5 St Andrews Hill

Sarah specialises in criminal defence and accepts instructions in related areas.

Sarah practises in all areas of criminal defence. She has developed a busy Crown Court practice, spanning a wide range of offences including murder, drugs, dishonesty, violence and sexual offences.

Here is what some of those who have worked with Sarah have to say about her:

“Miss Fairbairn seems naturally able from the outset to follow the correct approach with clients and to deliver excellent advice in the most suitable manner to achieve the best possible outcome for them. She has further proven to have a knack for spotting weak areas in the opposition’s case and to be a talented negotiator. Whenever I have the good fortune of instructing Miss Fairbairn, I can be assured of a great result, whatever the circumstances.”

“I was extremely taken by Miss Fairbairn’s excellent Court manner. It was abundantly clear to me that Miss Fairbairn had an excellent grasp of the evidence. Miss Fairbairn is very obviously highly articulate and exceptionally engaging.”

Called to the Bar 2017

Criminal Defence

Sarah is a specialist criminal defence practitioner who accepts instructions across the spectrum of criminal offences, as a led junior and junior alone. Sarah has developed a busy Crown Court practice where she has been praised for her calm manner and persuasive advocacy.

Sarah has been instructed in cases defending in a wide range of criminal offences including murder, rape and large-scale drug supply offences. She has experience in dealing with complex expert evidence, including cell-site evidence and DNA evidence.

Sarah has completed the Just for Kids Law Youth Justice Course and the Vulnerable Witness Training. She is experienced in representing vulnerable defendants in the adult and youth courts, as well as defending in cases which involve the cross-examination of vulnerable witnesses. Sarah has experience in dealing with cases where defendants have been exploited and successfully argued a defence under s45 of the Modern Slavery Act.

Sarah accepts instructions in the Magistrates’ Court on a privately funded basis, particularly in respect of driving matters and has successfully defended a number of individuals in such matters.

Criminal Bar Association Inner Temple Women in Criminal Law Young Legal Aid Lawyers

BPP Law School - BPTC - Outstanding. University of Leeds - Law with Australian Legal Studies (LLB) – 2:1. BPP Law School Leeds Advanced Criminal Litigation award. BPP Law School Leeds Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono award.