Queen Elizabeth Building (QEB)
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Sophie Clayton
Position
Sophie has a specialist family law practice with a particular focus on financial remedies. She also has a growing wealth of experience in private law children disputes and applications under the Family Law Act 1996.
Sophie has a keen eye for forensic detail and a flair for written advocacy. She is a powerful court advocate whilst remaining down-to-earth and approachable to her clients and professional colleagues.
Her practice has rapidly been developing since she joined chambers as a tenant in 2018 upon successful completion of her pupillage under Katie Cowton QC, Duncan Brooks and Morgan Sirikanda. Sophie now regularly takes instructions in complex financial matters as well as applications under TLATA, private law children disputes and injunctions. She has successfully represented clients against opponents many years her senior.
Career
Prior to coming to the Bar, Sophie worked in start-up business development which has given her a commercial edge. She came third in her year at Bar school and was the runner up in a mooting competition judged by Lord Mance at the Supreme Court. She also won the highest individual score in a moot judged by Blackstone Chambers about the particular legal challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Sophie remains interested in the law and practice in this area.
Memberships
FLBA Gray’s Inn Advocate
Education
English Literature BA, Oxford University GDL (Distinction), City Law School BPTC (Outstanding, 3rd in her year), City Law School Barstow Scholarship for performance on the BPTC, City Law School The Incorporated Council of Law Reporting Busfield Prize for Opinion Writing, City Law School
Leisure
Sophie enjoys experimental cooking and entertaining. She is a Blues singer and still performs when she has time.