Member Profile
Sarah Williams
Partner | Payne Hicks Beach
Office Location: England and Wales
Professional Biography
Sarah is a Partner in the Family Department and has a focus on children and modern family law for HNW and UHNW clients. She is highly ranked in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 and was an integral member of the team which won Family Law Team of the Year at the Chambers High Net Worth Awards 2024. She is recognised in the directories as being “very much at the cutting edge of case law with phenomenal client care”, having an “encyclopaedic knowledge of the law”, a "stand out individual" and “being one of the most highly respected lawyers". She is also recognised in Tatler's Address Book Advisory, a trusted network of influential lawyers at the pinnacle of their professional and the skill set to advise HNW and UHNW clients. Sarah is influential at national policy level; being elected to the Bar Council of England & Wales and sitting on the National Committee of the Family Law Bar Association. Sarah advises on complex, ultra-high net worth, high profile, multi-party sensitive children law matters with serious welfare considerations including, domestic abuse, coercive controlling behaviour, high-conflict disputes, alienating behaviours, international abduction, international and domestic relocation of children and health and welfare disputes concerning vulnerable individuals. She is also a leading authority on surrogacy, adoption and fertility law. Sarah is adept at applying for emergency relief as well as being known for her stamina and client care on long running, highly contentious cases. She advocates discreet alternative dispute resolution where possible.
Question : What drew you to specialise in private client law/ wealth advisory?
Answer: Finding a creative, bespoke solution
Question : For lawyers entering private client law, what are key skills you think are essential?
Answer: Listening to the clients and finding bespoke solutions to fit their particular needs
Question : With the evolving landscape of the private client world, what are recent trends or shifts you are excited to explore?
Answer: Pushing the frontiers of ADR and advising clients who are increasingly mobile globally
Question : Where is your favourite place to take a peer for a cocktail or coffee?
Answer: Claridges