Sophie Kemp

Sophie is an experienced public lawyer, advising on major public inquiries, judicial review, and modern slavery and human rights. 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). Clients describe her as a “consummate professional” recognised for solid and thoughtful handling of sensitive cases.

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 (including the General Dental Council), professional organisations and associations (notably The Law Society), senior police officers (former Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police), and psychotherapy and counselling professionals.

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. She acted for a number of families in the 7/7 Inquest following terrorist bombings in London, advised a senior Financial Conduct Authority employee in the Davis Inquiry , as well as the former Chief Constable of Cumbria in connection with Home Affairs Select Committee hearings

Sophie is currently representing 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

Human Rights Advisory work

Sophie leads the firm’s Business and Human Rights group. She is deeply involved in advising business on human rights issues, particularly compliance with Modern Slavery legislation, best practice and emerging norms. 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. She is currently working on a project with Nottingham University’s Rights Lab, on the suitability of investigative measures taken by businesses to eradicate slavery in supply chains.  She has a particular interest in helping clients to understand their ‘organisational culture’ and how to use it to promote human rights. Sophie holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Rights (University of Leeds).