Overview
Louise was called to the bar in 2004 and joined KCH Garden Square upon successful completion of her pupillage the following year. She joined St Ives as a tenant in September 2024.
Whilst initially practicing in all areas of law, Louise has specialised exclusively in family law since 2009. By having such a diverse practice background, Louise has the unique skills to be able to understand and appreciate how the different areas of law can intersect.
Louise has considerable experience of public law and private law Children Act proceedings with a particular emphasis on complex finding of fact hearings (including the death of children) where she acts on behalf of all parties and regularly cross-examines paediatricians, radiologists, psychiatrists, psychologists and other expert witnesses on many issues.
She acts for local authorities, parents and children and is often sought out to represent the most vulnerable of clients, particularly those with issues with regards to capacity. Louise has acted for many competent children and has considerable ability to explain complex issues and explore emotional and distressing matters with young people.
Qualifications
University of Leicester (International Law) LLB
Nottingham Law School BVC
Recommendations
Legal 500 2024 – Family: Children & Domestic Violence Ranked: Tier 3
Legal 500 2023 – Child Law (Public and Private) Ranked: Tier 3
“Louise is an effective communicator and keeps instructing solicitors and clients updated. She has always accommodated hearings … knowing that continuity of counsel is important and very much appreciated by the client and other advocates in the matter. She always remains calm, which is always much appreciated when dealing with a complex matter.”
Legal 500 2022 – Child Law (Public and Private) Ranked: Tier 3
“Louise is very good with the clients. She is extremely knowledgeable, has a lovely approach and provides clear feedback after hearings in a timely way. She is very accommodating.”
Appointments
Direct access qualified.
Memberships
Family Law Bar Association
Midland Bar
Resolution
Nottingham Law Society
Reported Cases
- H and Others (Children) (Fact Finding: Rib Fractures) [2021] EWHC 2041 (Fam)
- XX, YY and Child H (Rev1) [2022] EWFC 10
- Nottingham City Council v The Mother & Ors [2022] EWHC 2334 (Fam)
- Derbyshire County Council v AA & Ors [2022] EWHC 3404 (Fam)
- Derbyshire County Council v The Mother & Ors [2023] EWHC 2552 (Fam)
- Nottinghamshire County Council v Mother & Ors [2023] EWHC 3512 (Fam)
- X (Secure Accommodation: Lack of Provision) [2023] EWHC 129 (Fam)
Privacy Notice
Click here to view the Privacy Notice for Louise Sapstead.