Sophie joined Osbornes Law upon qualification as a Solicitor in February 2023, to work alongside Katie de Swarte, specialising in contentious trusts and probate. Sophie has a particular interest in trust and estate litigation and regularly advises on disputes concerning the validity of Wills, the administration of estates, the removal of executors / trustees and the bringing and defending of claims under The Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975. Many of Sophie’s cases involve international elements and cross-border issues.
Sophie also assists Katie with professional negligence claims and claims arising under the Trust of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act, which stem from contentious trust and probate matters. Sophie will also be undertaking Court of Protection work including issues arising from Lasting Power of Attorneys, Statutory Will applications and making and contesting Deputyship applications.
Sophie achieved a first-class law degree from Nottingham Trent University and a distinction in her Legal Practice Course LLM from The University of Law. Sophie went on to secure a training contract, in which she studied both contentious and non-contentious disciplines.
Sophie is an Associate Member of Solicitors for the Elderly – an organisation focused on supporting older and vulnerable clients. Sophie completed the SFE Older Client Care in Practice Award in April 2023 and aims to be a fully accredited member in due course. She intends to become a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and the Association of Contentious Trusts and Probate Specialists in due course.
Sophie also has a keen interest in advocacy, having won mooting and advocacy competitions at undergraduate level. Sophie was also awarded second place in the Hammond Cup Final 2021 – one of the UK’s most prestigious competitions open to junior lawyers.
In her spare time, Sophie enjoys running and is a collector of niche perfumery.