Sophie Holmes

Sophie is a solicitor in the Court of Protection and community care department at Stephensons.

She completed her law degree at the University of Manchester in 2017 and graduated with an upper second-class. Sophie then joined Stephensons as a graduate paralegal whilst studying for her Legal Practice Course part-time at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She was offered a training contract with the firm in 2021 and qualified as a solicitor in 2023.

Prior to joining the department, Sophie was a fee-earner in the Wills and Probate department and was responsible for a varied case load including Wills, estate and trust administration, deeds of gift and transfers into trust. Sophie also had particular experience in dealing with cases concerning mental capacity, namely lasting powers of attorney and Court of Protection deputyships including applications for permission to sell property on behalf of ‘P’, and applications under s36 and s54 Trustee Act 1925 where ‘P’ is a trustee of land.

Sophie now specialises in sensitive and complex matters concerning vulnerable clients who often lack mental capacity. She is regularly instructed in a range of welfare litigation matters, including:

• Appeals against Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) under s21A Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Capacity disputes
• Disputes about residence and care
• Disputes about contact with others, including family members
• Disputes about capacity to engage in sexual relations or to make decisions about contraception
• Disputes about the internet and social media
• Disputes involving local authorities, NHS Trusts and/or Integrated Care Boards (formerly Clinical Commissioning Groups)

Sophie regularly acts on behalf of ‘P’ by his/her litigation friend (including Independent Mental Capacity Advocates, family members and the Official Solicitor) and on behalf of family members who are joined as a party to the proceedings.  

Sophie has experience in delivering training sessions to Advocacy Services and is a member of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA).

Outside of work, she has also volunteered with local charity Wigan and Leigh Foodbank. In her free time Sophie enjoys going to the gym, reading, and walking her dog.

What clients say

“Stephensons were immensely helpful in guiding us through the process remotely. They kept us very well informed and a pleasure to deal with. I would like to especially mention Sophie Holmes, who was patient, professional and always answered quickly. I have no hesitation in recommending Stephensons and especially Sophie.” - Debby Richards

“... she took away all the stress of applying for the grant of probate during our bereavement. Well done for providing us with an extremely efficient service at a difficult time” - view from a satisfied client