Profile

SPECIALIST AREAS OF PRACTICE

Family Law
• All aspects of Child Care Law
• All aspects of Adult Protection / Issues of Capacity
• Private Children Law

Regulatory and Disciplinary Law

Medico - Legal
• Mental Health
• Inquests

As a result of her knowledge and experience of medical matters, Sara has established a practice which essentially has a medico legal thread. Her ability to assimilate vast amounts of technical information and medical evidence without losing sight of the key issues is well recognised. Sara is well respected for the quality of her court performance and her robust advocacy when necessary. She is a dedicated barrister who can be relied upon to proceed in a proactive manner, providing straightforward advice at every stage. Sara endeavours to build a productive working relationship with both lay and professional clients, of particular importance in long running cases. To that end she is available at short notice and out of hours to discuss matters and to provide advice.

FAMILY

Sara has vast experience in public law at all levels - County Court, High Court and Court of Appeal - acting for parents and guardians. She regularly undertakes cases involving the most serious types of non-accidental injury and those with complex psychiatric issues such as FII. Prior to coming to the Bar, Sara was a neuropsychologist, undertaking both clinical and research work, therefore has particular interest and expertise in matters involving complex medical evidence, mental health issues, problems associated with addiction and cognitive impairment.

She also acts in Section 8, Children Act 1989matters, especially those involving serious allegations, on behalf of parents, grandparents and children.

Sara is also known for her ability to engage those with complex problems and her commitment to ensuring their rights are properly recognised, indeed she remains committed to representing those who are most vulnerable.

REGULATORY

Sara frequently prosecutes doctors on behalf of the General Medical Council, conducting complex Fitness To Practice hearings on a regular basis, some of which have attracted considerable media interest. She has undertaken a wide range of matters from cases of serious misconduct, including sexual misconduct and dishonesty, to those involving clinical performance issues which have resulted in the death of patients. She also appears in Review hearings and acts in an advisory capacity.

Instructions in all disciplinary and regulatory matters are welcomed.

INQUESTS

Sara has valuable judicial experience, regularly sitting as Deputy Coroner for the City of Manchester and has experience in all matters arising out of Inquest hearings. Sara has conducted Court hearings on behalf of interested persons across a broad spectrum and brings particular expertise to proceedings.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information please contact Daniel Fantham, Senior Family Clerk, 0161 955 5161 or Junior Family Clerk, Peadar McKinstry 0161 955 5104.