Sophie Beesley

Practice Areas

Sophie specialises in representing claimants in clinical negligence cases and inquests. She is ranked in Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500.

Sophie’s particular interest is in sensitive cases concerning vulnerable clients or those affected by trauma. Many of these involve obstetric and maternity care including maternal and neonatal deaths and injuries, stillbirths, gynaecological and colorectal injuries. Her specialities also include fatal accident claims, delayed and missed diagnoses (particularly cancer and cauda equina) and preventable suicides. Sophie has expertise in claims involving the Armed Forces.

Career

Sophie’s original degree was in psychology, coming to the Bar after a successful career with Deloitte and The Prince’s Trust. She was Deputy Director of a domestic violence legal pro-bono service, a magistrate and bench chair for over ten years, and established a charity supporting children in South Africa. In 2018, Sophie was awarded a Pegasus Trust scholarship, undertaking human rights cases in Australia for the Aboriginal Legal Service. In 2019/20, she was sole counsel to the Paterson Inquiry. Sophie also has experience as a Deputy District Judge.

This unusual background underpins Sophie's dedicated, commercial and sensitive approach, and the recognition she receives for building trust with clients, solicitors and experts, an exceptional work ethic, attention to detail and responsive and reliable client care.

Personal

Sophie lives by the coast and enjoys being outdoors, coastal rowing in particular. She dreams of a dog (small disagreement with her partner as between an Italian Greyhound called Twiglet or Alsatian called Duchess).