s Counsel.
Private Law Children: Contact and Residence disputes under the Children Act 1989
Sara has represented parents and Children’s Guardians in cases relating to issues of contact and residence disputes including cases where there have been allegations of sexual, physical and emotional abuse and cases involving allegations of parental alienation. Sara has represented Applicants and Respondents in cases involving applications for Child Arrangements Orders, Specific Issues Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders. Sara understands the sensitivity of these matters and has dealt with cases where one or more party has become implacably hostile. Sara works to achieve a fair and workable resolution keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront of the case.
Domestic violence & injunctions
Sara has represented both Applicants and Respondents on matters concerning applications for injunctive orders, non-molestation and Occupation orders. Sara has experience of dealing with cases involving allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
No 18 Alternative Dispute Resolution
Cases of note
- Re N (A Child) [2019] EWCA Civ 1997 (19 November 2019)
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Re S (A Child) & L (A Child) [2024] EWFC 108 (B) - https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2024/108.html