Sarah Vince
Barrister (Principal Associate)
Birmingham
Sarah.Vince@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 2269
Sarah is an experienced Barrister, specialising in complex and high-profile inquests, Court of Protection and professional discipline. She is an experienced Crown Court advocate now representing NHS clients, local authorities, national regulators and international companies. Sarah is well known for providing pragmatic and objective advice, bringing reassurance and support to her clients.
Called to the Bar in 2007, Sarah’s inquest practice involves lengthy Article 2 jury inquests and Judge-led, involving prison deaths, complex healthcare concerns, expert witnesses, emergency services response, and social care providers. These inquests often carry a high risk of reputational damage for the client and Sarah is adept at navigating these issues. Her background as a criminal barrister sees Sarah instructed on cases where criminal concerns are raised, including possible findings of gross negligence manslaughter and cases with linked criminal or regulatory investigations.
Sarah represents NHS Trusts, ICB’s and local authorities in Court of Protection proceedings involving health and welfare and serious medical treatment. Sarah has a busy practice representing professional regulators, encompassing a wide range of challenging cases concerning, historical sexual offences, terrorism charges, antisemitism, homophobia and large cases involving multiple defendants and jurisdictional disputes.
Sarah is on the firm’s Pupillage Committee and a registered Pupil supervisor.
Expertise
Featured experience
Antisemitic teacher banned from profession
Prosecuting a teacher and banning him from the profession due to his unacceptable publications and YouTube preaching’s, openly comparing Jews and the LGBT communities to the Devil. The teacher had filmed videos in the school and openly discussed his views with pupils, thereby exposing them to a risk of radicalisation.
Inquest - Court of Protection – BE
A serious medical treatment case caused by phobias. The case involved complexities with the use of repeated restraint and general anaesthetic, balanced against concerns that the care agreed in BE’s best interests risked causing new trauma, possibly inhibiting future care.
Death on inpatient unit
A young woman with high suicide risk, died whilst being improperly observed on a mental health inpatient unit, staffed by bank and agency staff who failed to heed the correct risks and frequency of observation levels. Death contributed to by neglect. Excessive hospital moves contributed to lack continuity of care.
Death LA accommodated child
Representing children’s services who supported child and provided her with accommodation due to responsibilities under section 20 of Children Act 1989. The inquest explored in detail the appropriateness of the accommodation, considered against other available alternatives and limitations on the care that could be provided.
Testimonials
"Thanks to Sarah for her expert guidance throughout which really helped to prepare for upcoming questions."
"Wanted to say how much she and the witnesses appreciated your support on the recent case – they thought you were excellent!"
"Having Sarah to guide us through the procedure in the Coroner's Court and represent us at the inquest was invaluable."
"Just wanted to thank you for all your support with the inquest. We would not have had the outcome we did without all your hard work and dedication. It was lovely to work with you!"