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Sophia Rolt-Smith

Year of Call: 2024, 2021 (Solicitor)

“Sophia was very engaging from the start. She very quickly had an excellent grasp of the case and was able to determine key issues that needed addressing…I was very impressed with Sophia throughout our correspondence, and I would not hesitate to instruct her again.”

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Sophia is a specialist family lawyer who is instructed in public and private Children Act proceedings. She regularly acts in cases involving complex allegations of abuse and other welfare issues.

Private Children Law

Overview

Sophia has experience in all areas of private children law, including cases involving allegations of child abuse, domestic abuse, substance misuse and parental alienation. She accepts instructions at all stages of proceedings.

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Public Children Law

Overview

Sophia has appeared for parents, intervenors and Local Authorities in cases involving issues including, honour-based violence, parental mental health, substance misuse, neglect and domestic abuse. She accepts instructions at all stages of proceedings.

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Domestic Abuse

Overview

Sophia is instructed on applications for non-molestation orders, occupation orders and transfer of tenancy applications involving allegations of domestic abuse, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, psychological abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour. She accepts instructions at all stages of proceedings.

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Background

Prior to joining the bar, Sophia qualified as a solicitor specialising in litigation and disputes at a City firm. Driven by an interest in the rights of parents and children, Sophia left the City to pursue a career in family law. Sophia initially practised as a Family Court legal adviser, advising Magistrates on public and private Children Act proceedings and dealing with allocation and gatekeeping tasks.

Sophia completed pupillage in September 2025, during which time she acted in complex private children cases involving serious domestic abuse and allegations of harm. She also acted in public children law matters, appearing for parents, intervenors and Local Authorities.

Sophia has volunteered as a helpline adviser for the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline since 2023.

Education

  • Jurisprudence, Oxford University 2014-2017 2:1
  • LLM, Family Law and Social Justice, 2017-2018, Merit
  • LPC, 2018-2019, Distinction

Professional Memberships

  • Resolution
  • Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
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