Overview
Sam has a busy practice and accepts instructions over the broad spectrum of family law litigation, including in public and private children law, family law injunctions, and financial remedy proceedings. Sam prides himself on the thorough way he prepares a case, meaning he is able to swiftly get to the heart of the issues and provide clear and practical advice to his clients. Sam is well known for his personable and reassuring manner, as well as his tenacious approach in the cross-examination of a witness and ability to make persuasive submissions on behalf of his clients.
Within his public law children practice, Sam has represented clients throughout the midlands region, whether they be local authorities, parents, or guardians. Sam is experienced across the full range of public-law hearings, from interim removal and case management hearings, to multi-day finding of fact or final hearings. Sam has worked extensively on cases involving allegations of child-neglect, domestic abuse, drug or alcohol misuse, mental health concerns, among other safeguarding issues. Sam has also been instructed in a number of cases where alleged non-accidental injury has been a central issue in the proceedings. He has experience in cases where his clients are particularly vulnerable or require the assistance of an intermediary.
Within private law children proceedings, Sam is regularly sought out to represent parents and 16.4 Guardians. Sam has widespread experience of cases involving complex disputes about child arrangements, and allegations of parental alienation. Sam also appears in multi-day finding of fact hearings involving serious allegations of domestic abuse, including allegations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and coercive and controlling behaviour. Sam has also represented clients in applications for internal or international relocation. He well known for his composed and strong approach when representing his clients.
In his financial remedy practice, Sam conducts hearings from first hearings, through to FDRs and final hearings. Sam is committed to achieving the best results for his clients, whether that be via providing clear legal and tactical advice to achieve a negotiated outcome, or making robust submissions to persuade the court in favour of his client’s position.
Sam has previous experience in a range of civil matters, particularly on the small claims track. Sam is now developing his housing practice, and is pleased to accept instructions in possession proceedings, injunctions, and disrepair claims (among other housing matters).
Prior to being called to the Bar, Sam worked within a capital defence firm in the United States, representing clients faced with the death penalty. In this work, Sam assisted in the drafting detailed mitigation submissions which helped to persuade a District Attorney not to seek the death sentence in respect of one of his clients.
Sam also worked as a volunteer in west-Africa, setting up a human rights project in Burkina Faso with the United Nations Association of International Service. To this end, Sam lived with and worked alongside local people to deliver projects aimed at combatting FGM.
Outside of work, Sam enjoys theatre (and has performed in a sketch show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival). He also enjoys playing golf, tennis and is part of a local football team.
Qualifications
University of Nottingham – Law LLB
BPP University – Legal Practice LLM/BPTC (Distinction)
Awards
Middle Temple Hubert Monroe Scholarship
BPP Advocacy Scholarship
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