Dr. Sarah McCosker

Dr Sarah McCosker, a Partner and co-founder of Lexbridge, brings over 25 years of esteemed international legal expertise to her practice. Her work primarily focuses on international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and the intricate negotiation of intergovernmental instruments, coupled with a deep understanding of the interplay between international law and diplomacy, particularly with respect to dispute resolution on a global scale. Sarah's advisory role has involved tackling complex and sensitive international law issues, where she has been pivotal in negotiating a variety of international instruments, ranging from treaties to other significant agreements, whilst supporting substantial projects aimed at the domestic application of international obligations. Her extensive legal portfolio encompasses diverse fields, including defence, security, military law, anti-money laundering, and counter-terrorism financing. Beyond her professional endeavours, Sarah is committed to volunteer and pro bono work, training, and capacity-building, while actively engaging in academic research and writing within the sphere of international law scholarship. Called to the Bar in 2002, Sarah's distinguished career includes impactful roles at the International Committee of the Red Cross and engaging positions at the Office of International Law within the Australian Attorney-General's Department. Her academic contributions are noteworthy, having served as a Tutor in International Law at the University of Oxford, alongside roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistant and Assistant Dean at the same institution. Her early career saw her as an Associate to Justice A. Philippides at the Supreme Court of Queensland, further bolstering her robust legal foundation. Sarah's academic credentials are equally impressive, holding a D.Phil in International Law from the University of Oxford, following her Master of Philosophy and Bachelor of Civil Law degrees, also from Oxford. She completed her foundational legal education with a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from The University of Queensland, where she also earned a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in English and French.