Sara Longden
SRA-regulated SolicitorSara is a highly experienced solicitor, qualified in 2006, and has extensive experience in Business Crime, including Conspiracy to Defraud, VAT Fraud, Price Fixing, Money Laundering, Ponzi Schemes and Proceeds of Crime. Based in our London office, Sara defends in investigations brought by most UK prosecuting agencies, particularly the SFO.
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About Sara
Sara specialises in Fraud, Asset Recovery and Serious Crime. Qualified as a solicitor in 2006, she is an Associate Director at the firm. Sara has extensive experience in Business Crime, including Conspiracy to Defraud, Money Laundering, and Proceeds of Crime. In addition, Sara has significant experience in defending sexual offence cases and serious offences against the person. Based in our London office, Sara defends in investigations brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs, Insolvency Service, Royal Mail and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team:
‘Sara Longden is an outstanding solicitor with a fierce intellect and impressive work ethic. She exudes calm confidence and expertly dissects the evidence in her cases to give her clients accurate advice on how best to advance their cases. Her attention to detail is first rate and her dedication to client care very impressive.'
Education
Sara completed her law degree in Sheffield, followed by the postgraduate Legal Practice Certificate at the College of Law in York.
Writing and Media
Sara has provided in-house training sessions and is a member of the firm’s Legal Writing Programme. Sara has also made analysis videos of cases she has dealt with to help members of the public who don't have a legal background but are facing legal problems.
Approach to the work
Sara fights her cases passionately and takes pride in always being available for her clients any time night or day. Sara is compassionate and warm, and treats her clients with the utmost respect.
Outside the law
Sara is a Foundation Governor at a local primary school, and volunteers at her parish church.
Sara has a keen interest in theatre and enjoys the simple things in life such as spending time with family and friends.
Practice areas
Sara defends in all types of fraud cases, and is currently instructed in a number of multi-handed fraud prosecutions.
A specialist in serious criminal allegations, she is also instructed by people with no previous convictions who are facing serious allegations of attempted murder or rape.
Fraud and Regulatory
Sara is regularly instructed by clients charged with Conspiracy to Defraud, Fraud Act offences, and Money Laundering. She also advises corporate entities on regulatory matters. Sara is currently representing a defendant in a private prosecution which saw the Royal Mail defrauded in excess of £70m. In 2024, Sara was part of the team that had the privilege of defending former West Ham United and Australia football captain Lucas Neill against a misguided Insolvency Act prosecution. Read this LinkedIn post for more on the case.
Cyber Crime
Sara advises in offences under the Computer Misuse Act and other areas of Cyber Crime law. She recently represented a client charged with an offence related to a Cyber Mandate Fraud.
Drugs
Sara has experience of a range of drugs offences from county lines conspiracies to production of cannabis.
Serious Sexual Offences
Sara has successfully defended professional men accused of rape and related sexual offences.
She is also experienced representing clients of previous good character who are under investigation for viewing indecent images.
Serious Crime
Sara successfully defended a young man prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving, and is currently representing a father who is accused of cruelty to a young child resulting in serious injury. She also represents clients charged with serious offences against the person including attempted murder, threats to kill and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Civil Fraud
Sara is assisting one of the managing partners in the defence of a $130 million civil fraud claim in Gibraltar.
Pre Charge Representation
Sara represents clients in pre charge investigations with a view to trying to resolve the matter without our client being charged.
In certain cases, it would be appropriate to draft representations to the police or private prosecuting agency, setting out why the matter should be dropped by the police, or on occasion, agreeing an out of court settlement.
This service is often provided to professional clients, for whom even a caution would show up on an enhanced DBS check, and could be catastrophic for their career.
Contact information
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Friday: 9:00 - 17:00
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We'll get back to you as soon as possible. We are happy to speak to you if you have a query, and either have a free consultation on the phone or in person if necessary.