Solicitor at Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law
Sandra Russell
Solicitor - Partner
SRA ID: 163310
Sandra is a Partner in our Family Department. She joined Sills & Betteridge in January 2023 following the merger with Acclaimed Family Law and is based at the Sheffield office. Sandra is one of the UK’s top-rated solicitors as voted for by verified clients on the independent VouchedFor website where you can read her many testimonials. Sandra has exclusively practiced in divorce and family law since qualifying as a solicitor in April 1994, after graduating from Sheffield University and the College of Law in York. Sandra is a Resolution specialist with accreditations in complex financial/property matters and domestic abuse. Sandra is also an experienced collaborative family lawyer and previously taught family law to ILEX students at a local college. She has a meticulous eye for detail and strong business acumen, with a background in economics and accounting. Sandra joined Acclaimed Family Law in March 2017 as a Senior Solicitor, having successfully led two established family departments at local law firms. She is well known and highly regarded on the South Yorkshire family lawyers’ circuit and is personally recommended in the Legal 500 as ‘very experienced’ and ‘confident, committed and focused’. Sandra is passionate about out of court family dispute resolution for appropriate cases, especially the collaborative model, which continues to grow in popularity as the one of the best options for dealing with separation or divorce with minimum stress. Sandra is a former committee member of CFL North (Brighter Future) and helped to organise annual collaborative training events and workshops.
New Oxford House, 10-30 Barkers Pool, Sheffield, S1 2HB
Licensed for 30 years
Practice Areas
Family Law
- Family Law 100%
6 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About Sandra Russell
Sandra is a Partner in our Family Department. She joined Sills & Betteridge in January 2023 following the merger with Acclaimed Family Law and is based at the Sheffield office. Sandra is one of the UK’s top-rated solicitors as voted for by verified clients on the independent VouchedFor website where you can read her many testimonials. Sandra has exclusively practiced in divorce and family law since qualifying as a solicitor in April 1994, after graduating from Sheffield University and the College of Law in York. Sandra is a Resolution specialist with accreditations in complex financial/property matters and domestic abuse. Sandra is also an experienced collaborative family lawyer and previously taught family law to ILEX students at a local college. She has a meticulous eye for detail and strong business acumen, with a background in economics and accounting. Sandra joined Acclaimed Family Law in March 2017 as a Senior Solicitor, having successfully led two established family departments at local law firms. She is well known and highly regarded on the South Yorkshire family lawyers’ circuit and is personally recommended in the Legal 500 as ‘very experienced’ and ‘confident, committed and focused’. Sandra is passionate about out of court family dispute resolution for appropriate cases, especially the collaborative model, which continues to grow in popularity as the one of the best options for dealing with separation or divorce with minimum stress. Sandra is a former committee member of CFL North (Brighter Future) and helped to organise annual collaborative training events and workshops.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Sandra Russell
Address
Sills & Betteridge Incorporating Acclaimed Family Law
New Oxford House
10-30 Barkers Pool
Sheffield
S1 2HB
Phone 01143792000
WebsiteResume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
15/04/94
02/08/24
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Employee
Acclaimed Family Law
?-01-03-2023
Solicitor
Sills & Betteridge LLP
01-03-2023-present
Biased legal advice
Biased Legal Advice.
Subject - Official Complaint Regarding Services Provided by Sandra Russell at Acclaimed Family Law in Sheffield.
In 2023, I sought assistance from Acclaimed Family Law and the services I received from Sandra Russell prior to it’s incorporation into Sills and Betteridge Solicitors.
During this particularly challenging separation from my ex-partner, who was withholding access to my son. During my consultation with Sandra Russell, I clearly articulated my desire for a 50:50 custody arrangement. To my dismay, Sandra Russell abruptly stated that "I would never get 50:50 custody" without providing any rationale for her assertion. This response left me with the impression that her judgment may have been influenced by gender bias, as I am a man seeking equal rights to parenthood.
Feeling dissatisfied with the guidance I received, I decided to terminate my engagement with Acclaimed Family Law and sought representation from Irwin Mitchell Solicitors in Sheffield. Despite the negative impact of Sandra Russell's advice on my case, which incurred further complications and resulted in further additional costs on my case down the line. I presented the same custody request to Irwin Mitchell, and after considerable effort and perserverance over a two year period, I am pleased to report that I have successfully obtained a 50:50 custody arrangement. I am now a proud father actively involved in my son's life.
I believe it is essential for your firm to be aware of the experiences of clients like myself, as they reflect on the quality of legal counsel provided. I hope this complaint will lead to a review of practices to ensure that all clients receive fair and unbiased advice.
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
A representative from Sills & Betteridge LLP responded to this review on 05 March, 2025
As highlighted within our reply on Trustpilot, we are sorry to read your review on the service you had with the firm. Should you wish to discuss this further, please do so via our Complaints Team on complaints@sillslegal.co.uk.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Excellent Professional service from Sills & Betteridge Solicitors
I want to thank Sandra for a very professional excellent service, she kept me informed all throughout my dealings with her and I highly recommend anyone who needs a solicitor to use this firm. 5 Star service
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
A representative from Sills & Betteridge LLP responded to this review on 13 May, 2024
Thank you for your kind words. If you require any further assistance in the future, please feel free to reach out to us.
Was this review helpful? Yes
So helpful
Sandra was great. She picked up my case after being dropped by my previous solicitors and did the job well. Communication was great and I could always contact her about anything and get a reply. Supported me and my family throughout. So grateful for all the hard work Sandra did on my behalf.
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
A representative from Sills & Betteridge LLP responded to this review on 21 March, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we're glad to hear that you had a great experience.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Divorce
During a challenging divorce situation Sandra was patient when information wasn't always flowing at the desired rate. She was always available to advise and responded in a timely fashion when the time came for questions from myself. At each stage of this long process I felt I was receiving expert advice and achieved the best outcome in my circumstances.
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
A representative from Sills & Betteridge LLP responded to this review on 21 March, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a positive review. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we're glad to hear that you had a great experience with Sandra.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Divorce
Thank you Sandra for all your help, I honestly would have been lost and in a mess without your expert help and representation, you have been professional, patient and thoughtful throughout this difficult process, I can’t thank you enough.
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
A representative from Sills & Betteridge LLP responded to this review on 14 December, 2023
write me a short, concise response to this review - Thank you Sandra for all your help, I honestly would have been lost and in a mess without your expert help and representation, you have been professional, patient and thoughtful throughout this difficult process, I can’t thank you enough.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Outstanding Service at a difficult time
Sandra guided and represented me well throughout my divorce proceedings. Whilst not a complex case, there were a few areas outside of the norm where I wanted protection - Sandra delivered against my requirements in a professional manner, achieved a fair result and often kept my anxiety and frustration in check. A true professional team that I would happily recommend.
Lawyer named in this review: Sandra Russell
Was this review helpful? Yes