Public Law

Head of Department

Sophie is an experienced public lawyer, advising on major Public Inquiries and Inquests, judicial review, police misconduct and data protection. She “grasps complex issues quickly and comprehensively” (Legal 500, 2015) and is currently acting in two major statutory inquiries. Clients describe her as a “consummate professional” and she is known for solid and thoughtful handling of sensitive cases.

Sophie acts for individuals, companies and regulatory bodies in judicial review litigation, and is very effective in resolving disputes at the pre-action stage for both claimants and defendants. Her clients include government agencies, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries,  the Law Society, the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, the General Dental Council, senior police officers, psychotherapy professionals.

Sophie has considerable inquiry experience representing individuals, institutions, public figures and senior professionals in major Public Inquiries, Inquests, IPCC investigations, and before Select Committees.

Notable cases:

Acting for families in the 7/7 Inquest following terrorist bombings in London Representing core participants in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (the Jay Inquiry), investigating the extent to which institutions have failed to protect children from sexual abuse Advising Metropolitan Police Commander in connection with the Under Cover Policing Inquiry Advising Financial Conduct Authority employee in the Davis Inquiry Advising Chief Constable of Cumbria in connection with Home Affairs Select Committee hearings

Sophie advises institutions, businesses and regulatory bodies on data protection compliance, conducting audits on the safe handling of personal information, advising on large scale redaction projects and responding to subject access requests made during litigation. She also acts for business and professionals in connection with freedom of information requests.

Sophie acts for members of the Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA) in IPCC and local misconduct investigations as well as acting in public law matters, including Public Inquiries and judicial review litigation.