Sophie Gray
2012 (Lincolns Inn)
Date of call
2012 (Lincolns Inn)
Qualifications
LLB Law, Coventry University, Bar Professional Training Course- City University London
Since joining Becket Chambers in 2013 Sophie has developed a busy practice in Family Law. She welcomes instructions in matrimonial finance, and private children law proceedings (Child Arrangements Programme) where she particularly welcomes enquiries under the Direct Access Scheme.
Sophie has a reputation for her ability to build strong working relationships with her clients. She is very supportive, and adaptable to her clients’ varying needs and likes to work closely with them to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident during what can often be quite daunting proceedings.
She is also known for giving constructive and pragmatic advice, and aims to guide her clients to a resolution which avoids expensive litigation where possible. At the same time, she has a reputation as a strong advocate in court where required.
Sophie often deals with situations where there has been a lengthy history of dispute. She is able to help her clients to assess their case in a purely analytical manner to ensure the matter is resolved in as economically beneficial a way as possible.
Sophie undertakes work at all stages of the legal process, from first hearing dispute resolution appointments through to final hearings. She is adept at working with large amounts of information and processing and presenting it in a way that can be easily understood within the context of the proceedings.
Sophie is regularly instructed in private law proceedings (CAP) by mothers, fathers or grandparents who, after separation or breakdown of a relationship, are unable to agree how children should be cared for.
Sophie has experience of helping her clients to resolve a wide range of disagreements, including disputes over where a child should live; how contact with each party should be managed; frequency and duration of contact; where it should take place, and whether overnight stays are involved.
But it can also involve questions of whether contact needs to be supervised, or whether direct contact is appropriate – these questions may arise where there have been allegations of domestic violence or abuse, or where there are concerns about one parent alienating a child against the other.
Disagreements may also arise over a child’s surname, where they should attend school, and where they should live, if the parent they live with wishes to move to another part of the country, or abroad.
These cases are often linked with matrimonial finance matters, and are frequently emotionally highly charged situations.
Sophie enjoys working closely with her clients to make sure that they feel supported throughout the process, and to help them take an objective view of the situation, based on what is best for the child/ren involved.
She is regularly instructed at the early stages of private law proceedings and remains with cases until the completion of matters at a final hearing.
She particularly welcomes instructions under the Direct Public Access scheme, and recommends seeking her advice as early as possible.
Within private law proceedings, there is scope for negotiations between parties. Sophie is also confident in conducting these negotiations, and is often able to propose alternative ways forward to ensure all parties involved are happy with the outcome of proceedings.
Sophie has experience of helping her clients to resolve a wide range of disagreements, including disputes over where a child should live; how contact with each party should be managed; frequency and duration of contact; where it should take place, and whether overnight stays are involved.
But it can also involve questions of whether contact needs to be supervised, or whether direct contact is appropriate – these questions may arise where there have been allegations of domestic violence or abuse, or where there are concerns about one parent alienating a child against the other.
Disagreements may also arise over a child’s surname, where they should attend school, and where they should live, if the parent they live with wishes to move to another part of the country, or abroad.
These cases are often linked with matrimonial finance matters, and are frequently emotionally highly charged situations.
Sophie enjoys working closely with her clients to make sure that they feel supported throughout the process, and to help them take an objective view of the situation, based on what is best for the child/ren involved.
She is regularly instructed at the early stages of private law proceedings and remains with cases until the completion of matters at a final hearing.
She particularly welcomes instructions under the Direct Public Access scheme, and recommends seeking her advice as early as possible.
Within private law proceedings, there is scope for negotiations between parties. Sophie is also confident in conducting these negotiations, and is often able to propose alternative ways forward to ensure all parties involved are happy with the outcome of proceedings.
Sophie is regularly instructed to deal with financial provision cases following divorce, and acts at all stages of proceedings from FDA through to FDR and final hearings. She has experience of applications for interim remedies as well as cases involving the variation of a final order.
Sophie takes a rigorous approach to assessing and assimilating complex facts and figures in order to prepare each case, and is adept at presenting large amounts of complex information in a straightforward way, getting quickly to the central issues.
She offers an objective but sensitive view, and works particularly well with vulnerable clients such as those with mental health difficulties or who have suffered domestic violence. Sophie prides herself on her client care and her ability to build a relationship with people she is representing.
Sophie takes a rigorous approach to assessing and assimilating complex facts and figures in order to prepare each case, and is adept at presenting large amounts of complex information in a straightforward way, getting quickly to the central issues.
She offers an objective but sensitive view, and works particularly well with vulnerable clients such as those with mental health difficulties or who have suffered domestic violence. Sophie prides herself on her client care and her ability to build a relationship with people she is representing.
I am very happy with Sophie Gray. She is hardworking and gets good results. The clients like her and she is excellent with them. She shows empathy and is robust when necessary. She goes the extra mile and is always willing to spend time talking cases through with me. She is my first choice counsel at your chambers.
Miss B from solicitors instructing Sophie Gray
Both Mrs H and I are very happy with the service provided by Miss Sophie Gray. We find her to be pleasant and helpful and very thorough.
Mrs H from Solicitors instructing Sophie Gray
Sophie was so amazing yesterday, I was in awe of her brilliance!!! She slayed the other side, I felt like I was in the best hands possible.
Client instructing Sophie Gray through Solicitors
Client has asked me to convey his sincere thanks to Sophie for representing him at Court and for dealing with him and the matter so sensitively.
Ms S from Solicitors Instructing Sophie Gray
In terms of feedback, Sophie was fantastic on this matter and achieved a wonderful result. There were a few complex issues with this case in particular with the client. Sophie dealt with these fantastically and was very clear to the client that changes were required by them. Sophie approached the issues professionally and gained the client’s trust and respect. A fantastic overall approach. I would have no hesitation in instruction Sophie again.
Ms K from Solicitors Instructing Sophie Gray
I just want to say Sophie was absolutely amazing yesterday........we got the result that we wanted and we will continue to use her in the further cases that we have coming up.....thanks for all you done.
Client instructing Sophie Gray through Solicitors