Sapna Shah > 33 Bedford Row > London, England > Barrister Profile

Sapna Shah

Position

Sapna is a family law barrister of 15 years’ experience specialising in aspects of private children law and financial relief.  She is Resolution-accredited.

Sapna combines her deep knowledge of the law with a key ability to get to the root of problems. She is able quickly to gain her clients’ confidence by being approachable and sensitive. Clients comment often that Sapna is a good listener and is able to explain complex issues clearly to them.

Sapna is driven to constantly look for innovative ways to secure outcomes in her clients’ best interests, which might involve thinking outside the box. If disputes do reach court hearings, she will fearlessly advance her client’s case. She has been described recently by an opponent as “simply brilliant” in her non-hostile approach to skilfully settling a serious matter without taking it to final hearing and thereby saving both parties thousands of pounds in legal fees.

She has represented both sides in different disputes (complainant and victim; or higher earners in finance cases), which means she can anticipate arguments and see the other side’s perspective to help resolve disputes.

Sapna is a trained mediator. In any dispute, particularly those involving financial relief, she looks to settle matters before advising clients to go the court route, to save time and money and unnecessary stress. She has well-honed skills in negotiating agreements between the parties in dispute, whether it be to do with contact or with finances.

Sapna has a particular interest in assisting vulnerable adult clients to make sure their voices are heard. She has won praise for advising and representing adults with various mental health conditions to secure the best legal outcomes. She is currently signed up to the vulnerable witness training programme to refine her skills when dealing with vulnerable people.

Career

Sapna advises and takes on cases in the following areas in particular:

• Children Act – s.8 contact/live with/prohibited steps/specific issue/relocation

• Family Law Act – non-molestation hearings

• Fact Find hearings

• Pre- and post-nuptial agreements

• Financial relief

• Acting for special guardians in private Children law matters (after the SGO has been made)

As well as her professional practice, Sapna is looking to build on her charitable activities, particularly helping abused children and vulnerable adults.  She also does pro bono work and has pledged to offer 25 hours this year.

Memberships

Member of Resolution and Family Law Bar Association

Member of Middle Temple

Member of the Pro Bono Unit of the Bar (Advocate)