Elections & Governance

“Knows election law inside and out” Chambers & Partners 2016

Sappho’s practice in Election Law has involved advisory work for foreign governments with regard to constitutional amendments. Her domestic practice has involved advisory work to local authorities with particular reference to Election Law, as well as advisory work in respect of the duties owed by Councils and particular officers. Sappho has also appeared in election fraud cases representing Returning Officers, where in one of those cases the election commissioner commended her work.

Her recent work has involved representing another returning officer in a case where new law was created in that Sappho succeeded in her argument that the Petitioner be ordered to pay not only the normal litigation costs but also that of the set up costs of the election court.

Sappho’s work has also involved Judicial Review acting on behalf of Local Authorities in Adult Social Care cases.

Adult Social Care

Sappho has knowledge of social care law including assessment and care planning duties, eligibility thresholds, the provision of healthcare services and the eligibility of persons subject to immigration control.

In recent times Sappho has represented local authorities in the Court of Protection.

Mental Health

Sappho has represented patient applicants in aspects of discharge of orders made under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Inquests

Sappho has acted on behalf of local authorities in deaths inquests where the deaths occurred in premises either owned or controlled by local authorities.

Planning

Sappho has undertaken advisory work involving all aspects of planning law. More recently she has been involved in advisory work in respect of Petitions to the Parliamentary Committee in respect of HS2.

Sappho has advised local authorities in respect of Section 106 agreements as well as Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Regulatory, Professional Discipline & Business Crime

Since joining chambers she has renewed work in disciplinary and regulatory law, with particular emphasis on financial regulation, as well as corporate crime. In particular she has defended professionals charged with misconduct. She has also advised companies in respect of compliance with requirements from the Financial Conduct Authority.

International Public & Trade Law

The international work undertaken by Sappho Dias has included advisory work in respect of Constitutional law, as well as the drafting of consequential and corollary legislation. She has acted for foreign governments in respect of this advisory work.

Competition Law

Sappho Dias has undertaken advisory work in respect of the interface between civil and criminal law in Competition Law investigations. She has given specific advice in respect of the amended provisions to the Enterprise Act 2002 by the Enterprise and Regulatory and Reform Act 2013.

Health & Safety

Sappho has acted on behalf of local authorities in their prosecutions against companies (some of which are substantial) for breeches of health and safety regulations.