Sarah Barnard | Lawyers

Testimonial

“I lead Applied Intelligence’s Research & Development arm, focusing on leveraging frontier AI models to unlock strategic value for Linklaters and its clients. My unique combination of internal counsel expertise and strategic technology leadership enables me to empathise with our clients when exploring the potential for technology to support and transform their businesses, as I was myself responsible for the risk and regulatory compliance of Linklaters’ global technology, AI and innovation portfolios and internal operations for over five years, and also served as the COO of our legal tech arm.”

Overview

Sarah is a director and co-founder of Applied Intelligence, Linklaters’ multi-disciplinary practice operating at the intersection of law, AI and data science to deliver bespoke solutions for our clients’ most significant problems and opportunities. Prior to co-founding Applied Intelligence with Tom Quoroll in 2026, Sarah spent over 14 years advising corporates on risk, regulation and governance, including designing and implementing Linklaters’ AI governance framework and regulatory risk management policies and procedures, and founding Linklaters’ Technology Risk function, the first of its kind in big law. She leverages that experience when delivering Applied Intelligence’s GC residencies, bespoke programmes created to allow Linklaters clients to upskill and design their own AI experience.

Within Applied Intelligence’s R&D arm, Sarah and her agile team of senior lawyers tackle clients’ most challenging legal output and time-intensive tasks, developing prototypes for AI-driven delivery in a tightly controlled environment to push the boundaries of possibility. As Director of AI Delivery for Linklaters, Sarah leverages these findings to shape and drive the firm’s AI transformation globally.

Sarah is a current member of the BusinessLDN – Deloitte AI Steering Group, working to ensure that AI is a force for good for London’s economy and workforce, and was formerly the regulatory subject matter expert on Linklaters’ GenAI Steering Committee and co-chair of the firm’s Data Protection Executive Board.

Beyond the Office

Sarah is the local authority governor at Richard Cloudesley School, where she chairs the Curriculum & Outcomes Committee and serves as the AI & Technology Optimisation link governor. She is a former New York City public school teacher, passionate about education and an inveterate outcome thinker.

Education, Qualifications and Languages

Juris Doctor, Northwestern University School of Law, Chicago
Master of Science in Education (Adolescent Teaching), Pace University, New York
Bachelor of Arts in English and Sociology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

Member of the New York Bar.

On This Page

Overview

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Beyond the Office

Education, Qualifications and Languages

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Overview

Education, Qualifications and Languages