‘Sally has excellent forensic analysis of the evidence and the relevant law. She is hard-working and thoughtful, with great communication skills. She has the ear of the judge and is eloquent but down-to-earth, sensible yet creative, and judges respond to her very well.’
Legal 500, 2024

Experience

Year of Call: 1989

Education

BA (Hons) French Birmingham University
CPE (Central London)

Languages

French, German

Appointments

Family Law Bar Association Committee 2007-2010

Profile

Sally is regularly instructed to represent parents, local authorities and children’s guardians in complex care proceedings involving child fatalities, significant injuries or serious abuse. She has a particularly in depth experience of care proceedings where there are parallel criminal proceedings and has over recent months been increasingly instructed in a number of high profile cases involving reporting restricting orders.

Sally is often instructed in cases with complex medical issues and was recently instructed in a high profile medical case where a mother was resisting chemotherapy for her son which attracted considerable publicity.


Sally had a highly successful criminal practice up to 2006 when she decided to focus solely on her family work. Her criminal background has provided her with the specialist forensic and advocacy skills required in complex care cases.

Sally regularly advises local authorities on policy issues.

In Court of Protection matters she is regularly instructed by local authorities, family members and Deputies in matters of both finance and welfare.

Professional Memberships

Family Law Bar Association
Association of Lawyers for Children
Criminal Bar Association
Liberty
Affiliate Member of Resolution

Directories

“She is a fantastic barrister, who is sensitive to her client’s needs, empathetic and a pleasure to instruct.”

“She leaves no stone unturned when challenging the evidence, and is a force to be reckoned with on her feet.”

“Lovely to spend time with as she carefully and effectively plots her case.”
Chambers and Partners, 2024

‘Sally has excellent forensic analysis of the evidence and the relevant law. She is hard-working and thoughtful, with great communication skills. She has the ear of the judge and is eloquent but down-to-earth, sensible yet creative, and judges respond to her very well.’
Legal 500, 2024

“Likeable, friendly and someone with a good knowledge of the law, she’s well prepared and always available for a chat about a case whether it is one she’s been instructed on or not.”
“She’s brilliant with clients – fair but firm, she makes them feel understood and listened to. She’s calm and clear in court too.”
Chambers and Partners, 2023

‘Sally has an in depth knowledge of the law, and her preparation is extremely through, and the quality of her written documents is superb. She is approachable and always relates to clients well. Her advocacy is brilliant.’
Legal 500, 2023

“An experienced senior junior who is approachable and well liked by clients. She can handle all levels of work.” “She works incredibly hard and deals with clients in an empathetic way.” “She does not shy away from asking difficult questions and probing the evidence in fact-finding matters.”
Chambers & Partners, 2022

Sally is a phenomenal advocate. Incisive, incredibly intelligent and tremendous in court, she also demonstrates superb client care.’
Legal 500, 2022

Specialises in complex public law children issues involving serious abuse and injury. She acts on behalf of parents, children and local authorities and has particular experience in matters with concurrent criminal proceedings, having previously practised criminal law herself.

Strengths: “Sally is a compassionate and focused advocate.” “Humble and accessible, she deals with the most complicated cases.” “Experienced, confident and has a good sense of humour, which is important in this line of work.”
Chambers & Partners, 2021

‘Has an unshakable calm, an insightful brain and excellent client management.’
Legal 500, 2021


Specialises in complex public law children issues involving serious abuse and injury. She acts on behalf of parents, children and local authorities and has particular experience in matters with concurrent criminal proceedings, having previously practised criminal law herself.

Strengths: “She’s knowledgable about the law, and a firm, thorough advocate. You know she’s going to put the client’s case across accurately.”
Chambers & Partners 2020

‘A persuasive advocate who is also empathetic with clients.’
Legal 500, 2020

Specialises in complex public law children issues involving serious abuse and injury. She acts on behalf of parents, children and local authorities and has particular experience in matters with concurrent criminal proceedings, having previously practised criminal law herself.
Strengths: “You know she’ll do a case beautifully, transparently and professionally. She’s a brilliant cross-examiner.”
Chambers & Partners 2019

‘Has a very loyal client following, no doubt due to the incredible attention she gives to each case.’
Legal 500, 2019

Specialises in complex public law children issues involving serious abuse and injury. She acts on behalf of parents, children and local authorities and has particular experience in matters with concurrent criminal proceedings, having previously practised criminal law herself.

Strengths: “When you’re dealing with really complex care cases involving vulnerable people, families and children who may not be able to return to their parents, you need someone who can be extremely child-focused and think carefully and pragmatically about the issues. That’s what she does.”
Chambers & Partners 2018

‘Her knowledge is unmatched.’
Legal 500, 2017

‘Very good with vulnerable clients.
Legal 500, 2016

23/04/21
[2021] EWHC 1121 (Fam) (23 April 2021)
29/09/15
[2015] EWCA Civ 991
11/06/15
[2015] EWHC 1709 (Fam)
12/08/14
[2014] EWCA Civ 1303