Introduction
Ranked as a Leading Silk by the Legal 500 UK Bar Guide, Sara Lewis KC is the Silk of choice for cases involving the most serious types of non-accidental injury, such as those involving significant head trauma and death. She also has considerable experience of acting for those with complex psychiatric issues such as FII.
Appointed as the Head of St Philips Chambers in 2023, Sara is revered for her meticulous preparation, the quality of her court performance and her robust advocacy when necessary. The Legal 500 2024 describe her as: “extremely thorough”, “always impeccably prepared” and “Her courtroom manner is unfaltering, and cross-examination is bespoke and effective.”
Sara is regularly instructed to represent parents and guardians, renowned for her proactive and user-friendly approach, providing plain-speaking and straightforward advice at every stage of a case. Noted by the Legal 500 for being “approachable” and having “an exceptional rapport with clients”, Sara likes to build a productive working relationship with both lay and professional clients.
Prior to coming 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.
Regulatory / Inquests
Sara is a member of Sports Resolutions’ Panel of Arbitrators – Chairpersons List, where she has been appointed to conduct investigations into safeguarding concerns and to hear appeals against disciplinary decisions made by national sporting bodies.
As part of her regulatory and disciplinary practice, Sara was regularly instructed to present cases on behalf of the General Medical Council before The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.
Sara has also been instructed to represent interested persons at Inquests, including bereaved families and Health Authorities. She was Assistant Coroner, Manchester- City: 2009-2018
Reported Cases
- A Local authority v Mother & Ors [2022] EWFC 172
- East Riding of Yorkshire Council v C: Re S (fact finding) (2020) EWFC 71
- Lancashire CC v M, F and C (2020) EWFC 43
- Re Y (Fact Finding) [2018] EWFC B20
- H (A Child) [2018] EWHC 610 (Fam) (07 March 2018)
- Cheshire East Borough Council v PN & Ors (Flawed Local Authority Assessments) [2017] EWFC 20 (03 March 2017)
- Cheshire East Borough Council v PN and Others (Finding of Fact): [2016] EWFC 61 Lancashire County Council v R [2013] EWHC 3064 (Fam)
Education
M.A (Hons)
CPE – Commendation BVC
Accredited Mediator
Appointments and Memberships
Sports Resolutions Panel of Arbitrators – Chairpersons List
FLBA
Inner Temple
Assistant Coroner, Manchester (City) 2009-2018
Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) – 2021
Testimonials
“Sara is an exceptional silk and has a wealth of experience, and she is extremely thorough in her preparation. She has a store of knowledge and is incredibly well thought of and respected in cases involving serious allegations of non-accidental injury. Her courtroom manner is unfaltering, and cross-examination is bespoke and effective.” – Legal 500 2024
“Sara is always impeccably prepared for all her cases. She has an excellent rapport with clients and is extremely approachable. She cross-examines witnesses, particularly experts, with skill and care and is particularly impressive in cases where complex medical analyses are required. She is diligent, hard-working and demonstrates real integrity, and is an extremely impressive advocate.” – Legal 500 2023
“Sara is extremely empathetic, and her client care is second to none. Her written work is of a high quality, and she is particularly skilful in cross-examining witnesses.” – Legal 500 2022
“Very quickly gets to grips with complex medical issues.” – Legal 500
“A vigorous advocate in court; clients like her.” – Legal 500
“Regularly handles care cases where there are concerns over the mental wellbeing of parents.” – Legal 500
“Singled out for childcare matters.” – Legal 500
“Sara Lewis commended for childcare work.” – Legal 500
“An incredibly hard-working barrister who strives to do all that she can to put the best interests of her clients forward, no matter how hard the battle may be. A dedicated barrister who can be relied on for her honest and expert advice.” – Instructing Solicitor
