The role of Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services is a key position within the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), focusing on the operational and policy aspects of the UK’s justice system.
As of January 2026, this post is held by Sarah Sackman KC MP, who brings a wealth of legal expertise to the role.
Appointment and Background
Sarah Sackman KC MP was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Justice on the 2nd December 2024. Prior to this, she served as Solicitor General for England and Wales from July 2024 until her promotion.
Elected as the Member of Parliament for Finchley and Golders Green in the July 2024 general election, Sackman has a distinguished legal career. Called to the Bar in 2008, she practised as a barrister at Francis Taylor Building and later at Matrix Chambers, specialising in public law, election law, planning, environment and rating law.
Her appointment as King’s Counsel (KC) reflects her standing in the legal profession.The previous holder of the role was The Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP, who served briefly in 2024.
Sarah Sackman is married to Daniel Benjamin Squires KC, who represented double killer Fuad Awale.
David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, agreed to pay £7,500 in compensation and foot a £234,000 legal bill for Awale after a judge ruled that his treatment in jail breached his human rights.
Key Responsibilities
The Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services oversees a broad portfolio critical to the functioning of the justice system. These include:
- Criminal courts policy
- Legal Aid and administration of the Legal Aid Agency
- Civil Justice
- Legal Support and Dispute Resolution
- Legal Services
- Administration of His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service
- Magistrates Policy
- Open Justice
- Tribunals Policy (including fees)
- Irregular Migration
- Judicial Review
- Leading the MoJ’s mission to “Kickstart economic growth”
This role plays a vital part in ensuring access to justice, efficiency in the courts, and reforms to legal aid and tribunals.
Recent Developments and Priorities
Since taking office, Sarah Sackman has been associated with several initiatives aimed at improving access to justice and modernising the legal system. Notable announcements linked to the role include:
- Multi-million-pound investments in legal aid to support victims and enhance access to justice.
- Measures to increase protection for victims of violence, such as scrapping certain fees.
- Reforms to enable claimants to challenge powerful organisations in court more effectively.
- Recognition of cryptocurrency as personal property, positioning the UK as a leader in this emerging area.
- Investments in court infrastructure, such as new Crown Courtrooms, and promotion of UK legal services internationally.
These efforts supposedly align with the government’s broader goals of delivering “swift and fair” justice, boosting economic growth through a robust legal sector, and ensuring transparency and fairness in the courts.
Daily analysis of Crown Court usage – On the 7th January 2026, 75 out of the 516 Crown courtrooms in England & Wales are not sitting. A staggering 15% of them.
The position underscores the importance of a well-functioning justice system in upholding the rule of law and supporting economic stability.
With her background as a practising barrister and recent experience as Solicitor General, Sarah Sackman is well-placed to drive forward reforms in this challenging but essential area of public policy.
Photo Credit : Sarah Sackman KC MP
Check out our articles on the Justice Secretary, Lady Chief Justice, Lord Chancellor, Attorney General, Solicitor General, Government Legal Department, Rule of Law, R v Sussex Justices and the highly questionable Sussex Family Justice Board.
The Ministry of Injustice is not the Ministry of Justice nor is it affiliated in any way with the justice system, legal profession, police or any other law enforcement agencies.
Latest Articles ↓
- What is Two Tier Policing ?
The BBC describes so-called “two-tier policing” as where right-wing protests… Read more: What is Two Tier Policing ? - Lawful Use of Handcuffs by the Police
Handcuffs are a standard restraint tool used by police officers… Read more: Lawful Use of Handcuffs by the Police - His Honour Judge Nicholas Rowland
Judge Nicholas Edward Rowland, known as His Honour Judge Nicholas… Read more: His Honour Judge Nicholas Rowland - Police Barred and Advisory Lists
The police barred and advisory lists, which are managed by… Read more: Police Barred and Advisory Lists - President of the Family Division
The President of the Family Division is a highly esteemed… Read more: President of the Family Division - Is Crimestoppers Anonymous ?
Crimestoppers is widely promoted as the United Kingdom’s leading provider… Read more: Is Crimestoppers Anonymous ? - What is a Court Legal Adviser ?
In magistrates’ courts across England and Wales, lay justices (magistrates… Read more: What is a Court Legal Adviser ? - What is a Skeleton Argument ?
A skeleton argument is a concise written document prepared by… Read more: What is a Skeleton Argument ? - Can you Buy a Judge ?
His Honour Judge Martin John Cook was for sale, in… Read more: Can you Buy a Judge ? - Norwich Pharmacal Orders and Dodgy Fire Sticks
Norwich Pharmacal orders (NPOs) are a form of court-ordered disclosure… Read more: Norwich Pharmacal Orders and Dodgy Fire Sticks - What is a Statutory Instrument ?
A statutory instrument is the most common form of secondary… Read more: What is a Statutory Instrument ? - The Pensions Increase (Pension Scheme for Keir Starmer QC) Regulations 2013
In October 2013, the Treasury laid before Parliament a short… Read more: The Pensions Increase (Pension Scheme for Keir Starmer QC) Regulations 2013
Most Popular ↓
You should always seek formal legal advice from a qualified and reputable lawyer (solicitor or barrister).
There are a number of links to Free and Paid For Legal Resources and Legal Organisations on the Free Legal Advice , Legal Aid and Pro Bono pages.
[post_title] was last updated on the 2nd June 2026
