Sarah graduated from Queen's University, Belfast with a First Class Honours degree in law in 2003.  She has practiced exclusively in the area of real estate since qualification and is also admitted to the roll of solicitors in the Republic of Ireland. 

 

Sarah advises on all aspects of real estate law including commercial lettings, acquisitions, disposals and property development.

 

Sarah has particular expertise in acting for house builders in relation to all stages of the development cycle and regularly advises landowners and developers in relation to site fine agreements and section 76 agreements.  She also has significant experience in acting for developers in relation to social housing developments, including design and build agreements and "off the shelf" transactions. 

 

Sarah is also highly experienced in acting for landlords and tenants in relation to all aspects of commercial leasing and acts for several national retailers.  She also has significant expertise advising parties in relation to the business tenancy legislation and represents both landlords and tenants at the Lands Tribunal in relation to business tenancy applications and rent disputes.

 

Recent experience includes:

 

Acting for a major retailer in relation to a lease renewal for its flagship store in Belfast City Centre and providing strategic advice in relation to the business tenancy legislation;

 

Acting for the developer of a retail scheme at Belfast International Airport including the acquisition of the site by way of long lease, the grant of occupational leases to the retailers, the grant of a lease to a petrol forecourt operator and the ultimate disposal of the scheme;

 

Acting for a national retailer in relation to the grant of agreements for lease, leases and re-gears etc. in relation to all NI matters;

 

Acting for one of the largest house building companies in Northern Ireland in relation to their entire real estate portfolio including the acquisition of residential and mixed use sites and drafting and negotiating development and disposal agreements.

 

Sarah joined Shoosmiths in March 2019 and co-heads the real estate team in Belfast.