“I have achieved results for my clients, some of which may have been a little different, yet right for my client!”

Sarah Marshall

Partner

Bristol

Expertise.

I am a family lawyer who has built a practice and reputation for resolving the financial aspects of a separation and divorce ranging from modest asset to high-net-worth individuals.

I pride myself on being able to explain the complexities of the family law system in a way that is easy to understand and being able to really understand my clients’ needs in relation to outcome and communication throughout our time working together. I also pride myself to empower couples to use their knowledge of their own position and their ex-partner to navigate the process, they know their partner the best.

I also advise clients on working with an ex-partner to resolve the arrangements for their children, assisting them to understand the importance they both have in the children’s life, whilst ensuring the outcome is right for the children who often do not get a direct voice in these cases.

I advise on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, which have undertaken a change of position in relationship now. Whilst they are still there and used to protect a party to the marriages assets they arrive with, in a world where second marriages are common, it is about protecting sufficient assets as there could be limited time for a party to start again and rebuild their portfolio of wealth.

I am often instructed to assist parties implement the order, which is an often-overlooked stage and can be tricky as you are often relying on third parties to progress matters.

What do you enjoy about your job?

Whilst is sounds like a cliché, I enjoy helping people navigate one of the most traumatic experiences of their life.

What attracted you to the firm?

A long-standing colleague and friend worked with Carbon, and she spoke so highly of the firm, and I have known Kieren Windsor for several years, he knew when the time was right, I would find a home at Carbon, and he was right! When I was looking for a move from the traditional law firm, Kieren was the first person I called as Carbon was the first and only choice for me!

Describe Carbon in a maximum of three words:

Freedom, understanding and home.

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

Other than a paper round, my “first” Saturday job was in a local fruit and veg shop! I worked 7am to 4pm for £20, of which I had to give £2 to my Mum for housekeeping. Not only did the job itself teach me you work hard you get rewarded (the shop closed Sunday, so there was always a goodie bag on offer), it taught me that you need to pay your way in life.

What have been the highlights of your career to date?

There are so many, I have worked with so many wonderful clients and got some great results, one of which resulted in the client, our counsel and me do a funky little dance outside the court room. So the highlight would need to be the many results I have achieved for my clients, some of which may have been a little different, yet right for my client!

How do you unwind outside of work?

You can find me in the gym enjoying a relaxing swim or a not such relaxing HIIT class. I enjoy walking my two bulldogs, which will often involve a pit stop for a coffee or glass of wine!

Where is your favourite place to visit?

St Ives, Cornwall, in the winter!

What is your favourite Book, movie or TV Show?

My favourite movie is Stephen King’s The Green Mile. My favourite book is Wuthering Heights, I still own the copy from my GCSE English Lit class with my notes and graffiti.

I can watch Friends and Sex and the City on repeat!

Favourite Music, Artist or Band?

I enjoy a real mix of music. My favourite artist is Yvonne Coomber and my favourite band would be Maroon 5 or Aerosmith.

If you could gain a new skill or superpower, what would you choose?

The ability to fly! If I could avoid having to drive around the busy streets of Bristol and down the M5 to Cornwall I would!

Do you have a bucket list place you’d love to visit?

I would love to visit Australia and New Zealand.

If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?

I would go back to a time when my Nan on my Mum’s side was still alive, she lost her battle with cancer before I was born, and I hear she was a riot and I would have love to have met her and know the woman that put up with my Grandad for so long!