Sarah Benson

Sarah transferred to the Bar after practicing family law on Teesside as a Chartered Legal Executive for 12 years. Sarah qualified as a Member of the Institute of Legal Executives in October 2008 and as a Fellow in November 2011. Sarah was awarded her CILEx Higher Rights Advocacy qualification in 2014 and obtained specialist Children’s Panel accreditation in 2017. 

Throughout her time as a family lawyer Sarah has represented parties in both private and public law matters but now practices exclusively in public law. Her practice involves regular instruction from Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and children (either represented directly or through their Children’s Guardian) and encompasses all aspects of care work. Sarah is frequently instructed in cases involving serious criminal behaviour, sexual abuse and non-accidental injury. 

Sarah is known for combining thorough case preparation and determined advocacy with a down to earth attitude which immediately puts clients at ease. 

Being a transferring lawyer has not only given Sarah the ability to manage client expectations from the outset, it has also given her a full understanding of the demands often placed upon those instructing her. This experience enables Sarah to provide a holistic approach to her representation and as a result she is frequently instructed to represent clients throughout the currency of proceedings, seeing a case through from the first hearing through to final determination. 

RE: B – successfully represented an applicant father over a 2-day fact find hearing where allegations of rape, threats to kill and domestic abuse were made. All allegations against the father were dismissed. 

RE: P – successfully obtained increased direct contact for a respondent father in care proceedings, against the recommendation of both the Local Authority and a court appointed expert.