LAWYER PROFILE

Sarah Richardson

UK 2026

Russell-Cooke

Ranked in 3 practice areas

Family/Children Law: Public Law Matters

UK-wide

3 years ranked

Family/Children Law

London (Firms)

3 years ranked

DEI Champions

UK-wide

2 years ranked

Contributions and articles

1 Articles, Press releases, highlights

About

Provided by Russell-Cooke

UK

Practice Areas

Specialises in cases concerning children including public law care cases and private law cases.

Experienced in issues of parental drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence and or mental health difficulty, child abduction and representing parties forced into marriage.

Sarah has a reputation for being able to tackle a difficult area in a case such as mental health without being phased by the added complexities. An experienced advocate undertaking the majority of her own advocacy. Experienced in representing competent children directly.

Career

Studied at the Royal Melbourne University of Technology having moved to the UK from Australia in 1990. Completed her legal qualifications in the UK whilst working as a case worker and police station representative for a criminal practice. Has specialised in complex children cases for the past 15 years. Been at Russell-Cooke for 10 years and became a partner in 2014.

Professional Memberships

ALC, NAGALRO, Law Society's Children Panel, and Resolution trained mediator.

Personal

Born in Melbourne Australia in 1968. Studied during her teens in the USA for 12 months. Completed her first degree at Royal Melbourne University of Technology. Studied Law at Middlesex Guildhall University and did the LPC at The College of Law, Store Street London.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Family/Children Law - London (Firms)

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Sarah Richardson specialises in children law work and acts as both an advocate and mediator in a range of private cases. This includes disputes over child arrangements orders and contested adoptions.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Family/Children Law: Public Law Matters - UK-wide

Band 1

Individual Editorial

Sarah Richardson is renowned for her work in public children law, which covers a wide spectrum of matters including care proceedings, non-accidental injury cases and adoption disputes. She has further experience in cases with multi-jurisdictional aspects and those with parallel criminal proceedings.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

DEI Champions - UK-wide

Spotlight

Individual Editorial

Sarah Richardson is a family lawyer who specialises in complex cases involving vulnerable adults and children, and is particularly experienced in advising and representing children, parents and family members in difficult and sensitive cases. Sarah is a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel, the Association of Children Lawyers and Resolution. She undertakes committee work, and is a member of the National Public Law Working Groups for Supervision Orders and Adoption. She runs the West London Family Court duty solicitor scheme, a pro bono service where she coordinates 50 participating local solicitors, and is on the working committee for the West London Family Court public information website.

View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Sarah Richardson is a real star. She's a very impressive lawyer.
Family/Children LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
She is very good at explaining the process and helps guide clients to the outcome they are hoping to achieve. Sarah really cares for her clients and this really makes a difference.
Family/Children LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Sarah Richardson is particularly outstanding when it comes to representing children. She's calm and reasonable without ever sacrificing her clients' interests.
Family/Children LawChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Sarah is a top-class solicitor, well respected by peers and judges. She has sound understanding of the law, really promotes her clients' interests and gives realistic advice.
Family/Children Law: Public Law MattersChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Her cases are meticulously prepared and she works collaboratively with counsel, bringing her years of experience and intelligence to each matter.
Family/Children Law: Public Law MattersChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Sarah has a wealth of knowledge and experience. She has always thought of everything and is courageous in her approach. I cannot speak highly enough of her - an absolutely stellar practitioner.
Family/Children Law: Public Law MattersChambers Guide to the Legal Profession