Sophie’s knowledge and experience is fantastic, and she is able to look at a case in creative ways to ensure that progress is made.”

The Legal 500 2026, Family: Children and domestic abuse

Sophie is regularly instructed for all types of hearings, including FHDRAs, DRAs, directions hearings, fact-finding hearings and final hearings. Sophie has particular experience of representing parties in cases involving serious allegations and concerns in respect of domestic abuse (including coercive control), mental health, substance misuse, parental alienation and implacable hostility.

Sophie is also regularly instructed in concurrent proceedings under Part IV Family Law Act 1996 concerning applications for occupation orders and non-molestation orders.

Sophie has experience of cases concerning jurisdictional issues and international elements, including applications to remove children from the jurisdiction and child abduction.

Sophie’s private law practice is complimented by her extensive previous public law practice. Sophie worked on public law cases for 8 years and has considerable experience of representing Local Authorities, parents, children (separately and through Children’s Guardians) and family members in care proceedings, adoption proceedings and Deprivation of Liberty cases, including in the Court of Appeal in J v Bath and North East Somerset Council & Ors [2025] EWCA Civ 478.

Sophie’s public law practice gave her experience representing vulnerable clients (including those with learning disabilities, mental health conditions or other difficulties and disabilities).

Sophie worked on many cases concerning abusive behaviour against adults or children (including sexual, physical, emotional, psychological and financial abuse and coercive control) non-accidental injury, FII, drug and alcohol abuse and chronic neglect.

Cases

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Resources

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Directory Quotes

Sophie is extremely thorough and diligent in her preparation, and her attention to detail is second-to-none. Her knowledge and experience is fantastic, and she is able to look at a case in creative ways to ensure that progress is made.”

The Legal 500 2026, Family: children and domestic abuse

Sophie is always thoroughly prepared. She has an eye for detail and robustly represents clients in court. Her advice is always clear and concise.”

The Legal 500 2025, Children and domestic abuse

Seminars & Events

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  • Qualifications:

    • University of Law BPTC – Very Competent
    • University of Sussex LLB (Hons)
    • “Highly Commended” prize – Bar Council’s Law Reform Essay Competition (2017)
    • Joseph Jackson Scholarship (Major Award) – The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (2014)
    • Blackstone Entrance Exhibition – The Honourable Society of the Middle Temple (2014)
    • Scholarship – University of Law (2014)
    • Winner – The Crown Prosecution Service Mooting Competition (2013)
    • Sophie has completed the FLBA Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training

  • Professional memberships:

    • Family Law Bar Association (FLBA)
    • Resolution
    • Western Circuit

  • Sophie Smith-Holland is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please read here.