Sara Hannell

Spear’s Review

An experienced and respected lawyer with an international clientele, Sara Hannell has specialised in family law for more than 20 years.

Hannell believes that for divorcing HNWs, AFP Bloom is a smart choice: ‘Our clients choose us for our individual reputations and expertise. We remain fully involved in the case, because you need in-depth knowledge to provide top-quality advice. Our junior lawyers provide excellent support, but if a client wants me, they get me.’

A partner at AFP since 2003, Hannell is aware of the impact that Brexit is still having on her clientele. ‘International families are feeling less settled and less welcome in the UK,’ she says, adding that some Middle Eastern families have become less willing to base themselves in London ‘due to a perceived increase in racist sentiment’.

Adviser Profile

Sara is described by one eminent family law KC as ‘one of the most talented family law practitioners of her generation’ and ‘that rare family lawyer who manages to combine a very high degree of technical ability with strong soft skills’.

She has acted in cutting-edge legal cases of recent years, including the prenuptial authority of BN v MA and the publicity authority of Harrington v Harrington. Sara stays involved in her cases from start to finish 

‘Family law turns on facts. The best advice has to come from a solicitor with a detailed knowledge throughout.’ She brings warmth and empathy to her relationships with clients. As another leading silk says, she is a ‘fighter, deal-maker, strategist and counsellor’.