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Sarah Holmes-Willis

Year of Call:

1999

Education:   

St Thomas More RC Comprehensive School.
BA Hons European Politics & French, Dunelm.
Post Graduate Dip. Law, University of Northumbria.
BVC University of Northumbria.
Middle Temple Jackson Prize for Family Law 1999
Middle Temple State School Prize 1999

Career:   

Called to the Bar 1999, Middle Temple
Pupillage 1999/2000 (Family, Employment & Crime), Trinity Chambers, Newcastle.
Advocacy Practitioner-Trainer, BVC, University of Northumbria 2000-2003.
Member FLBA
Member ILPA
Member Lawyers for Children,
Member of Resolution
Family Law Bar Association EM Committee 2005-2006
Family Law Bar Association NEC Committee 2005 -
Bar Council & BSB Equality and Diversity Committee Review Group 2008 - 
Pupil Supervisor

Profile:

Sarah Holmes-Willis is an experienced family practitioner dealing in all aspects of private and public law representing Parents, Guardians and Local Authorities. As well as her strong advocacy, she is renowned for her excellent client care and is able to deal with clients from all walks of life with empathy, while delivering clear and objective advice on the way forward.

In public law cases Sarah is often instructed in care proceedings involving allegations of physical and sexual abuse, complex forensic and medical evidence and perpetrator hearings. Her expertise in immigration law means that Sarah is called upon to act and give comprehensive advice in family cases with an immigration or international element in the High Court, particularly on behalf of Guardians. Sarah trains Social Workers and other expert /professional witnesses in new legal developments, child protection issues & court skills and has devised bespoke courses for clients such as local NHS Trusts and Local Authorities.

In the private law sphere Sarah is frequently instructed in contact and residence disputes, particularly those that involve serious allegations of violence and abuse and require findings of fact. She  is an  able focused and experienced negotiator whose conflict resolution skills enable her to both take “the heat” out a case and establish a way forward.  Her immigration expertise is a great benefit in cases with an immigration or international aspect. Sarah’s clarity of advice and strong negotiation skills have led to a growing practice in ancillary relief proceedings.

For further details please contact Claudine Cooper on 0113 245 1841.