Sophie Kemp

Sophie is an experienced public lawyer who became the Head of the Public Law team in September 2021. Sophie specialises in judicial review, large scale investigations and inquiries, and business and human rights, and was described by Chambers 2024 to be “academically astute and effortless in her leadership role; she is particularly strong in inquiries and investigations.“ She is ranked in Band 1 for Inquests and Public Inquiries in Chambers 2024 and as a Leading Individual in Legal 500 UK 2024. She has “substantial expertise in major public inquiries and inquests" (Legal 500 UK 2019). She is “very sharp” (Legal 500 UK, 2017) and “grasps complex issues quickly and comprehensively” (Legal 500, 2015).

Judicial Review

Sophie acts for individuals, charities, companies and regulatory bodies in judicial review litigation. The core of many of Sophie’s cases touch on human rights, including claims for damages under the Human Rights Act 1998. Her work for both claimants and defendants allows her to provide a rigorous, yet sensitive and collaborative approach to litigation. Her client list includes, government agencies, regulatory bodies, charities, professional organisations and associations (notably The Law Society), doctors (in connection with COVID-19 and gender identity matters), senior police officers (former Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police), and individuals.

Public Inquiries, Inquests and Investigations

Sophie has considerable investigative and public inquiry experience representing individuals, institutions, charities, public figures and senior professionals in major public inquiries, inquests, IOPC investigations, and before Select Committees. Sophie represented a number of core participants in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (the Jay Inquiry), investigating the extent to which institutions have failed to protect children from sexual abuse. She is also advising an individual involved in the Under Cover Policing Inquiry. She acted for a number of families in the 7/7 Inquest following terrorist bombings in London, and advised a senior Financial Conduct Authority employee in the Davis Inquiry.

Business and Human Rights

Sophie leads the firm’s Business and Human Rights group. Sophie’s business and human rights practice includes representing The Corporate Responsibility (CORE) Coalition and the International Commission of Jurists to intervene in the Supreme Court case of Okpabi v Shell, a landmark case on corporate accountability brought by thousands of claimants in respect of pollution in the Niger Delta as well as acting for a group of claimants in a group class action alleging breaches of Article 2 and 3 of the ECHR. She is co-author of the “Report of research into how a regulator could monitor and enforce a proposed UK Human Rights Due Diligence law” commissioned by the CORE Coalition, Traidcraft Exchange and the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. Sophie has delivered a number of talks with the Home Office on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 with the aim of promoting this ground breaking legislation to the business community and public sector.

WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID

Sophie is an excellent practitioner in every respect."

Chambers and Partners 2025

Sophie provides an exceptional level of service on this complex matter."

Chambers and Partners 2025

Sophie Kemp is an excellent communicator; she gives clear advice and has a very broad knowledge of inquiry and independent review law."

Legal 500 UK 2024

Sophie Kemp is a trusted advisor. Her advice is tailored to her clients’ needs and is always first rate. She is supportive, approachable and a delight to work with. You feel confident with her in your corner."

Legal 500 UK 2023

She really listens and understands where clients are coming from and provides sound advice."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

She is ferociously hard-working and her client handling is incredible."

Chambers and Partners, 2022

Sophie Kemp – absolutely outstanding in helping me think through some very complex issues; very patient and also clear and concise.”

Legal 500 2022

Sophie Kemp combines high level knowledge of the law with a very personal approach.”

Legal 500 2022

Sophie Kemp is an immensely able professional. We have been working with her for five years now. What is outstanding is her capacity to manage complex issues in the wider context and to provide excellent legal advice, whilst still acknowledging the human realities which underpin public law issues. She is consummate and a caring professional and human being."

Legal 500 UK 2021

Stand-out partner Sophie Kemp.... They are market leaders, but maintain a courteous manner in dealing with opponents, all the while protecting their client’s interests to the best of their ability. They are genuinely interested in and impressive contributors to public law."

Legal 500 UK 2021

Sophie Kemp in particular, is intellectually talented, but also highly pragmatic. She represents her clients' interests vigorously, but fairly, and it is always a pleasure to work with, and more strikingly, against her."

Legal 500 UK 2021

Substantial expertise in major public inquiries and inquests."

Legal 500 UK 2019

‘very sharp’ and ‘a delight to work with’"

Legal 500 UK 2017

...grasps complex issues quickly and comprehensively."

Legal 500 UK 2015

Solid and thoughtful" approach to sensitive cases."

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2012

Praised by clients for the high quality of her advice, which is "in touch with reality, not driven by emotion or money."'

Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2011