Biography
I am a partner in the Family Team, specialising in complex family finances; this includes pre- and post-nuptial agreements, separation and divorce and cohabitation disputes between unmarried parties. Most of my work has an international element, and I have a particular interest in working with American ex-pats living in the jurisdiction of England and Wales, as one myself. I understand the complexities that internationally mobile families face, which can increase as a result of a relationship breakdown.
My academic background is rooted in corporate and commercial law, and so I am regularly asked to advise on divorce matters that have contentious business elements, including partnership/shareholder disputes.
I lead Irwin Mitchell’s Team of Excellence specialising in cohabitation disputes and I regularly represent clients in complex cohabitation disputes under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.
I provide specialist advice and consultation on professional negligence claims arising from complex family finances.
Testimonials
"Erin Sawyer is committed, hardworking and tough, but she can also stand back and compromise." "Erin Sawyer brings quite good practical advice and nous to a case." "Erin Sawyer was able to display extreme patience and helped the client focus and understand what their options were." - Chambers & Partners, 2025 (Up and Coming)
‘Erin Sawyer is a first class litigator, fights her corner, good judgment.’
‘Erin Sawyer and Connie Smith have been exceptional.' - Legal 500, 2025 (Next Generation Partner)
Erin Sawyer is listed as a Leading Lawyer by Wiselaw
"Erin Sawyer is peerless in her determination to secure the best of possible outcomes for her clients." - Legal 500, 2023
"She is hugely impressive. She is very determined in pursuit of the best possible outcome." - Chambers & Partners, 2023 (Up and Coming)
"Erin Sawyer is an excellent lawyer. She has an acute attention to detail, a personable manner and thinks strategically at all stages of the process." "Erin is very empathetic with clients and has a first-class, incisive mind." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Associate To Watch)
"Erin Sawyer is a star performer in the locality. A major force to be reckoned with. Rather have her on your team than be against her." - Legal 500 2022 (Rising Star)
"Erin Sawyer is a brilliant lawyer who works collaboratively but is also a highly competent litigator. Her strategic skills are excellent and she consistently gives her clients measured and sensible advice. Erin is a great team player and excellent to work with. Her cases are very well prepared." - Legal 500, 2021 (Rising Star)
Erin is an "excellent and dedicated senior associate. "She regularly advises on children cases and financial remedy proceedings. One source reports: "She has a very quick brain and is very pragmatic." - Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Associate to Watch)
"You know with her that clients are going to get a first-rate service – she is fabulous: hugely hard-working and analytical." – Chambers & Partners Associates to Watch, 2020
Publications:
Cohabitation: Law and Precedents, Chapter 2 – Thomson Reuters
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
Since I was a very young child, I knew I was going to be a lawyer. I enjoy the law from an academic perspective, and I was headed toward a career focusing on Competition Law, until I found my niche in Family Law. Working with my clients to achieve the objective of properly resourcing them for the future gets me out of bed in the morning, believe it or not!
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Achieving great results for clients who may have come to me initially in a state of distress, and seeing them regain their confidence, when they see that they have a bright future to look forward to.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
Irwin Mitchell offers their clients an excellent service, both in terms of advice/representation and client care. This is hugely important to me, as I only ever want to provide the best service I can to my clients, and I have not met one member of the Irwin Mitchell team who does not share that view.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I am originally from Washington DC, so I travel home to see family regularly. You will also find me traveling to any tropical destination available.
