Introduction

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.

In any dispute, particularly those involving financial relief, Sapna 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 has recently completed the vulnerable witness training programme to refine her skills when dealing with vulnerable people.

Profile

Sapna qualified as a solicitor-advocate in 1998. She ran her own firm specialising in criminal defence from 2000 to 2010, during which time she conducted several jury trials

She returned to the Bar in 2011 , working in-house for a firm of solicitors as a specialist family lawyer. In that capacity, she ran many cases from start to finish on her own. She is comfortable taking cases through from beginning to end, which makes her ideally placed to take on direct access clients.

 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.

Outside of work, Sapna maintains her fitness and well-being through boxing training, good nutrition and meditation. She loves animals and, in her dreams, would work as a ranger in the Serengeti.

She is fluent in Gujarati and has conversational French.

Testimonials

• “Sapna is very intelligent and experienced so quickly gets to grips with each situation and is committed to resolving matters professionally and thoroughly in the most cost-effective way. Her calm and confident demeanour put me at ease from the start and her unique ability to simplify the complexities and pragmatic solutions in clear language (not legal jargon) left me feeling that I was in control of the process. Highly recommended without reservations” – Civil, debt

• “Sapna's professional and no-nonsense approach to my case was a breath of fresh air. She applied legal knowledge where required, a sympathetic ear when I needed it and brought me back in line when needed. Her formidable strength combined with humanity had made this hard process much easier and I am so glad I have Sapna fighting on my side” – Family law client – finance  

• “I highly recommend Sapna Shah, an experienced professional who is not just able to be a legal representative but also has the ability to summarise through the client’s complex emotions and communicate effectively. Sapna will always put her client's best interest first, she will be direct and transparent;  highlighting all the different scenarios that could take place throughout the divorce proceedings. Sapna's work ethics are impeccable; she will not want for her client to spend/waste time and money on unnecessary matters. From my experience, working with Sapna was very straightforward. She is extremely hardworking; her approach is honest and thorough.” Family – finance

Memberships

Member of Resolution and Family Law Bar Association

Resolution-accredited specialist in children law and advocacy

Member of Middle Temple

Member of the Pro Bono Unit of the Bar

Languages

She is fluent in Gujarati and has conversational French

Direct Access

Sapna is accredited to accept work under direct access in suitable cases. In order to instruct Sapna on a direct access basis, contact the clerks on +44 (0) 20 7242 6476 or at clerks@33br.co.uk.