An interview with Sara Hanrahan

What do you do for Lewis Silkin?

I joined Lewis Silkin just before covid kicked off back in January 2020 and have two hats in the real estate team. I’m head of both the planning and environmental team as well as the HNWI group. This dual role is fairly demanding and an enjoyable challenge.

What do you love most about your role?

Building better quality homes within sustainable environments is paramount for our communities and I find being involved in schemes that improve people’s lives is very rewarding. I’ve had a hand in a number of large infrastructure projects that have literally transformed our built environment such as Crossrail but I also do a lot of work with private clients and some of the houses I’ve worked with have top heritage significance. These have included buildings designed by renowned historical architects such as Wren, Nash, Cubitt, and Lutyens along with listed gardens designed by Capability Brown and Gertrude Jekyll.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Work life is not just about the work you do but also the people you work with. As a junior lawyer, I trained alongside a number of inspiring partners, most prominently Margaret Mountford who appeared on The Apprentice with Alan Sugar. As a result, I have always prioritised mentoring younger talents and in many ways, I see my greatest achievement as the individuals I’ve helped in their career paths both inside and outside law.

What type of intermediaries do you tend to work with?

I work with a cross-section of intermediaries within real estate although I find that what is really important is not the number of contacts you have but the quality. More recently, we have shifted our approach to network with a smaller circle of trusted advisers where we can cross refer opportunities.

Why did you join PCD?

We recently joined PCD to expand our private wealth and family office network. I’ve already attended a number of events and I’ve made some fantastic new connections. It’s also been a great tool for our next gen lawyers to develop their practice and build a network.

On a weekend, I am most likely found...napping! Only joking. I tend to have very busy weekends comprising chauferring my 16 and 13 year olds around, walking our crazy cockapoo and digging in the garden.