5 Essex Chambers

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 now utilises her expertise in criminal law combined with an academic background in human rights law in the core areas of work at 5 Essex Chambers.

Sarah is well-placed to represent and/or advise police forces and public authorities on:

• civil claims relating to use of police powers
• judicial review
• inquests
• police misconduct and discipline
• police operational and policy matters
• data protection and information law
• complex applications in the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts for behaviour and forfeiture orders
• firearms licensing

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.