Sarah Johnson

Senior Associate Paralegal

I graduated from University in 2003 at 38, with a 2:1 Straight Law degree, this gave me LLB(Hons) after my name.  However, there was still a long way to go 

I spent 10 years in Private Practice, with a very large and varied case load, between Divorces, Finances, Children matters and Care matters, Injunctions everything under the umbrella of Family Law, building a great reputation for representing fathers at that time 

I was described by a former Department Head as 'tenacious and certainly someone you want in your corner fighting their case'. I have never been afraid of a fight and have undertaken some very obscure cases successfully.

I moved to a Local Authority in 2013 in the Child Protection Team.  This was a very high paced job; at one point we had the 4th highest rate of Children in Care in England and Wales with one of the smallest Legal Teams.  It was during my time here that Covid struck, but this did not prevent us doing our jobs in protecting children and ensuring they we safe from harm.

I had a very unusual case whilst with the LA being FII, this case ran for 2 years.  With many appeals against the decision that was eventually made by the Court, I'm thankful the Appeals were unsuccessful as the outcome was right for the children.  

Whilst with the Local Authority I actually injuncted The Jeremy Kyle Show, the BBC and the National Press, that was really interesting and a massive achievement.  

So, 2023 I came back to Private Practice, having been poached by a local firm, unfortunately this didn't work out, it just wasn't a fit for me.

So, coming up to date here I am at Rands Solicitors, I was welcomed aboard Team Rands, I have known Sue (CEO) over many years on the Court circuit, not only in private law matters but, care matters too.

The firm is like a home from home, we really are one big family, some would be skeptical with that comment but, hand on heart, this is how it is. 

In my short time here, I have a wide and varied caseload, I have recently run a case to the Court of Appeal, which is now heading to the Supreme Court, I say this as this is a massive achievement and the epitome of the Legal Profession.  I am so very proud of this achievement, with Rands Solicitors now named in the All England Law Reports, what an accreditation to have for a very relatively new firm and I achieved that.  

I have a great rapport with my clients and always do my best by them.  I like to think that I excel in my role and achieve the client's goals 

With my age and life experiences, I can always relate to the issues that are brought to me and provide all relevant legal advice specific to that person. 

I simply love my job and there is really nothing more I can add.