Fourteen

Sophia joined FOURTEEN in September 2023 following completion of her pupillage at a leading matrimonial finance set. She has particular experience in matrimonial finance, cohabitation disputes, and private children proceedings.

Sophia is rapidly developing a busy and varied practice across the spectrum of family law and provides representation and advice at any stage in proceedings. She now often appears in the High Court in her own right, and most recently appeared as junior counsel to Michael Glaser KC in the reported case of Re A and B (Schedule 1: Arbitral Award: Appeal) [2024] EWHC 778 before Mr Justice Cobb.

Sophia is regularly instructed in private children proceedings, engaging in protracted fact-finding Hearings, final hearings, and hearings concerning urgent applications. On several occasions she has appeared in the High Court in proceedings under the Children Act 1989, involving complex issues which often include a multijurisdictional element.

Sophia has particular experience in financial remedy proceedings and has successfully represented clients at both interim and final hearings involving enforcement, orders for sale, international freezing orders, and disputes as to assets held in trusts. Sophia assisted in several complex financial remedy cases in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court during her pupillage, and she continues to build upon this experience in her own practice. She regularly appears in FDRs and final hearings, and she has been commended for her robust negotiation skills, adept handling of complex cases, and attention to detail.

Sophia especially welcomes instructions in ToLATA proceedings and cohabitation disputes. Having taught Trusts and Equity, Land Law, and Family Property at Durham University prior to joining the Bar, she is highly equipped to navigate issues relating to trusts of the family home and she has since successfully represented clients in proceedings under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996.

https://fourteen.co.uk/our-people/our-barristers/sophia-gonella/

Called 2022.

Family Law Bar Association; Resolution; Middle Temple.