Sarra Gravestock

Sarra qualified as a solicitor in 2004.  She has worked for 11 years for the Local Authority advising and representing Children’s Services.

Sarra is a member of the Children Panel.  The Law Society has recognised her as a children law specialist who has demonstrated awareness, knowledge and expertise in this area of law.

Sarra represented the Local Authority in all levels of Court and was the West Sussex County Council Adoption Panel Legal Adviser for several years, she was described by Ofsted in an inspection as “an invaluable asset.”

During her time working for the Local Authority Sarra has gained valuable insight into the procedures and processes that Children’s Services have to comply with when they become involved with families.

In 2017 Sarra was nominated and shortlisted for the Associate Solicitor of the year at the national Family Law Awards.

Sarra’s expertise is within all aspects of law relating to children, in particular care proceedings, adoption proceedings, and dealing with Emergency Protection Orders, Special Guardianship Orders and Secure Accommodation Orders.  Sarra has dealt with cases of considerable complexity, including shaken babies and other non-accidental injuries, sexual abuse and also Factitious Illness, formerly known as Munchausen’s Syndrome.  Sarra was the first solicitor in Hampshire to apply for a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order and has represented a child in a Forced Marriage Protection Order application.

Sarra understands the very sensitive, and often distressing, nature of this area of law and the importance of it for her clients.  Equally Sarra understands the sometimes urgent nature of this work and is willing and able to react accordingly.

Sarra is a founding member and trustee of a charity which supports a school in The Gambia, providing a cooked lunch and also kitchen and medical supplies to over 1500 children.

Outside of work Sarra is kept busy with her young family and enjoys exploring the British countryside and coastline.