Sarah Jane Lenihan

Partner
"She is very calm and has a strong relationship with both clients and Chambers"Legal 500 2022

Profile

Sarah Jane strives to achieve the best possible outcome for all her clients.  She is a firm believer in negotiating client-focused amicable settlements, where possible, but has a strong and robust approach to court litigation if required. She tailors her approach to each individual, allowing the client to be in control of the way that their case is conducted, offering legal expertise that is bespoke and flexible to her client’s needs. Sarah Jane cannot promise the journey will be easy, but she will ensure it is easier with her in your corner.

She has far-reaching experience in family law, specialising in financial remedies and private law children matters, often with significant allegations of abuse.

Widely regarded for her expertise in complex cases, Sarah Jane has extensive experience in challenging and emotionally charged matters involving allegations of domestic abuse, parental alienation and safeguarding issues. She is also known for her work advising individuals with substantial income and assets with complex international elements, and a variety of financial, business, and trust structures.

Sarah Jane’s key strengths in practice come from her robust, quick-thinking and technical approach combined with the ability to build a rapport with vulnerable, and often very distressed clients.

She is a member of Resolution (active in the London Resolution Committee as well as being the EDI champion for the area) and is frequently chosen for her empathy and experience in supporting victims of abuse. However, whilst a skilful negotiator, she is not afraid to litigate hard to ensure the safety of her clients and their families.

Sarah Jane was recognised by The Legal 500 2024 as a ‘Leading Individual’  given the combination of technical complexity and emotionally challenging matters she undertakes. Her outstanding sector expertise is demonstrated by her Family Law Advanced Accreditation from The Law Society, demonstrating her specialist knowledge in family law with particular expertise in financial remedy and domestic abuse.

You will see Sarah Jane regularly quoted in articles and media including on the radio and television as she is considered an expert in her field. She has appeared on London Live, Channel 5, GMB news and TalkRadio on several occasions to give her view on topical subjects such as divorce rates, pensions and Islamic law. In addition Sarah Jane has had articles published in the Family Law Journal, Solicitors Journal and the Resolution magazine available to members, The Review. She is also part of the Financial Remedy journal blog team and you will find regular blogs on the latest hot topics published by her; she regularly presents webinars for peers on domestic abuse, pensions and separation of cohabitants.

Sarah Jane is committed not just to the work she does at Dawson Cornwell but also in helping those who are unable to afford legal representation by volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau and as a member of the Resolution Litigants in Person working committee whereby she played a key part in preparing materials available to the public to assist them whilst self-representing.

Awards & Recognitions
  • Winner of the Citywealth Future Leaders Family Lawyer of the Year - Partner Gold Award 2023
  • Shortlisted for the Resolution Equality Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award 2023

 

Rankings

Leading Individual
Sarah Jane Lenihan concentrates on financial remedies and private law children cases. "Sarah Jane Lenihan is a financial remedies expert."
Legal 500 2024

Leading Individual
Described as a “legal force of nature”.
Legal 500 2023

Leading Individual
“Sarah Jane Lenihan – fantastic! Down to earth and extremely approachable. Clients love her!”
‘Sarah Jane Lenihan is  very impressive. She is down to earth, efficient, accessible and a pleasure to work with. She really cares about her clients and achieving the best possible outcome for them, but is not afraid to give practical and commercial advice”.
“...I have worked closely with Sarah Jane Lenihan on two particular cases, and she managed to achieve great results for both of her clients”.
“My main experience is with London offices and I have always been very impressed with both the level of work and service given to clients. Sarah Jane Lenihan has always been very efficient and reassuring. She is very calm and has a strong relationship with both clients and Chambers.”
“The standouts include … Sarah Jane Lenihan… brilliant. Efficient, always there for the client and thoroughly prepared. Some of the best that I have worked with. Leaders in the field”.
Legal 500 2022

Leading Individual
“Sarah Jane Lenihan is someone you would definitely want on your side. Experience, diligence, warmth and personality all in one package.”
“The team has a range of skilled practitioners who give their all to their individual clients. Sarah Jane Lenihan is a robust representative. She always fights her client’s corner.”
“Sarah Jane Lenihan is particularly impressive – she does high-quality work and is very efficient and accessible.”
Legal 500 2021

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