Sophie Phillips

Teesside

01642 232523

Newcastle

0191 406 7800

Teesside

01642 232523

Newcastle

0191 406 7800

Sophie Phillips is listed as a “Rising Star” in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 for Commercial Litigation.

“An organised and personable junior.”

-The Legal 500 (2026)

Sophie’s work involves a variety of contractual and commercial disputes. Her commercial and chancery practice has a particular emphasis on matters concerning real property.

Sophie represents clients from pre-action stages through to trial. She regularly advises on matters concerning boundary disputes including rights of way, trespass and nuisance. She is experienced in drafting applications for interim relief as well as pleadings and schedules of loss.

She accepts instructions from both claimants and defendants.

Sophie prides herself on her attention to detail which is particularly pertinent when dealing with often complex issues, which arise from commercial and chancery matters. She has experience of dealing with both lay clients and professional clients in what can sometimes be very challenging situations in order to achieve the best result.

"An organised and personable junior."

The Legal 500 (2025)

Notable Cases

AF v A – acted on behalf of an accountancy firm and was successful in proceedings against an unincorporated association’s employee whereby they were found to be personally liable for the debts incurred by the association.
PP v C – awarded a final injunction in a neighbour boundary dispute concerning trespass and nuisance.

Sophie Phillips is listed as a “Rising Star” in The Legal 500 (2026) for Social housing.

“Comes across as confident and composed. Her skeleton arguments were particularly well-reasoned.”

‘-The Legal 500 (2026)

Sophie has developed a successful housing practice and accepts instructions in matters across the spectrum of housing law including possession proceedings, disrepair and anti-social behaviour injunctions. She acts on behalf of Registered Social Landlords, Local Authorities, private landlords and tenants.

Areas of practice:

possession proceedings
anti-social behaviour
disrepair
homelessness
unlawful eviction
trespass
committals
injunctions

“Sophie is very professional, thorough and highly skilled, and has the ability to put clients at ease."

The Legal 500 (2025)

Notable Cases - Possession Proceedings

AHG v M – acted on behalf of a Registered Social Landlord at a final hearing for possession in respect of lengthy ASB.
YCC v Z – acted on behalf of a tenant at a final hearing for possession which concerned ASB allegations of drug dealing and ‘cuckooing’ at the property.
S v R – acted for the successful tenant in a legal aid matter; possession proceedings were dismissed and the landlord was ordered to pay the tenant’s inter-parties costs.
P v B – acted for the successful private landlord; case concerned complex issues relating to TOLATA and beneficial interest.
M v T – acted for the successful tenant; possession proceedings were dismissed with the tenant being successful on her counterclaim being awarded damages of over £30,000 for disrepair, harassment, breach of covenant and failure to secure tenancy deposit

Notable Cases - Committal proceedings

G v T – acted for the successful housing association; the defendant was found guilty of three breaches of an ASB injunction and was sentenced to 7 weeks and 5 days custody to be suspended until the end of the ASB injunction.
D v D – represented the successful housing association; the defendant was found guilty of two breaches of an interim injunction for ASB and was sentenced to immediate custody of 4 months.

Notable cases - ASB injunctions

P v L – acted for the successful housing association; the claimant was awarded an ASB injunction against the defendant to run for a period of 3 years. Costs were awarded in full.

Specialist Legal Advice for Private Landlords — Direct Access to a Legal 500 Barrister

Private landlords are increasingly required to navigate a complex and evolving legal landscape. I offer direct, one-to-one legal advice on all matters relating to residential and commercial property — from tenancy disputes and possession proceedings to regulatory compliance and property management issues. As a Legal 500-ranked barrister specialising in landlord and tenant law, I provide clear, strategic guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, with a focus on practical solutions and protecting your legal position.

Services Offered

Tenancy Disputes & Possession Proceedings

Advice and representation in relation to rent arrears, breaches of tenancy, notices (Section 8 and Section 21), and court proceedings for possession.

Tenancy Agreements & Compliance

Review of tenancy agreements to ensure they are legally sound and up to date with current legislation. Guidance on regulatory obligations including deposit protection, licensing, and safety requirements.

Eviction Advice

Clear, step-by-step guidance on lawful eviction processes, avoiding common pitfalls, and minimising delays.

Disrepair & Housing Conditions

Assistance with claims relating to property disrepair, tenant allegations, or counterclaims.

HMO & Regulatory Matters

Advice on licensing issues, enforcement notices, and appeals concerning Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and local authority intervention.

Breach of Covenant & Forfeiture

Advice on enforcing terms of tenancy agreements or leases, including steps towards forfeiture and relief applications.

Illegal Eviction & Harassment Allegations

Defending claims brought by tenants or local authorities under the Protection from Eviction Act 1977.

Injunctions & Urgent Court Applications

Support with emergency applications, including access injunctions, anti-social behaviour injunctions, and ex parte relief.

Why Choose Direct Access?

Speak Directly with a Legal Expert

By instructing me directly as a barrister, you gain immediate access to specialist legal advice — often faster and more cost-effective than going through a solicitor.

Tailored, Practical Advice

Each case is approached with a deep understanding of landlord-tenant law and a focus on achieving efficient, workable outcomes.

Recognised Expertise

Ranked in The Legal 500 for property law, I bring tested advocacy and advisory experience to help you stay compliant and protect your investment.

How to Book a Consultation

Consultations are available via telephone, video call, or in-person (subject to location and availability). Fixed-fee advice sessions and ongoing support packages can be arranged to suit your needs.