Hello, I’m Sarah and I’m a lawyer. I practice family law with specific expertise and knowledge in International and Sharia work. I am very proud to be able to offer my services to my clients and to be able to practice an area of law which is often shied away from but allows me to discuss my faith, culture, and legal knowledge all in one.

I always wanted to be a lawyer after I read Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ The main lawyer in the novel, Atticus Finch, stands against a tide of prejudice to defend an innocent man. Whilst I don’t practice criminal law, the strong fight for justice and fairness that Atticus advocates for is something that I carry in my career every day. As a family lawyer I’m not just an advocate for my clients, but due to the nature of the work that I do, I become a confidant, an advisor, a safe space and a friend.

Practicing Sharia family law in England as a Muslim lawyer involves navigating a very complicated landscape where Islamic principles meet English legal frameworks. The majority of the Sharia work that I do overlaps with marriage, divorce and finance, but there are Sharia principles to be considered in child arrangements also such as issues around circumcision, religious upbringing of children and arrangements for holy periods such as Ramadan and Eid. It was important for me to be able to assist my clients with matters involving Sharia law. I have extensive knowledge about this area of law and many members of the Muslim community are unaware about their rights in the Courts of England and Wales. At Irwin Mitchell LLP, I am empowered and supported to navigate this complex area and now offer bespoke services for clients including drafting and advising on Nikkah contracts and supporting clients in Islamic divorce procedures.

Many of my clients find that they have not been provided with advice regarding both the legalities and religious impact of entering into a Nikkah agreement, whether in this country or another jurisdiction. The nature of the Nikkah agreement, jurisdiction that it takes place in, and intention can have significant financial impact in the event of a divorce. And so, within my role I work really closely with religious leaders and members of the Sharia Council across the country, and internationally, to serve the best interests of the Muslim community. I regularly speak on panel events with Imams, Muftis, Sheikh’s and other members of the Sharia Council and Islamic community (both in the UK and internationally.) Having these links and close contacts ensures a number of things: a) The advice I give to my clients is correct; b) I can refer my clients to Islamic leaders for very specific interpretations from a particular sect or school, should they request this; c)I have female contacts within the Sharia Council that I can introduce my female clients to if this is their preference.

Being a lawyer is not a 9 to 5 job, the hours are not fixed, and the cases can vary in complexity. However, I have never been deterred by this, rather far more determined, especially when it comes to seeking justice for Muslim women. I realise the importance for advocating for Muslim women’s rights as often when it comes to obtaining their legal rights, they are the most disadvantaged.

It is when we empower women, that we can then work to breaking down the systems that serve to disempower. Like Atticus, I will continue to carry the baton for justice and fairness until the pitfalls and injustices of Islamic marriages come to an end.

Sarah Al-Jourani is a Family Law Solicitor who has been with Irwin Mitchell since 2015. She deals with all aspects of family law including divorce, financial settlements, child arrangements and in international and Sharia family law matters. Her contact details are provided below.

Sarah Al-Jourani

Sharia specialist family solicitor

Mobile: 07747457383

Email: Sarah.AlJourani@IrwinMitchell.com                

Sarah Al-Jourani | LinkedIn

Sarah Al-Jourani | Family Law Solicitor Sheffield| Irwin Mitchell