Biography
I joined the Public Law & Human Rights department in Irwin Mitchell LLP in September 2016.
I specialise in welfare cases relating to vulnerable adults in the Court of Protection. I am regularly instructed by the Official Solicitor, family members, advocates and paid relevant persons representatives.
I have expertise in the following types of cases:
- S21A challenges to a deprivation of liberty.
- S16 best interests health and welfare applications dealing with disputes about residence, care and contact.
- Bringing legal challenges to unlawful care assessments and inadequate care packages for disabled adults in both England and Wales.
I regularly work with highly vulnerable individuals who are suffering from conditions such as dementia and learning disabilities. I work hard to ensure that the wishes and feelings of the individuals that I represent are kept central to the case and upheld, where possible.
I also advise on other areas of community care law, including challenges under the Care Act 2014 and the Social Services and Well Being (Wales) Act and public law judicial review challenges.
I have an interest and my team have expertise in the following types of case:
- Representing families at inquests.
- Claims against the police.
- Civil claims and claims under the Human Rights Act.
I have a number of years' experience as a housing solicitor in the non-profit section. I have experience in defending possession proceedings, damages claims for housing disrepair and unlawful eviction, anti-social behaviour injunctions and challenging homelessness decisions made by local authorities.
I am a member of the Court of Protection Practitioners Association (CoPPA), Public Law Wales and the Women Lawyers Division.
Testimonials
"I can’t thank Irwin Michell and especially my solicitor Sophie Farrah enough. They successfully helped me in my legal claim against my local police force and never gave up. Sophie always updated me promptly and always listened to me and took on board my views. Without the help of Sophie and her colleagues at the Bristol branch of Irwin Mitchell, I would never have got the great settlement that I did.
"As a result of the settlement that they obtained for me, I was able to get the therapy I needed and return to University to start a second degree. I am now half way through my training to be a veterinary nurse and can rebuild my life after a traumatic time. Irwin Michell literally saved my life and I appreciate what they did so much." - 5* Trustpilot review
