
Sarah Barber
Barrister
Date of Call: 2018
Barrister profile
Sarah was called to the Bar in 2018 after obtaining a ‘Very Competent’ grade on the BPTC.
Sarah joined chambers in 2020 after the successful completion of pupillage within chambers.
Prior to pupillage, Sarah provided assistance to solicitors in child law matters, working as a Paralegal for a Local Authority and then for a local firm of solicitors, specialising in child care law. Sarah has also held voluntary positions with both the National Centre for Domestic Violence and the Witness Service in the Magistrates’ Court.
Expertise
Family: Care & Children
During Pupillage Sarah has regularly represented Applicants and Respondents in private family law matters in applications for Child Arrangements Orders (Live With and Spend Time With), Prohibited Steps Orders and Specific Issue Orders. On a number of occasions Sarah has assisted parties in coming to agreements on the terms of final orders and on others has successfully obtained orders for clients at a contested final hearing.
Domestic violence & injunctions
Sarah has experience in acting for both Applicants and Respondents in matters under the Family Law Act, successfully obtaining Occupation and Non-Molestation Orders for vulnerable applicants. Prior to joining chambers, Sarah volunteered with the National Centre for Domestic Violence, preparing witness statements for use in ex-parte applications. Sarah can therefore also assist with the drafting of applications.
Public Law / Care and Adoption Proceedings
Sarah accepts instructions from all parties to care proceedings. Prior to joining chambers, Sarah had a wealth of experience in this area of law, having regularly represented clients at pre-proceedings (PLO) meetings with Children’s Services across Hampshire, Surrey and Wiltshire. During pupillage, Sarah gained further experience dealing with contested interim placement hearings and Interim Care Order applications, and has successfully opposed the making of Secure Accommodation Orders on behalf of a parent. Sarah is also able to assist extended family members in applying for special guardianship.
Family: Finance
Sarah has had significant exposure to matrimonial and financial work during her pupillage and is able to take instructions from Applicants and Respondents in financial remedy proceedings on divorce or dissolution of a civil partnership.
Chancery and Commercial
During pupillage, Sarah has acted for both Claimants and Defendants in Small Claims and Fast Track trials, primarily dealing with road traffic accidents and claims for damages and personal injury arising from the same. Sarah continues of accept instructions in this area of law.
Employment & Discrimination
Sarah has undertaken a significant amount of pro bono work during her pupillage and this has encompassed a number of Employment law advices and instances of representation for vulnerable lay clients. Sarah has advised on constructive and unfair dismissal, harassment, disability and other discrimination, time limits and remedy. Sarah continues to accept instructions in this area of law.
No 18 Resolution
Qualifications
- 2:1 Undergraduate Law Degree from University of Southampton
- Very Competent BPTC
Awards
- Lincoln’s Inn Cassell Scholar (2017-18)
- University of Southampton Academic Scholarship (2013-16)
Personal Info
Sarah enjoys keeping fit and goes kickboxing on a regular basis. She also enjoys watching women’s football and travelling abroad.
News
- Not liking your in-laws is one thing, but poisoning them is quite another
- No.18 Chambers Welcomes New Tenant – Sarah Barber (2018)
- Mother successfully appeals removal of children under ICOs in Re N (Children) [2020] EWCA Civ 1070
- Re Y – What are the Local Authority’s powers to change the nationality of children in care?
- ‘Self-employed’ hairdresser ruled an employee by the Manchester Employment Tribunal
- Guidance issued by Mrs Justice Theis :Practice Guidance on Service of Part 4 Family Law Act 1996 applications, orders and notification to the police: Pilot Practice Direction 36U
- Local Authority’s application to withdraw proceedings in GC v A County Council and Ors successfully appealed by the Children’s Guardian
- Lancashire CC v M – The latest coronavirus adjournment application
- STOP PRESS: Re S (Vulnerable Parent: Intermediary) – Court of Appeal considers the impact of remote and hybrid hearings on vulnerable parents
- Hybrid Hearing’ with remote attendance of advocates is not a breach of Article 6 – Re C (Children: Covid-19: Representation)
- STOP PRESS: Latest Report from the President of the Family Division anticipates Family Courts fully reopening by July
- STOP PRESS – Committee stage of the Domestic Abuse Bill to be completed this month
- New guidance for employers and furloughed workers regarding holiday entitlement
- No.18 Chambers welcomes New Pupil Sarah Barber