Sarah Masters is a highly experienced Children’s Law practitioner with more than 17 years’ dedicated practice in Child Protection law and related children’s legal matters. She was accredited as a Children’s Law Specialist in 2012, reflecting her recognised expertise, and continues to contribute to the profession as an active member of the Law Institute of Victoria’s Children’s Law Advisory Committee, which is responsible for the assessment and accreditation of specialists in this field.
Sarah has developed a deep and practical understanding of the Victorian Child Protection system, including its legislative framework, policies, and procedural requirements. She is adept at navigating matters across multiple jurisdictions and has extensive experience conducting complex and sensitive litigation at all levels. Her practice includes appearances and advocacy in the Children’s Court of Victoria, as well as matters involving:
- Appeals to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Court of Appeal
- Applications invoking the Supreme Court’s parens patriae jurisdiction
- Review proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
- Judicial review and other public law remedies in child protection contexts
Sarah’s specialised expertise extends across the full spectrum of Children’s Law, including:
- Child Protection proceedings in the Children’s Court, including related intervention order proceedings
- Kinship care and family placement disputes
- Intersection of child protection with family violence and family law proceedings
- Representation of parents, carers, and other interested parties in child protection matters
- Complex matters involving vulnerable children, including those with disability or mental health needs
- Strategic advice on navigating Child Protection investigations and departmental processes
Known for her strategic and solution-focused approach, Sarah combines technical excellence with a strong understanding of the human factors inherent in child protection matters. She is particularly skilled at managing high-stakes cases involving multiple agencies, competing expert evidence, and significant risks to family relationships.
Sarah is committed to achieving outcomes that are both legally sound and practically sustainable, with a focus on the wellbeing and best interests of children while advocating strongly for her clients’ rights. She remains current with evolving legislation, policy developments, and case law, ensuring her advice is both contemporary and pragmatic.
At Coulter Legal, Sarah provides expert, compassionate, and resolute representation to clients facing some of the most challenging and sensitive legal situations. Her depth of experience, combined with her commitment to innovation and advocacy, enables her to deliver clear guidance and strong outcomes in all aspects of Child Protection and Children’s Law.
Sarah has developed a deep and practical understanding of the Victorian Child Protection system, including its legislative framework, policies, and procedural requirements. She is adept at navigating matters across multiple jurisdictions and has extensive experience conducting complex and sensitive litigation at all levels. Her practice includes appearances and advocacy in the Children’s Court of Victoria, as well as matters involving:
- Appeals to the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Court of Appeal
- Applications invoking the Supreme Court’s parens patriae jurisdiction
- Review proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
- Judicial review and other public law remedies in child protection contexts
Sarah’s specialised expertise extends across the full spectrum of Children’s Law, including:
- Child Protection proceedings in the Children’s Court, including related intervention order proceedings
- Kinship care and family placement disputes
- Intersection of child protection with family violence and family law proceedings
- Representation of parents, carers, and other interested parties in child protection matters
- Complex matters involving vulnerable children, including those with disability or mental health needs
- Strategic advice on navigating Child Protection investigations and departmental processes
Known for her strategic and solution-focused approach, Sarah combines technical excellence with a strong understanding of the human factors inherent in child protection matters. She is particularly skilled at managing high-stakes cases involving multiple agencies, competing expert evidence, and significant risks to family relationships.
Sarah is committed to achieving outcomes that are both legally sound and practically sustainable, with a focus on the wellbeing and best interests of children while advocating strongly for her clients’ rights. She remains current with evolving legislation, policy developments, and case law, ensuring her advice is both contemporary and pragmatic.
At Coulter Legal, Sarah provides expert, compassionate, and resolute representation to clients facing some of the most challenging and sensitive legal situations. Her depth of experience, combined with her commitment to innovation and advocacy, enables her to deliver clear guidance and strong outcomes in all aspects of Child Protection and Children’s Law.
- - Child Protection
- - Bachelor of Laws
- - Bachelor of Arts (Journalism)
- - Law Institute of Victoria (LIV)
