Sophie Wells
Senior associate solicitor
Sophie Wells is a senior associate solicitor in the human rights department.
Sophie is an senior associate solicitor in the human rights department assisting Merry Varney and Anna Moore. She acts in a variety of matters that include representing bereaved families at inquests and individuals in the Court of Protection. She also acts in claims under the Human Rights Act 1998.
What our clients say
Sophie was fantastic throughout the Inquest. Really professional, kind and supportive. She is a star and true credit to Leigh Day.
Christie, a client of Sophie
What people say
"Sophie Wells is a star of the future." - Legal 500 2023
Legal expertise
Sophie acts for individuals in matters relating to the health and social care sectors and has experience in dealing with cases involving mental health, mental capacity and community care.
Sophie has a particular interest in acting for the bereaved families of individuals who have died whilst subject to the provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983.
Sophie has a developing practice in acting for vulnerable individuals in proceedings in front of the Court of Protection relating to decisions about residence, care and contact and has acted in a number of matters involving deprivations of liberty.
Sophie also acts in claims under the Human Rights Act brought on behalf of children and vulnerable adults as a result of failings by local authorities.
Some of Sophie’s recent cases include:
- Representing the bereaved family at an Inquest into the death of a woman who died as a result of choking whilst detained under the Mental Health Act.
- Representing the bereaved family at an inquest into the death of a woman who died as a result of self-inflicted injuries whilst on unescorted leave from a mental health unit.
Before joining the human rights department Sophie acted on a caseload of complex and high value claims against healthcare providers.
Sophie trained and qualified at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer. As part of her training contract she was seconded to Liberty, the human rights and civil liberties organisation. She moved to Liberty as a permanent member of staff shortly after qualification. Sophie joined Leigh Day in March 2016.
Sophie Wells in the news
- ‘I cry every time I think about my birth’: NHS rule which forces pregnant women with Covid to give birth alone ‘legally wrong’ Independent 12.2.21
What the directories say
Sophie Wells is a stand out associate who is able to engage with the most vulnerable of clients.
Legal 500 2024
Accreditations
News and blogs
Children’s Commissioner will say to Court of Appeal that court safeguard must stay for children in care
The Children’s Commissioner will tell the Court of Appeal that she believes the courts must not be stripped of their safeguarding role for children in care who are deprived of their liberty.
“Justice delayed is justice denied”: Inquests and the impact of systemic delays
Sophie Wells and Jess Smith, who work in the inquest team in our human rights department, discuss the impact of systemic delays to inquests.
Health board lifts ban on maternity ward visiting following threat of legal action
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board has lifted its ban on maternity ward visiting following the threat of legal action by a couple expecting their second baby.