Sarah Fairbairn

Year of Call: 2017

Sarah specialises in criminal defence and accepts instructions across the full spectrum of criminal offences.

Our specialist clerks can be contacted by email on clerks@5sah.co.uk or phone on 020 7332 5400. To contact our Chambers Director directly in relation to a specific members’ practice, please email dscothern@5sah.co.uk

Overview

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."

Client Testimonials

"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."

Client Testimonials

Additional information

Education

  • BPP Law School - BPTC - Outstanding.
  • University of Leeds - Law with Australian Legal Studies (LLB) – 2:1.

Awards

  • BPP Law School Leeds Advanced Criminal Litigation award.
  • BPP Law School Leeds Outstanding Contribution to Pro Bono award. 

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.

“Sarah was thoroughly prepared for the case and in court was very impressive. Her professionalism apart, Sarah was also very friendly and approachable.”

Feedback from a lay client where, following legal arguments, the prosecution offered no evidence on the day of trial.

Professional Memberships

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

Cases of Note

CRIME - DEFENCE

R v P (2023) Kingston Crown Court

Instructed as led junior to represent P, charged with murder.

R v M (2022) Croydon Crown Court

Instructed as led junior to represent M, charged with drug supply offences involving Encrochat evidence.

R v A – 2022 – Croydon Crown Court

Instructed to represent A, charged with Possession with Intent to Supply drugs. A accepted possession of a large quantity of cannabis but argued he had bulk bought during lockdown. Jury acquitted unanimously after just 20 minutes of deliberation.

R v R – 2020 – St Albans Crown Court

Instructed to represent R, charged with aggravated burglary and wounding with intent.

R v P – 2020 – Huntingdon Crown Court

Defended a man of good character, charged with ABH and 2 batteries against his wife, successfully arguing self-defence.

R v B – 2019 – Kingston Crown Court

Successful defence of a man charged with assaulting a police officer and a racially aggravated public order offence against an Uber driver, both of which were captured on CCTV.