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
News
Ramside Estates acquires Newcastle telecoms company
County Durham hospitality group Ramside Estates has strengthened its future growth plans with the acquisition of telecommunications business Select Telecom Limited. Based in Brunswick Village, Newcastle, Select Telecom has been a long-standing supplier to Ramside, providing critical support across the group’s operations, including Wi-Fi, connectivity and communications infrastructure. Its services support everything from guest Wi-Fi […]
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Could an Outdated Trust Put Your Family’s Inheritance at Risk?
A recent High Court decision has highlighted how historic trust arrangements can create unexpected challenges when applied to modern family life. In Cator v Thynn, the trustees of the Longleat family trusts requested the court’s approval before taking a significant step, which could ultimately allow a child born through surrogacy to benefit from family trusts […]
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Sending GIFs at Work – Lessons for Employers from a recent Tribunal Decision
A recent Employment Tribunal decision is a useful reminder that informal workplace messaging can carry serious consequences. What may be intended as humour or banter can still amount to unlawful harassment, particularly where the effect on the recipient is degrading, humiliating or offensive. The case concerned Georgiana Ursuleanu and Vicars Cross Healthcare Ltd. The claimant, a Romanian national, […]
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