Sarah Ellson | Fieldfisher
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Professional background

Professional background

I advise businesses in highly regulated sectors and have a particular interest in health and life sciences but also in education, sport, legal, surveying, policing, social care and finance.  I have also acted for regulatory bodies for over 20 years and have earned a name as a leading individual in the field of healthcare regulation and professional discipline.
 
Drawing on my public and administrative law experience I provide independent audit, investigation and review services to Boards and Senior Executive Teams in relation to complaints handling, disciplinary processes and governance.  I will often work with them to manage their ongoing regulatory relationships.
 
I provide strategic advice in relation to regulation and compliance in the UK and overseas.  I have helped develop new regulatory frameworks for professions and sectors and I have supported innovative businesses as they navigate the regulatory landscape, for example in online health and pharmacy services and CBD. I train and support staff and decision makers at public bodies and act for clients bringing and defending judicial review cases.
 
I regularly speak at national and international regulatory conferences and have published numerous articles on fitness to practice issues.

Awards & recognition

Awards & recognition

Legal 500
Sarah Ellson is exceptional. Helpful and speedy answers that are decoded for the lay person. Sarah has spent the time getting to know us, and she is easy to access, communicative and pragmatic. Clear sighted and well-expressed advice.
Legal 500
Sarah Ellson is a standout partner with a wealth of experience, calm judgement and a clarity of thought and analysis that is just fantastic.
Chambers 2023
She is an excellent litigator with a good eye for broader strategic issues.

Authored pieces

All Resources
A lively concert scene where several attendees are holding up their smartphones to capture photos and videos. The stage is bathed in colorful lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The background is slightly blurred, with the focus on the raised phones.
Public & Regulatory
Insight

Martyn’s Law: 10 myths about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

11.12.2025
On 27 November 2025, the Home Office published new information in the form of a myth buster sheet, which the Security Industry Authority ("SIA"), the regulator of the UK’s private security industry, intends to be a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 ("Act"), also known as Martyn’s Law.
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Close-up of the colorful, curved pages of an open book, fanned out to create a visually striking pattern. The pages feature various shades and hues, creating a vibrant and abstract appearance. The background is blurred in soft purple tones.
Public & Regulatory
Press Release

Fieldfisher acts for Trade Remedies Authority in landmark Judicial Review victory

20.05.2025
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Close-up of the colorful, curved pages of an open book, fanned out to create a visually striking pattern. The pages feature various shades and hues, creating a vibrant and abstract appearance. The background is blurred in soft purple tones.
Public & Regulatory
Insight

Assisted suicide legislation: Navigating ethical and legal challenges

25.11.2024
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A magnifying glass lying on top of a document, enlarging the text beneath it. The document contains formal legal language and is printed in black font on white paper. The magnified text mentions liability and agreements.
Public & Regulatory
Insight

Navigating commercial judicial review: the duty of candour – ensuring that public bodies give a true and comprehensive account of decision-making

12.08.2024
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Press Release

Fieldfisher guides Myeloma UK through NICE U-turn, securing vital treatment approval

20.03.2024
European law firm Fieldfisher has led health charity, Myeloma UK, to a final victory as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reverses a previous decision and grants approval for the DaraCyBorD treatment for AL amyloidosis on the NHS.
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What others say…

Legal 500
Sarah Ellson is exceptional. Helpful and speedy answers that are decoded for the lay person. Sarah has spent the time getting to know us, and she is easy to access, communicative and pragmatic. Clear sighted and well-expressed advice.
Legal 500
Sarah Ellson is a standout partner with a wealth of experience, calm judgement and a clarity of thought and analysis that is just fantastic.
Chambers 2023
She is an excellent litigator with a good eye for broader strategic issues.