Sarah Clarke KC

Professional Discipline & Regulatory

experience & expertise

Sarah’s background in criminal law makes her an obvious choice for cases involving allegations of fraud or sexual assault. Sarah is also used to dealing with vulnerable witnesses and defendants and is a member of the Rook Working Group and the ICCA’s “Advocate’s Gateway”.  She is particularly experienced at dealing with clients with Mental Health and Wellbeing issues.

Examples of work are as follows:

• BSB v Rodger: Serious harassment allegations.
• University X v A: Representing University student in civil and disciplinary proceedings.
• GMC v Dr Waters: Representing Consultant Gynaecologist in case involving serious dishonesty allegations.
• Re Y: Representing Senior Partner of a City Law Firm in SRA investigation into dishonesty allegations.
• Instructed by the Director of Service Prosecutions to advise on and prosecute high-profile case involving allegations of rape and violence within a relationship between two Army Captains. Court Martial proceedings.
• Representing a doctor charged with sexual assault on a hospital nurse.
• Representing a GP charged with sexual assault on a number of patients.
• Representing a Dental Technician charged with offences under the Dentists Act 1984. (2013)
• Representing a Doctor in GMC proceedings in respect of allegations of fraud and dishonesty in the writing of expert reports in personal injury cases.
• Representing a Doctor in GMC proceedings in respect of allegations of sexual assault, dishonesty and failure of performance assessment. (2013)
• Representing a member of the Bar in appeal proceedings before the BSB. Involved novel and difficult issue relating to appeal against the wrongful withholding of a practicing certificate. (2011)

recommendations

“A silk who shows tactical brilliance and meticulous attention to detail. She has a razor-sharp intellect.”
The Legal 500

‘She is excellent on her feet in court and is fantastic at reacting to situations.’
Chambers & Partners

‘Her advocacy is well judged and very effective and she is good at cutting to the heart of the matter.’
Chambers & Partners

‘Sarah has a wealth of experience of regulatory and disciplinary cases, and an excellent working insight into the regulators concerned.’
Chambers & Partners

‘Sarah is well prepared and has good judgement. Her depth of knowledge in contentious financial services regulation is top rate. Her advocacy style is clear and controlled. She knows how to manage the bench to good effect and her cross-examination is effective. ‘
The Legal 500

‘An absolutely outstanding advocate with a brilliant analytical mind. A force to be reckoned with. She is a joy to work with, and you know she will always do an excellent job for the client.’
The Legal 500

“Excellent with enforcement cases, extremely knowledgeable. Someone you want on your side.”
Chambers & Partners

“She has excellent experience of regulatory matters. She is calm, responsive, knowledgeable, positive and very user-friendly.”
Chambers & Partners

“Particularly strong in cross-examination and conveys gravitas without being aggressive.”
Chambers & Partners

“Unflappable, incredibly good on her feet and takes only good points.”
Chambers & Partners

‘Sarah is highly knowledgeable and experienced. She can make the complicated sound simple and has great rapport with clients.’
The Legal 500

“Very knowledgeable and reliable with FCA cases, particularly market abuse.”
Chambers & Partners

“An expert on market abuse.” 
The Legal 500 

“She works extremely hard for her clients.”
The Legal 500 

“She benefits from several years’ experience in the Enforcement Division of the FCA (then the FSA).” 
The Legal 500 

“Extensive experience of market abuse and regulatory actions.”
The Legal 500

“With the [FSA] enforcement division’s recent successes built at least in part on an ability to attract experienced people – including stars like [Margaret] Cole and in-house barrister Sarah Clarke”
Legal Week