Called to the Bar in March 2015, Sophy qualified as a solicitor in 1989. She was a founding partner at award-winning firm Miles and Partners LLP where she led the mental health and capacity team for 16 years, before becoming a consultant in 2012.  As a solicitor she has been involved in significant human rights cases brought under the inherent jurisdiction and in the Court of Protection (JE v DE and others, [2006] EWHC 3459 (Fam); Hillingdon v Neary [2011] EWHC 3522 (COP)).

Sophy has a busy and varied Court of Protection practice which includes personal welfare, international adult protection, medical treatment and property cases, as well as challenges against deprivation of liberty authorisations.  She advises in all areas of mental health law, where her long experience as a mental health solicitor gives her a practical understanding of the issues.  She advises on displacement of nearest relative applications; complex Tribunals; and disputes over entitlement to after-care.

Sophy regularly advises on public law challenges arising under community care legislation.  These have included the application of the Care Act 2014 to vulnerable prisoners and challenges to Care Act assessments.

Sophy undertakes civil actions under the Human Rights Act where there is a mental health or mental capacity element.

Sophy is a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health and Disability Committee.  She regularly trains on the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and on the Court of Protection.

Sophy's publications:

Links to publications by Sophy can be found below:

COP book http://www.lag.org.uk/shop/products/202134/court-of-protection-handbook–a-user-s-guide

Mental Health Tribunal book http://www.lag.org.uk/shop/products/201325/mental-health-tribunal-handbook

What people say about Sophy:

"Really useful resource pack that I can refer to in the future, particularly around witness statements and understanding orders. I can also share this with colleagues. The group work provided a good opportunity to discuss real cases that were relatable. Lots of opportunity to ask questions too."

"A thoroughly engaging and thought provoking course"

"The training was delivered in a clear and straightforward way. It is a complex area and the trainer presented it slowly and clearly which made it easier to understand. The cases used were very useful and lots of time was given for feedback. I have attended training on this subject before but feel that this was more beneficial and useful for my practice."

"Excellent update on Court of protection process and legislation"