Sarah joined St Albans Chambers from New Court Chambers in London, where she completed pupillage.  Prior to coming to the Bar Sarah read for a Ph.D. in German Literature and Philosophy and tutored undergraduates.  She subsequently qualified and worked as an investment analyst in the City of London in asset management and private banking.  During this time she gained a sound understanding of financial matters and dealing with high net worth individuals.

Between Call to the Bar and commencing pupillage Sarah spent four and a half years as an in-house legal adviser to a commercial bank in the City.  She provided legal advice to the Board of Directors and banking professionals on matters as wide-ranging as bankruptcy and insolvency; company law and in the incorporation of offshore companies; corporate financial transactions; banking and financial services regulation; contracts for the supply of goods and services; employment and discrimination law; and landlord and tenant law.

Family

Sarah is regularly instructed in public law children proceedings by Local Authorities, parents, and Children’s Guardians in matters ranging from First ICO Appointments to Final Hearings.

In private law children matters Sarah’s experience includes applications for Contact Orders and Residence Orders.

Sarah has considerable experience in cases involving domestic violence and applications under the Family Law Act 1996 for Non-Molestation Orders, and for Prohibited Steps Order.  She accepts instructions in these applications at short notice.

Sarah’s background as a former investment analyst and an in-house banking lawyer is especially useful in ancillary relief and matrimonial finance matters.  She is comfortable perusing financial statements and documentation and dealing with the disposal of assets.

 Civil Law

Sarah also accepts instructions in bankruptcy and Small Claims hearings.  The experience she gained in the commercial world and in-house enables her to view matters from a different perspective and provide practical and considered solutions to clients.

Sarah places great emphasis on client care and has been commended for her sensitivity, professionalism, and ability to build a good rapport with clients and make them feel comfortable.

Languages:

Fluent German, Intermediate Danish, French, and Gaelic; Basic Italian, Polish, and Spanish.

Professional Memberships:

Family Law Bar Association; London Irish Lawyers’ Association.