Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson is a commercial property specialist based in the King’s Lynn office. She is a Chartered Legal Executive and has been a partner in the firm since 2021.

Her clients are generally business owners or managers who are buying, selling and leasing commercial premises or land in any form and larger scale property developers.

She often advises landowners on development option contracts as well as working with house builders on new build projects, including the planning and infrastructure agreements and the further development finance work associated with that.

Sarah also often advises on leasehold block purchases, leasehold enfranchisement by flat owners and the subsequent management requirements.

Sarah particularly enjoys understanding clients’ businesses and their ongoing projects, then helping them to overcome any legal hurdles that arise. Sarah’s clients can expect someone who is straight talking and who likes to provide clear, straightforward, practical commercial advice. She always seeks to ensure that her clients are fully informed about their transaction.

Career

Sarah joined the firm over 20 years ago, initially as a secretary. She started studying in 2004, completing her CILEx qualification in 2009 when she was admitted as a Fellow. Sarah spent many years handling residential conveyancing transactions before moving to specialise in commercial property.

Sarah’s non-traditional path to partnership has resulted in her being passionate about training and cultivating everyone in the firm to be the best they can. She is now one of the firm’s two training partners, ensuring opportunities and a high standard of training for all who wish to progress.

Expertise

Sarah’s commercial property expertise is valued highly by her clients. This includes specialist knowledge in the areas below.

Commercial Property

• Sale and purchase of commercial or agricultural buildings and land, including strategic land development contracts
• Commercial leases – acting for landlords or tenants
• Commercial finance and bridging loans
• Overage agreements
• Adverse Possession applications
• Leasehold enfranchisement.

Land and estate development

• Acting for developers acquiring sites, including by way of initial option agreement
• Dealing with planning/site agreements – including s106, s104, s38, s278, Golden Brick Agreements with Housing Associations
• Preparing ‘site set-up’ documentation ready for sale of completed properties
• Sale of potential development for landowners under an Option

Personal Interests

Outside work, Sarah is a keen runner, she is involved in a local running club and regularly takes part in organised runs.

Sarah is the Group Training Officer for the King’s Lynn and District Law Society.