Sophie Clifford

Call 2023

Save profile
020 7404 1881
Contact Sophie
Download CV
vCard

Sophie Clifford

Call 2023

Before commencing pupillage, Sophie worked for a number of years as a paralegal at a London criminal defence firm. She had conduct of a wide range of cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Court, including serious violence, sex offences, firearms, and drug offences. She has considerable experience of acting for vulnerable defendants, and a particular interest in representing those who have a history of poor mental health and a background in social care. She also has experience in representing youths and defendants requiring the assistance of an intermediary.

Alongside her own case load, she assisted senior solicitors on complex cases, such as murder, rape, and historic sex offences. Sophie gained exposure to complex legal arguments and is adept at identifying and instructing appropriate experts.

Expertise

Notable Assault & Violence cases

R v DP [2024] Inner London Crown Court

Represented a defendant charged with violent disorder, my client having been arrested in relation to the Whitehall riots. A custodial sentence of 14 months was imposed.

R v BK [2024] Peterborough Magistrates’ Court

Represented a defendant charged with assault by beating, of both his partner and his child. After a full day’s trial, my client was acquitted of all charges.

R v DJ [2024] Oxford Magistrates’ Court

Acted for the defendant in an alleged domestic violence trial, my client having been charged with assault by beating. This was a particularly sensitive matter with the defendant and complainant requiring special measures due to poor mental health. Following the trial my client was acquitted, and a non conviction restraining order was successfully opposed.

R v RW [2024] Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court

Represented a defendant at trial charged with non-fatal strangulation.

R v MC [2024] Norwich Magistrates’ Court

Acted for a defendant charged with harassment. Following service of a comprehensive defence bundle which undermined the prosecution case, the Prosecution offered no evidence. I was instructed by Yvonne Mangan of Metcalfe Copeman & Pettefar LLP.

Notable Driving Offences cases

R v RB [2024] Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court

My client faced a charge of driving without insurance. I successfully made a ‘special reasons’ application.

R v SF [2024] Luton Magistrates’ Court

I represented a defendant accused of Failing to stop. Following representations my client was sentenced to a community order.

R v DL [2024] King’s Lynn Magistrates’ Court

My client had been disqualified from driving. I was successful in my Application to remove the disqualification.

Notable General Crime cases

R v JE [2024] Inner London Crown Court

Represented a defendant charged with possession of a blade. I put forward representations that the prosecution was neither in the public interest, nor was there a realistic prospect of conviction, which the Crown ultimately conceded by offering no evidence.

RSPCA v CS [2024] Ipswich Magistrates' Court

I acted for the first defendant charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. My client was acquitted of the more serious offences. I successfully opposed an application to disqualify my client from owning animals, following conviction.

R v KP [2024] Guildford Crown Court

Represented defendant charged with coercive controlling behaviour. Proceedings pending.

Notable Sexual Offences cases

R v AH [2024] Cambridge Crown Court

Represented a defendant for breach of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which related to further offending yet to be formally charged. Suspended sentence order imposed by the court.

Notable Regulatory  cases

LA v MW [2024] Barkingside Magistrates’ Court

I successfully applied for a Closer Order on behalf of the Local Authority.

Notable Youth Court cases

R v TS [2024] Barkingside Youth Court

Represented defendant charged with the possession of a blade. Proceedings pending.

Associations and Memberships

  • Kings’ College, London: English Literature BA (Hons)
  • University of Law: Graduate Diploma in Law
  • University of Law: Bar Practice Course
  • Gray’s Inn: Bar Course Scholarship (Goldie Scholarship)

  • The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • Women in Criminal Law
  • South Eastern Circuit
  • Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Bar Mess

 

Related News

All three pupils accept offers of tenancy following successful completion of pupillage

News
2 October 2024

A BIG Drystone welcome to our three Pupils who start today!

News
2 October 2023

Portfolio Builder

Select the legal expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download

Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)