Well regarded for her expertise handling notable matrimonial finance cases, often of considerable value. She routinely handles cases involving trusts, commercial entities and bankruptcy matters. Additionally, her expertise extends to Schedule 1 cases. 

Strengths: “Samantha’s client manner is excellent. She’s extraordinarily knowledgeable in all areas.” “Samantha Hillas is a northern powerhouse when it comes to complex financial remedy cases.” “She is fantastic on her feet, brilliantly clever, charming and one of the best prepped barristers out there.” Chambers UK Bar 2023

“Samantha is the Duchess of Divorce who dominates the world of financial remedy proceedings on circuit. She is well respected by her peers, judges and those that instruct her. She never fails to put her heart and soul into a case and her preparation for trial and key documents that succinctly deals with a substantial number of legal arguments and issues is flawless.” Legal 500 2022

Sam Hillas is a senior member of SJB’s matrimonial finance team, dealing exclusively with financial remedy work.  Commended by Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 as a “charismatic and client-friendly advocate” who “works like a Trojan”, Sam specialises in high net worth and/or complex cases, especially those involving marital agreements, trusts and corporate structures, cases involving non-disclosure and Schedule 1 Children Act.

Appointments

• Fellow of the International Academy of Family lawyers

Personal Information

Sam played rugby for a number of years (Saracens, New Brighton, Birkenhead Park) and now sits as a judicial officer for the RFU, Six Nations, EPCR and World Rugby.

Legal Directory Recommendations

Strengths: “She provides the complete package: she gives excellent-quality technical advice and offers equally excellent client care.” “She is sharp as a knife, down-to-earth and able to explain very difficult concepts to clients so that they can understand them. Sam is excellent in court when reasoning out her arguments and is practical and sensible.” Chambers UK Bar 2022

“Samantha is a ferocious advocate who will go to the edge of the earth and back for her clients.“ Legal 500 2022

Strengths: “A strong advocate with excellent negotiation skills and a strong presence in the courtroom.” “She is phenomenal – very bright and able to assimilate a big amount of information.” Chambers UK Bar 2021

“Very detailed knowledge and understanding of family finance law and ability to make incisive points, focusing on the key issues. Excellent judgement and a persuasive advocate. Works with opponents to achieve settlements where possible but not afraid of robust advocacy when necessary.” Legal 500 2021

“Well regarded for her expertise handling notable matrimonial finance cases, often of considerable value. She offers noted experience of Schedule 1 cases, high-value prenuptial agreements and divorces. Her clients include well-known actors and sportspeople.”

Strengths: “A rising star and great advocate, with an excellent ability to grasp the heart of the case quickly.” “She is very good with clients – she works incredibly hard and fights hard for them.” Chambers UK Bar 2020

“She finds creative, effective, and pragmatic solutions.” Legal 500 2020

“Her attention to detail and knowledge of the law is incredible. She has excellent advocacy skills and can deal with any issues thrown at her in court.” “Loved by judges, clients and solicitors in equal measure, Sam is one of the go-to juniors not only in the North but increasingly nationwide. She has first-rate instincts and an incredible head for figures.” Chambers & Partners 2019

“She is a force to be reckoned with.” Legal 500 2019

Strengths: “Samantha Hillas is tremendously determined and will find a way to fight her client’s corner and seek a solution.” “She is very personable to the clients while maintaining a robust attitude towards her opponent. Samantha’s cases are well prepared, researched and well presented.” Chambers & Partners 2018

“A ferocious advocate, who is great with clients.” Legal 500 2017

Strengths: “A robust character; she tells it like it is, but is very clever and analytical.” “She has a wonderful manner with clients and is able to instil confidence from the outset. The cases preparation is detailed and well presented. She is great on her feet and a very strong advocate.” Chambers & Partners 2017

“A ferocious advocate, who is always willing to fight a client’s corner.” Legal 500 2016

“Familiar with handling cases at all levels, including the Supreme Court. Has significant experience in financial family law matters that relate to divorce settlements, TOLATA and Schedule 1 Children Act cases”. Strengths: “She is the counsel someone needs: works really hard, approachable, incredibly friendly and so wonderful to work with. I felt protected, and that is the most important thing for a client.” “She is fantastic. She went above and beyond and did an amazing job. Definitely someone who really fights your corner, and she is great with clients.” Chambers & Partners 2016

“A ferocious advocate, who is always willing to fight a client’s corner” (Tier 1) Legal 500

“Works like a Trojan and magics a case out of very little.” Legal 500 2015

“Renowned for her down-to-earth manner with clients in financial remedy proceedings. She typically undertakes cases involving farming assets or business structures. Strengths: A charismatic and client-friendly advocate who determinedly achieves results while retaining a sense of humour.” Chambers & Partners 2015

“Meticulous and efficient.” Legal 500 2014