Biography
I am one of the Partners in our very successful Medical Negligence team in the Birmingham office. I have extensive experience of a wide variety of claims and have specialised in this area of work since 1996.
I head one of the leading Medical Negligence teams in the country and am fortunate to work with a group of people who are committed to bringing claims on behalf of injured people and getting the very best result for them.
This is an area of work that is challenging not only because of the medical complexities of a case, but the emotional impact this will have had on the injured person and their family.
At Irwin Mitchell we have the range and depth of experience not only to deal with these types of cases but also the resources to help clients with the more wide-ranging impact of their claim.
Testimonials
'Sara Burns has a natural ability to show empathy and care particularly around sensitive matters. We have always felt reassured and in good hands under the leadership of Sara’. - Legal 500, 2024 (Leading Individual)
"Sara Burns and Jennifer Shipley in the Birmingham offices have secured interim payments and been instrumental in collating the evidence needed for court and take it to court on this instance. They have secured all funds needed for my son's rehabilitation and stabilise our future which I will be forever grateful for and trust my son's case is in the safest of hands." - 5* Trustpilot reviews
"Sara Burns is a fearsome and experienced operator." - Legal 500, 2022
"Sara Burns is pragmatic and innovative and looks at the bigger picture, always wanting to ensure she gets the right outcome for her client." - Chambers & Partners, 2022 (Leading Individual - band 1)
"You never feel as though you are just a file when you speak to Sara Burns. Sara has not only extensive legal knowledge, but she conveys a genuine interest in her clients and their outcomes. One of Sara’s strongest qualities is that she is able to explain the legal position of a case well." – Legal 500, 2021
"One interviewee explains that 'she has exceptional knowledge, and her wealth of experience and empathetic nature inspires confidence,' adding: 'Her passion to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients radiates from her.'" – Chambers & Partners, 2021 (Leading Individual – Band 1)
"Sara and Jen visited the family house, spent several hours collecting information and understanding the family set up, they listened to the family history, they were interested in what we said and were passionate about getting us a good outcome. They were compassionate, supportive, and actually inspirational. They gave us such a boost; the boost of hope that we so much needed at a time when the whole family was very low, which helped us fight until the end.
"Sara and Jen supported us all the way. They kept us up to date with everything with regular emails and meetings. I cannot fault Sara and Jen’s dedication and I am truly grateful... words cannot express our gratitude to the Irwin Mitchel team... I would not hesitate whatsoever in recommending Irwin Mitchel for any negligence case against a hospital trust." - 5* Trustpilot review
"We have found all our dealings with Irwin Mitchell to be nothing short of first class and the communication maintained between us has been exemplary. In particular, Sara Burns, with us from the beginning, has been excellent and made us feel we were not just one of her cases, she really cares about achieving the best resolution for all involved... Throughout the period of our claim, we have had the feeling we were being represented by the best and feel confident we are with the right team as we approach final resolution." - 5* Trustpilot review
"I have had the pleasure of Sara Burns being our litigation solicitor alongside her team including Jennifer Shipley for the past 5-6 years. She has secured evidence from specialists all over the county in order for my son to get the best care and therapy possible. Through a difficult few years she has helped me see the possibilities of what my son can achieve with therapy and care provisions and start to allow me to be mum and not a carer." - 5* Trustpilot review
"The best of the best... We could not have been better supported by the team at Irwin Mitchell. Simeon, Sara and Jen in particular have provided us, not only with professional, legal guidance, but have done so in an incredibly caring and supportive way... I can honestly say that we could not have had a better, more supportive or more caring team of people around us...
"I never felt like we were 'just another case' but actually that the team were fully invested in us and absolutely wanted to do everything they could to help us to get the outcome that we wanted. They had the balance of being honest, clear, understanding and professional whilst also not forgetting the human side to these situations by offering us huge amounts of kindness and compassion throughout. Thank you so much to everyone at the Birmingham offices."- 5* Trustpilot review
"Our case was complex but Sara Burns and Rosie Reading were absolutely fantastic. They regularly communicated with us and we were never in any doubt as to what the status of our case was. Although they have many other cases to work with you never felt as though you were just a case number. Sara and Rosie have both the experience and knowledge to inspire confidence in their clients and are relentless in pursuing every possible avenue to benefit your case.
"Sara and Rosie are the perfect team, they have great empathy for the difficulties that their clients and families face and are both passionate about getting the best possible result. As a family we will always be incredibly grateful for the work Sara and Rosie did on our case. They have made a huge difference to our lives. They are both utterly wonderful."- 5* Trustpilot review
"She is very conscientious and an expert in the field." – Chambers & Partners, 2020
"She guides us down the best path. Her desire to get the best result for the client is awe-inspiring." - Chambers & Partners, 2019
"Very skilled, knowledgeable and charming." - Chambers & Partners 2018
"Extremely knowledgeable, client-oriented and efficient." - Chambers & Partners 2017
What Inspired You To Get Into Law?
I met some inspiring characters when I was away travelling before I went to university and this gave me the goal to work towards getting into the law. I wanted to do something that was both challenging and rewarding, and I work in an area of the law that incorporates both.
What Is The Most Rewarding Aspect Of Your Role?
Simply enabling people to find out what really happened to them or their family, to take them through what is often a complex and lengthy legal process and to allow them to get on with their lives.
What Do You Like About Working At Irwin Mitchell?
We are prepared to take on the difficult, challenging cases and have the facilities and support systems in place to get great results for clients.
What Do You Do Away From The Office?
I provide a regular taxi service for my three children, am an excellent juggler, can produce a meal out of very little in the fridge and when I get the chance love to see a play, a film, read a book or just enjoy a gin and tonic.
