Sandra Davis
Sandra is a Partner in Mishcon de Reya’s family department. She has over 40 years' experience of family law practice and specialises in complex high net worth and ultra-high net worth cases, often with an international element and involving complex tax and trust issues. Her clients include celebrities, entrepreneurs and financiers.
Sandra is a frequent broadcaster and chairperson, organiser and speaker at conferences on family law issues, and is on The Times Law Panel.
She is described in the Legal 500 as "a giant in the family law world".
Mentoring seems to be important to you. Can you share your own experiences with mentoring?
Absolutely. When I started out, there were few trainees, and I had this bold idea of becoming a family lawyer. So, I sought guidance from an older legal executive in the firm, and his response was quite surprising. He hadn't experienced someone expressing such a desire before, but he was surprisingly supportive. Unfortunately, he fell ill and had to retire, and somehow, I found myself taking over his responsibilities. It was quite an unexpected turn of events. But then, a remarkable female partner in the firm took me under her wing and guided me through my training. She had this no-nonsense approach and really pushed me to excel. I owe a lot to her; she played a pivotal role in shaping my career.
It's wonderful that you now mentor others. How do you approach mentoring in your department?
I believe in nurturing and enabling younger colleagues, just like my mentor did for me. I don't shy away from taking them to important meetings or showing them the ropes. I want them to experience the same support and guidance that I had in my early days. I still remember when I took a new trainee to a significant client meeting, and she was so overwhelmed that she started crying afterwards. It was her first client meeting after being with us for two years! It made me realize the impact we can have on others' lives, and that's truly rewarding.
You mentioned writing a book. Could you tell us more about it and what inspired you to undertake this project?
Ah, yes, the book! It's a project that's close to my heart. You know, divorce can be such a challenging and emotional process for people, and I felt there was a need to provide some nuggets of wisdom and support to those going through it. So, I decided to pen down my experiences and insights, hoping it can make a difference in someone's life. I've always been passionate about helping people, and this book is an extension of that.
Besides the book, do you have any other future goals or aspirations?
Oh, I'm always full of ideas! Once the book is completed, I've been considering starting a concierge service. You know, providing some personalized assistance to those navigating through difficult times. But I'll focus on finishing the book first, and then we'll see where life takes me.
Your dedication to family law and helping others is evident. What made you choose family law as your career path?
Well, it all goes back to my childhood fascination with courtroom dramas like Perry Mason. I loved the challenge, engagement, and almost acting-like nature of the legal profession. However, I also realized that pursuing a career as a barrister might not provide the financial stability I desired. Family law, on the other hand, allowed me to combine my problem-solving skills with my desire to make a difference in people's lives. It's been an incredible journey, and I feel blessed to work in an area where I can truly help others during emotionally challenging times.
What motivates you the most in your career?
I'm incredibly passionate about what I do. You see, I feel a deep sense of gratitude that I get to work in a field that matters to me and where I can make a positive impact on the lives of my clients. Each day, I wake up knowing that my work is valued and makes a difference. That feeling is truly inspiring and keeps me going with a smile on my face.
Are there any specific moments or challenges that stand out in your journey?
Oh, there's one particular moment that I can never forget. Early in my career, I was doing a split training contract, torn between two different paths. I had a foot in mainstream work and another in family law. It was quite a dilemma for me at the time. But my mentor, the female partner, challenged me to make a decision and commit to family law. She saw potential in me that I couldn't fully recognize at the time. Thanks to her, I made the choice to pursue family law wholeheartedly, and she played a crucial role in guiding me towards partnership. Her belief in me and her mentorship gave me the confidence to take on challenging cases that I initially thought were beyond my capabilities. Looking back, I'm so grateful for that turning point in my career.