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Sarah Taylor accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ core practice areas, with particular interest in police law, inquests and inquiries, and public and administrative law.
Sarah joined 5 Essex Chambers in April 2022, having developed a mixed practice with a particular focus on criminal law in other chambers, building a strong reputation as a firm but sympathetic advocate. Sarah is now utilising her expertise in criminal law combined with an academic background in human rights law in the core areas of work at 5 Essex Chambers.
In particular, Sarah is well-placed to represent and/or advise police forces and public authorities on:
As part of the Attorney General’s Junior Junior Scheme, Sarah has worked on the Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry and a claim against HM Government by thirty-three Cypriots who claimed they were tortured by British forces during an armed uprising in the late 1950s.
Sarah has significant experience in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in addition to numerous successes as prosecution and defence counsel in Crown Court trials. Both her skilful cross-examination style and her persuasive advocacy in legal applications have been remarked upon by members of the judiciary Sarah has appeared before.
Sarah was ranked in The Legal 500 2021 and 2022 as Tier 1 Rising Star in Crime. Legal 500 testimonials:
2021: “Sarah combines an exemplary academic understanding of the law with authoritative and effective advocacy. She is committed to every case and is rigorous in exploring the client’s available options. She is also prepared to think beyond the obvious, and explore complex and novel points of law. In addition, she has an excellent way with clients, including clients with mental health issues and other vulnerabilities. Bringing together these qualities with a sensible understanding of the complexities of life and human behaviour make her a very powerful advocate indeed.”
2022: ‘Sarah is a compelling advocate, who is highly committed to achieving the best outcome for her client.’
Before coming to the Bar, Sarah worked as a Research Assistant at the Law Commission of England and Wales, under Professor David Ormerod QC. Sarah worked primarily on reform of the offences of misconduct in public office, kidnapping and child abduction.
Sarah has an LLM in Human Rights Law (distinction) from the University of Nottingham, where her thesis focussed on the deprivation of liberty of those who lack capacity to consent, and an LLB from the University of Reading (first class). She also obtained ‘Very Competent’ on the BPTC at Kaplan Law School.
Sarah Taylor appeared on behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service at the inquest touching the…
Discover more5 Essex Chambers is delighted to welcome Sarah Taylor who joins Chambers today. Prior to…
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Instructing Sarah
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“Sarah combines an exemplary academic understanding of the law with authoritative and effective advocacy. She is committed to every case and is rigorous in exploring the client’s available options. She is also prepared to think beyond the obvious, and explore complex and novel points of law. In addition, she has an excellent way with clients, including clients with mental health issues and other vulnerabilities. Bringing together these qualities with a sensible understanding of the complexities of life and human behaviour make her a very powerful advocate indeed.”
‘Sarah is a compelling advocate, who is highly committed to achieving the best outcome for her client.’
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