As the head of the Birmingham and Bristol Private Wealth teams, Sarah’s skills and experience enable her to advise effectively on complex family and financial circumstances, while also offering an efficient and friendly service.
Having started her legal career at the Office of the Supervision of Solicitors at the Law Society in 2001 dealing with complaints about solicitors, Sarah’s career has seen her deal with all aspects of private client law, from advising clients on wills, power of attorneys and estate planning, to the constitution or winding up of nil rate band discretionary trusts and deeds of variation.
Sarah regularly administers high value estates which include foreign, business and agricultural assets and advises on the associated Inheritance Tax reliefs. She has also dealt with insolvent estates and complex intestacies.
Clients appreciate Sarah’s manner- it’s straightforward, uncomplicated and personable. She maintains several well-established clients whose trust, loyalty and willingness to recommend her speak for itself.
Sarah is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) having obtained full membership in 2011. She has been named as an ‘Associate to Watch’ then ‘Up and Coming’ in the Chambers HNW guide since 2020.
Client feedback
“Sarah Cairns is a powerhouse … she is the linchpin of the team and is a shining example for junior colleagues. She is always generous with her time, takes the time to put clients at ease and can cut through complex legal problems whilst making it look easy!” – Chambers and Partners 2024
“Sarah is a technically minded lawyer with an ability to speak to clients at a level where they too can understand the difficult concepts at play.” – Chambers and Partners 2025
“Sarah always provides a five-star service. She has a detailed approach to all matters and offers timely responses. She is a breath of fresh air.” – Chambers and Partners 2025
“I receive outstanding service from Sarah Cairns. She is consistently empathetic and understanding of my circumstances.” – Chambers and Partners 2025