PEOPLE

SARA ISMAIL

Partner

Sara relocated to Grand Cayman in 2018 to join McGrath Tonner where she deals with a wide range of Family law and Private Client work. Sara is also a trained family mediator and collaborative lawyer.

Sara’s caseload frequently comprises complex financial work. Sara has advised on forum non-conveniens (jurisdiction) disputes, nullity petitions, non-marriage cases, third party interests, advised on the division of business assets, ‘Schedule 1’ and applications relating to interim maintenance and properties/ assets located overseas. Sara has advised on post-separation accrual and deferred compensation.

Sara has significant experience in children law including fact-finding hearings and applications for permission to permanently remove a child from the jurisdiction.

She also has expertise in the area of trusts and advises client on trust structures and drafting trust documentation.

Sara trained at an international corporate practice in London before deciding to specialise in family law. Sara has 14 years’ experience of working in law firms and approximately 12 years post-qualification experience exclusively in family law. Sara has dealt with all manner of cases, from those with more modest assets to UHNW individuals.

Sara spent the first 8 years of her legal career working at several Tier 1 Chamber & Partners and Legal 500 ranked firms in London, Windsor, and Cheshire in the UK (including Head of two offices). During this time, she represented mid-to-high net worth individuals.

Prior to commencing a career in law, Sara worked for one year for social services which gave her an insight into children law issues.

EDUCATION

  • BBP law school – London – LPC (Distinction) (2007 -2008)
  • University of Newcastle – LLB Law (2:1) (2003 – 2006)
  • Trained Mediator and collaborative lawyer (2014)
  • STEP International Diploma in Trust Management – ongoing

BAR ADMISSIONS

  • England and Wales (non-practicing)
  • Cayman Islands

TESTIMONIALS

“Entrusted by a client roster that includes both high-net-worth individuals and listed corporates, McGrath Tonner fields a broad contentious practice “

‘Accessible attorneys who will happily turn their minds to difficult problems for their clients. Not afraid of a fight, and very hard workers.’