Sarah Laird Associate Solicitor
Dispute Resolution
Sarah Laird is an Associate Solicitor in Swinburne Maddison’s Dispute Resolution team, having been promoted to this role in May 2026. She qualified in May 2020 and joined the firm in November 2023, bringing valuable experience from previous roles at firms across the region.
Sarah advises both commercial and private clients on a range of contentious matters, including debt recovery, property litigation, construction disputes and adverse possession.
Sarah prides herself on delivering practical and cost-effective solutions, and is known for her direct and straightforward approach. She focuses on achieving the best outcomes by combining strong commercial awareness with a clear understanding of her clients’ objectives.
Her core values of dependability, adaptability and trust underpin her approach to client service. Whether navigating complex legal issues or identifying the most efficient route to resolution, Sarah ensures her clients feel supported and confident in her advice throughout the process.
Sarah has a particular interest in supporting commercial clients with debt recovery, contractual disputes and construction-related matters. With a focus on clear communication and efficient resolution, she helps businesses navigate complex legal challenges while keeping costs manageable.
- Debt Recovery
- Adverse Possessions
- Contract Disputes
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Disputes
- Landlord and Tenant Disputes
Sarah has extensive experience across a wide range of dispute-related matters. From defending right of way disputes to advising on debt recovery and enforcing judgments, she handles both contentious and non-contentious cases.
Key highlights include:
- Successfully defended a right of way dispute, negotiating a £3,000 settlement, significantly lower than the Claimant’s original claim of £25,000 and an injunction.
- Successfully defended a claim of Adverse Possession to a client’s land
- Securing a favourable outcome on behalf of the Defendant in relation to a contractual dispute over £26,000 with the Claimant discontinuing their claim in full following Sarah’s initial intervention.
Her ability to address complex issues with clarity and precision has earned her a reputation as a reliable and effective lawyer, particularly in commercial leases, construction, and private client sectors.
"Discussed details of a claim with Sarah Laird and can’t describe enough how refreshing it was to find an outstanding solicitor who showed genuine concern and explained the legal procedures and technicalities in understandable plain English. Absolute credit to her firm."
Articles & Insights by Sarah Laird
News & Insights
Insight
Could your pension increase your Inheritance Tax bill? How the 2027 legislation change affects you
For many years, pensions have played an important role in estate planning. Unlike many other assets, unused pension funds could generally be passed to beneficiaries outside the scope of Inheritance Tax, making pensions an attractive way of preserving wealth for the next generation. From 6th April 2027 this is set to change, most unused pension […]
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Swinburne Maddison Expands Private Client Team Following Major Investment
Swinburne Maddison, one of the North East’s leading full-service law firms, has significantly expanded its Private Client team increasing the firm’s capacity to take on complex private client instructions across the North East and beyond. Following major investment in people, expertise and resources, the firm has brought together its strongest Private Client team to date. […]
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Martyn Tennant named Corporate Lawyer of the Year following landmark year
Partner and Head of the Corporate team at Swinburne Maddison, Martyn Tennant, has been named Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the 2026 North East Dealmakers Awards, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of the firm’s Corporate team. The award recognises Martyn Tennant’s leadership on some of the most technically demanding and strategically […]
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