Sarah Cookson , Director, Solicitor and Head of Residential Conveyancing at Switalskis, has been named Female Trailblazer of the Year at the LEAP Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2025 . The recognition reflects her outstanding leadership, her commitment to innovation, and her influence across the legal sector.

Across twenty-six years in property law, Sarah has built an exceptional reputation. She leads with clarity, empathy, and purpose, creating environments where people are supported to grow and where clients receive an experience built on trust, transparency, and expertise. Her impact is felt within Switalskis, across the legal profession, and throughout the communities she serves.

A leader who lifts others

Support and progression sit at the centre of Sarah’s leadership approach. Flexible working practices allow team members to pursue further qualifications while balancing family life. Sarah goes the extra mile to recognise her team’s achievements publicly and personally. From intranet shout-outs and team outings to little gifts at the end of a tough period and celebrating client feedback on social media, Sarah makes sure hard work and progress never go unnoticed.

Her team reflects her emphasis on development.

• 30% are studying for further qualifications
• 10% have already qualified as solicitors under her leadership

Driving professional standards and national conversations

Sarah’s influence extends well beyond her own team. Sarah is also:

• Vice President of the Law Society Property Section, helping shape standards and best practice for residential property professionals across England and Wales
• The lead on Switalskis Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation so our clients know they’re in safe hands
• The Money Laundering Reporting Officer at Switalskis keeping the firm and client money safe
• Able to offer specialist expertise through her Land Registry Diploma.

Her national profile was further strengthened this year when she appeared on BBC News to discuss negligent conveyancing practices in off-plan purchases. She spoke about the moral obligation of conveyancers to protect clients’ investments and mobilised support across the sector to challenge poor practice.

Innovating practice through technology and transparency

A respected thought leader, Sarah regularly speaks at national conferences, webinars, and roundtables on topics including data, digitisation, climate risk, and AI. Her work demonstrates how technology, used intelligently and ethically, can enhance legal services rather than replace human expertise.

Her approach to client care reflects this balance. Clear communication, transparent pricing, accessible website content, and options for digital or traditional engagement ensure clients always feel informed and supported. Feedback from clients consistently highlights her compassion and efficiency, with many noting that nothing is ever too much trouble.

A champion for women, diversity, and inclusion

Sarah empowers others to succeed and ensures the legal profession reflects the communities it serves. Her team is one of the most diverse at Switalskis, with:

• 84% women
• 30% from minority ethnic backgrounds
• 18% working flexibly

Her advocacy is both professional and personal. She uses her platform to promote women's health, encourages colleagues balancing neurodiversity at home or at work, and demonstrates through example that career success does not demand conformity.

Giving back to the community

Sarah’s leadership is rooted in community values. From fundraising events and local sponsorships to public engagement at festivals, races, and charity events, she helps demystify legal services and encourages people from all backgrounds to see law as an accessible and rewarding career.

A deserving trailblazer

Sarah is not only a respected solicitor but a leader whose vision, values, and drive lift others with her. She is shaping the future of conveyancing with integrity, advancing innovation across the sector, and proving that leadership in law can be compassionate, ambitious, and community minded.

Her recognition as Female Trailblazer of the Year is a testament to the positive and lasting impact she has made on her team, her profession, and the communities she serves.