Profile
Mia’s current practice focuses almost exclusively on Family Law with an emphasis on disputes involving Child Arrangements and Ancillary Relief. She can be instructed to deal with disputes involving but not limited to contact and residence, prohibited steps and Specific Issue Orders.
Mia also has extensive experience of cases involving allegations of domestic violence and substance abuse with heavy social services / Local Authority / CAFCASS involvement; and is frequently instructed to represent clients in fact-finding hearings. Mia’s experience of criminal practice lends itself well to this area; she is a forthright and robust court advocate who can be relied upon to fight her client’s corner in contested hearings.
Mia’s private law family practice involves the following areas:
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Same sex disputes
- Prohibited Steps Order
- Specific Issue Order
- Enforcement Applications
- Local Authority involvement
- Allegations of domestic violence
- Allegations of substance abuse
- Allegations of child abuse
- Parental Alienation
- Parental Responsibility
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Shared Residence Orders
- Breach Allegations / Enforcement
In addition to these areas, Mia is experienced when it comes to advising and representing clients in relation to injunctive proceedings such as applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Mia represents both applicants and respondents throughout these proceedings from ex parte (without notice) applications to final hearing.
Civil law
Mia’s civil law practice involves advising and representing clients on a variety of proceedings in the county court and various tribunals all the way to the High Court. Her experience of civil cases includes but is not limited to:
- Contractual disputes (all forms of Breach of Contract)
- Debt recovery
- Consumer Credit Act matters
- Sale of Goods disputes
- Court of Protection
- Mental health
- Flight Delays
- Licensing
- Credit Hire Disputes
- Road Traffic Insurance claims on Quantum
- Personal Injury (including cosmetic injury from non RTA matters)
Mia can be instructed to advise in writing, in conference or over the telephone. She also undertakes drafting work and can be instructed to prepare applications, correspondence, draft orders, witness statements and various written submissions including skeleton arguments.
Crime
Mariam spent 14 years from 2002 working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in London in a senior litigative and frontline criminal role. She ended her career there as a Senior Crown Prosecutor on the Central London Crown Court team. She therefore has a wide and varied experience of a full range of criminal matters. Mia can Defend just as expertly, and has represented clients in the Crown, Magistrates and Youth courts across the UK. She was instructed in some high profile cases during the May Day riots in London in 2001 and 2002. Mia has a high level of expertise in all manner of criminal proceedings including those involving charges of violence (including sexual violence), Public Order (including violent disorder), offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, Drugs (possession, importation / exportation and supply), Fraud, Harassment (including stalking), and motoring offences.
Immigration
Following on from her experience with the United Nations, Mia did a fair amount of Immigration work in London in the early years of her practice dealing with cases under (but not limited to) the Immigration Acts of 1971 & 1988, the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993, and the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. She represented clients in the First Tier of the Immigration and Asylum Chamber in London and the Tribunal’s Upper Tier. The Human Rights Act 1998 makes the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) justiciable in the courts of the United Kingdom, including the Immigration and Asylum Chamber. Since the HRA came into force in October 2000 much of Mia’s practice at this time was based around the interpretation of this legislation especially in regards to its application to English Law; in particular Articles 1-14 and the Protocols to the European Convention on Human Rights.
She has done a great deal of voluntary work, including for the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture where she dealt with victims of the Sri Lankan Civil War, namely members and associates of the LTTE (the Tamil Tigers) for their separatist actions against the then government. In Egypt she worked with local orphanages and to this day has a special interest in the rights of children. As a student in Newcastle she assisted extensively with the influx of refugees from the former Republic of Yugoslavia, including people who were tortured in Serb-run detention camps; later visiting the ICTY in the Hague to observe in person the trial of War Criminal Goran Yelisic.
Background
Prior to being called to the Bar, Mariam worked in private client and international law in Egypt for a year and then spent 6 months with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in London, dealing mainly with Asylum law which is the subject of the 1951 Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees; in accordance with which Contracting States accept an obligation to grant asylum to persons who can show that if they are returned to their countries of origin they face a reasonable degree of likelihood of risk of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
Mariam has a particular interest in women’s rights, equal opportunities in the workplace (especially workplace bullying and discrimination due to pregnancy), equal pay and sexual harassment at work (against both sexes). She has a strong civil liberties / human rights background, and is a long standing member of Amnesty International, Fathers for Justice, the Society of Black Lawyers, and MAP (Medical Aid for Palestinians).
Mariam is an aggressive defender of human rights and has marched in Trafalgar Square alongside our LGBT community and attended civil rallies in defence of civil liberties. She avidly supports ActionAid who champion the basic human rights of underprivileged women and girls around the world. Mia will take on pro bono work for the right client. She graduated in Law in Newcastle, did her Bar exams in Bristol and has a Masters degree in Law from Kingston University. She spent 3 years living in Saudi Arabia and is fluent in Arabic. This Barrister is a proud Feminist and single mother with 2 young boys. She lives in Surrey.
Professional memberships:
Family Bar Association
Ci Arb (Chartered institute of Arbitrators)
Criminal Bar Association
Testimonials
Father in NMO proceedings (Family Law Act)An absolute pleasure to deal with - First Rate. I had the absolute privilege of dealing with Sam Morgan as Senior Clerk and Mariam El-Sobky as counsel in what was a very sensitive family court matter. The service was expedient, courteous and very professional with a highly satisfactory result (for all parties) obtained thanks in no small part to their absolute diligence and extensive knowledge and expertise in the salient field. They made a very difficult situation a lot better. It is wholeheartedly that I totally recommend them.
Miss MP Child ArrangementsI cannot thank you enough your closing submission was amazing you actually told the court what was going on without mincing your words I’ve never had that before. I feel that my legal representation all the way through this have just agreed with each other and not spoken up enough to highlight my very real worries about this mans behaviour towards myself and Scarlett. I honestly think your submission made a huge difference as I could see the judge was picking up on a lot of what you had brought up and did highlight that he has abused me in the past and that must not go unnoticed. She was also very against the idea that I was alienating. We have a care order with the same guardian for 12 months and she wants us to attend family therapy which I’m not crazy about but will do if I have to.
Mr DB Lay ClientAbsolutely outstanding! Mia has that most rare of qualities in a barrister- she combines a formidable forensic intelligence with a genuine empathy and compassion for the people she helps. I have considerable experience of Barristers, both in my own case and in my 6 years as a McKenzie friend. I have yet to meet one with the qualities that Mia has naturally. I have to say that she pretty much saved my life when I was faced with with a cruel and painful final hearing and did not know where to turn . Whem Mia realised how low my mood had sunk she said pick up the phone anytime you are feeling that low. I was shocked as I have never heard anything like that from a barrister before. She also took it upon herself to clear up a few bits of paperwork for me with the other side as I was clearly not up to the task. When we actually went into court Mia was well prepared and able to fend off the most unpleasant attacks from the other side with the greatest of courtesy and patience. They looked like embarrassed amateurs by comparison. I don't think I would ever consider using anyone else if I need a barrister again. You simply don't get barristers who are excellent in court and also show a duty of care to their clients outside. When you pay for a barrister to represent you in court, you should, above all, feel protected in court. That has not always been the case with the barristers I have used. It has certainly been the case with Mia and I could not recommend her highly enough.
Mr DT, Child Arrangements Public AccessVery happy with the service received throughout from Mariam and would use again. Mariam went above and beyond to help me with my case.
Mr GL (child arrangements order) Public AccessFor the record. Mariam has been fantastic and yesterday she was 100% professional as I was listening in on the legal minefield on a phone-call hearing in these surreal Covid days.
Mr JD in Children Act proceedings Lay ClientDear Mariam Thank u for yesterday can't tell u how that's made me and family the result I will leave feed back as soon as I'm on laptop can't thank u enough ur a star thank u for helping fight for my little girl
Ms G R Lay Client - Children Act MatterI cannot thank you enough for giving up your time today to help us, you really are an angel in disguise and we can never repay you for what you have done, you are one in a million and our children are very lucky we have had your help
Mr C W Lay Client - Child Arrangements November 2019Thank you Mia, pleasure was all mine you done a brilliant job my children and I thank you so much really appreciate it.
Miss RE Ancillary Relief ProceedingsDear Mia Thank you for all your help with my case. We got a good result today and I really appreciate the support you gave me during such a stressful period in my life. Warm Regards
Miss J L Lay ClientThis lady is the real deal - Warm, Personable and Professional. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending her as you will not be let down in any sense and will be treated with consistent compassion, honesty and respect throughout no matter what else she may be juggling at the time. Her knowledge is of course vast and she will be totally honest and realistic. Has lived in the real world and knows how it all works. Genuinely cares about you, your children and your case. (Advice on child arrangements application 2019)
Mr JL Child Arrangements - Lay ClientWant to thank you for today can’t tell you how happy i am your amazing and haven’t felt this happy for ages thank you so much.
RS Non Molestation Order, Lay ClientOnce again l cannot thank you enough for the amazing job done, fantastic result! Thank you!
SH, Chelmsford Ancillary Relief, Lay ClientI am so grateful and forever indebted for all your support and help. You were fantastic to me on the court day.
HC, Coventry Child Arrangements, Lay ClientThank you so much for today, I’m so grateful.
Miss A. T Birmingham, Family Lay ClientMia is a world class advocate who is extremely down to earth and relatable. She has assisted me greatly in my case and I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her! She’s professional, knowledgeable and a true asset to anyone that instructs her. My case is a complex one with multiple issues but Mia has been able to get to grips with the issues quickly and advance my case appropriately. As a Litigant in Person this has been a very positive experience for me and as my case advances I will be sure to retain the services of Mia as my Barrister. I will also be sure to recommend Clerksroom to others. Thank you. Kind Regards,
Mr A. S, Uxbridge Lay ClientI found Mariam to have a superior balance between being professional and personable. She immediately made me comfortable with her presence and exhibited warmth and understanding within the bounds of maintaining professionalism required to the circumstances and her role as a barrister. i am not a legal professional but I noticed that Mariam had expertise that I found to be far superior to other barristers i have engaged in the past. Some of whom were called to the bar many years before Mariam and who have had much greater experience in dealing with cases. I have been represented poorly in my opinion with the very first solicitors i engaged for financial settlement and the barristers they recommended simply did not explain in detail the proceedings, what is expected of me with certain case outcomes. In contrast, Mariam took time to explain to me the entire process, what is expected of me, what I should be doing to help my case and how the process will likely turn out provided I commit to the outcomes of the hearing. I found myself to trust her and her advice and felt she had a very good understanding of the law and legal proceedings. As mentioned above, Mariam is warm, friendly and made me feel at ease immediately on a day that was a culmination of a long, tedious and stressful process. Not having worked on my case before, she made me feel like she understood not only what had transpired to date, but also how stressed and upset I felt about it. She managed my expectations expertly and i trusted that she would represent me with a knowledge of what I have been through emotionally and mentally. Mariam juggled aggression in how she represented my case, with warmth and understanding in a way I haven't seen during my case. I even mentioned to her that no counsel has fought for my case in the way she had. I truly appreciated how she seemed to take my case on, at relatively short notice, with passion and belief. She did no exhibit any judgement on my faults, my doubts or mistakes I had made, but gave me sound advice and fair criticism where required. I believe there is a difference in understanding the law and understanding the law in how it works for an individual. Mariam has an excellent grasp on the latter. She advised me and guided me on matters that I dont have expert knowledge in and managed to advise me in a bespoke manner accounting for the strategy imposed by the other side. I would definitely engage Mariam again, in fact I would insist my solicitor tries to ensure Mariam is available for any future hearing where i require representation.
Elise Public AccessIt is true to say that Mariam has saved both mine and my family's lives. I contacted Mariam at the very last minute giving her literally a matter of 3 weeks to help me with the most appalling of situations. Mariam told me "you have me now, I've got you and I will fight for your family as if they were my own". And she did. I have not felt like 'another case' for Mariam, she gave importance to my situation, made my problems her own and has breathed passion into her work for me. Mariam has worked relentlessly for me over the last 10 weeks and has encouraged me to contact her at anytime. she always responds... and with both encouragement and advice. Nothing has been too much trouble for her. Mariam has held me up emotionally, has given me hope and strength and has listened intently to everything I have said. She has left no stones unturned. Mariam is brilliant, certainly as a forthcoming, smart working barrister but equally as a human being who has helped to restore my faith (and my family's) in humanity during this immensely crippling time for us. No amount of money can buy or repay what Mariam has brought to our lives. Thank you Mariam, for everything.
Ms JN Lay ClientHi Mariam The work you did for me today was fantastic you put my mind at ease and although l wasn't sure i did the right thing while i was at court when l arrived home i was happy l made it Thank you so much for all your help l wish you well in the future Kind regards
Ms MA Lay ClientDear Mia, Thank you very much for your kind help and support today at Court. It was very nice meeting you. Apologies again for my delay in getting there. Thank you for all the hard work and efforts to reach a settlement and for your kind consideration and expert advice. I shall update you and follow-up with as necessary for the Final Hearing.
Mr VM Lay ClientMia is a Very professional and sharp advocate..very punctual and pay attention to detail. Thanks for representing me today at isleworth crown court.
Mr LM Lay ClientJust a quick email about Mia, from day one of speaking with and then later meeting her in person, Mia she has been professional, knowledgeable and approachable. Nothing is to much trouble for her and her advice and support have been of the up most value to me. She has replied to all my many questions in a timely manner with responses that have allayed my fears and put my mind at rest. But for me above all this Mia is a nice person who genuinely cares about the people she is representing, I have never had the feeling from her that I am just another client. I would have no hesitation about recommending or using clerks room direct in the future and especially Mia. Thank you for your help so far with my case.
Mr AC Lay ClientDear Mariam, I just wanted to say on record a massive thank you to yourself and to Sam for setting the meeting up. I was so stressed as you’re aware but your help at such short notice was nothing short of biblical. I can’t put into words how much easier you made the situation and I’ll be forever in your debt. Your professional approach was outstanding and I would recommend you to anyone. If there is anywhere I can assist to put public comment to recommend you please advise. The most many of Thanks
Mr SDB Lay ClientI wanted to thank Mariam El-Sobky for her kind and professional support in reaching conclusion of a very difficult civil litigation situation. Mariam rapidly understood what was a complex case incisively finding and then communicating the critical points to the court which resulted in the outcome that we all hoped for. In addition Mariam has provided key information in the context of my representing solicitor being closed down by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority enabling me to communicate directly with the county court and maintain visibility in an opaque environment as I patiently await the finalisation of papers and resolution of what has been a horror story. Mariam I am extremely grateful for your representation through this difficult time.
Ms MA Lay ClientDear Mia, Thank you very much for your kind help and support today at Court. It was very nice meeting you. Apologies again for my delay in getting there. Thank you for all the hard work and efforts to reach a settlement and for your kind consideration and expert advice. Best Regards, Margaret
Mr S.D. Public Access ClientI wanted to thank Mariam El-Sobky for her kind and professional support in reaching conclusion of a very difficult civil litigation situation. Mariam rapidly understood what was a complex case incisively finding and then communicating the critical points to the court which resulted in the outcome that we all hoped for. Mariam I am extremely grateful for your representation through this difficult time.
Areas of Law
Mia El-Sobky is happy to accept instructions as counsel who is:
Experienced in the areas of:
- Business & Commercial Law
- Credit Hire (Claimant)
- Credit Hire (Defendant Insurance)
- Employment
- Family Law
- Inquests
- Land & Property
- Road Traffic
Note:
Outside of these key areas of law, Mia El-Sobky is always willing to consider any enquiry requiring the experience or knowledge needed to help you or your client. Please call Mia direct or the support team on 01823 247 247 if you would like to discuss any aspect of this profile.
Fees and Feedback
FEES:
Details regarding our approach to fees can be found at the following link: http://www.clerksroom.com/content-html?cid=336
SERVICES:
Please see “profile” tab for a description of the legal services provided by this barrister.
We aim to complete and return all paperwork within 14 days (2 weeks) of receipt if no specific deadline is provided. We can work to much faster timescales if requested or we can agree a specific target date for each individual circumstance. We will always advise at the outset if counsel is unable to meet any deadline.
Each barrister has a standard hourly rate for their work. The individual hourly rate can be agreed when instructions are acknowledged if preferred. We welcome early discussion as to the suitability of a specific barrister for a specific case. The right barrister will have the relevant expertise to deal with the case but will not be too junior, or too senior depending on the complexities.
We aim to allocate all cases to the correct level of experience & seniority which we believe will prove most to be the most cost-effective solution for our clients.
If, due to urgency, we allocate paperwork to a more senior member of Clerksroom, we will charge the appropriate hourly rate for the work, not for the barrister. We welcome early discussion to ensure the correct fee is applied to the case at the outset.
REDRESS:
All our barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and hold a current practising certificate, details can be found at the following link Barristers’ Register
Complaints information
If you are not satisfied with the service provided, you can make a complaint to Chambers. Information on the chambers’ complaints procedure is available at the following link: http://www.clerksroom.com/content-html?cid=416
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from my chambers, you can make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. You must contact the Legal Ombudsman either within 6 months following the conclusion of our handling your complaint, within 6 years from the date of the act/omission, or 3 years from the date that you should reasonably have known there were grounds for complaint (if the act/omission took place before the 6 October 2010 or was more than six years ago).
The Legal Ombudsman’s details are as follows:
Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6806
Wolverhampton
WV1 9WJ
Tel: 0300 555 0333
Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk
Web: www.legalombudsman.org.uk
Privacy Notice
1. This is a privacy notice that describes how, why and for how long I will process or keep your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’).
2. The GDPR governs how an individual’s personal data is used, and your rights in relation to that data.
3. I, Mia El-Sobky, have been instructed by you or your litigation friend (usually a parent), through your solicitor or agent, or via the Bar Pro Bono Unit.
4. It is necessary for me to process your personal data in order for me to provide you with legal services, for example:
· Advise on the prospects of litigation;
· Advise on the value of your claim;
· Representation at a court hearing;
· Representation at trial;
· Advise, review or comment on legal issues or evidence.
5. Processing means anything done to data such as: recording, organising, adapting, altering, copying, consulting, transmitting, combining, erasing or storing it.
6. The processing for the purposes listed above will take place in accordance with either Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, depending on how you instructed me.
7. If you have instructed me on a direct access basis, or engaged a solicitor (or legal agent), to assist you in bringing or defending a claim then the processing is necessary to perform a contract to which you are a party (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR). To give effect to that contract (i.e. to bring a claim) it is necessary for me to process your personal data for litigation purposes.
8. If I am assisting you on a pro bono basis, it will be necessary for me to seek your consent to be able to represent you (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR). In this scenario, you will be sent a consent form.
Recipients of your data
9. I may also be required to share your data with others, depending on the nature of your case. This may include:
(i) Courts and other tribunals to whom documents are presented;
(ii) Your solicitors, or agent representing you, through whom I have been instructed;
(iii) Potential witnesses, experts and other persons involved in the case;
(iv) Solicitors, barristers, or other legal representatives;
(v) Ombudsman and regulatory authorities;
(vi) Education and examining bodies; and
(vii) Current, past or prospective employers.
Special Categories of Data
10. In some cases I will have been given your personal data that is within the ‘special categories’ of data described in GDPR Article 9(1). For example, personal data that reveals your race, ethnicity, sexual preferences, political or religious beliefs, trade union membership or health. There are also restrictions for processing information regarding criminal convictions.
11. This type of personal data will only be processed where it is necessary in order to represent you in your legal claim, or advise on the prospects of a legal claim.
Retention
12. I will retain your personal data for no longer than is necessary, and where it is possible, I will anonymise your data.
13. How long your personal data is kept will depend on a number of factors. The retention period will be reviewed when the service I am providing you with is complete. However in general, I am obliged by the Bar Code of Conduct to retain records of my cases, and by HM Revenue and Customs to retain records for 6 years.
14. Once your case has concluded and fees have been paid, I shall retain only the personal data necessary for the following purposes:
(i) The legal and professional obligation to retain information relating to my cases;
(ii) To check for any potential conflict of interests that may arise in the future when I am instructed on other cases;
(iii) For use in the defence of potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes;
(iv) To refer back to in future cases which raise similar legal, factual, or procedural issues.
15. The processing for the purposes listed in paragraph 14 (ii), (iii), and (iv) above, will take place in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. That is, for the purposes of legitimate interests that are not outweighed by your interests or fundamental rights and freedoms.
16. The processing for the purposes listed in paragraph 14(i) above, will take place in accordance with Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. That is, the processing is necessary for me to comply with a legal obligation.
Your Rights
17. Where processing of your personal data was based on your consent (see paragraphs 6 and 8) you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. This does not affect the lawfulness of the processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
18. Withdrawal of your consent to process such data will most likely mean that I am no longer able to provide you with the legal services you seek.
19. You may request confirmation that your personal data is being processed by me and details about the personal data, the source, the processing, the purposes of the processing, the recipients and the retention period.
20. You may request a copy of your personal data that is being processed by me. You may also request rectification (i.e. correction) where there are inaccuracies in the personal data.
21. You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time, to processing of your personal data in paragraph 14 of this privacy notice. Should you object, the processing will only continue where there are compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your fundamental rights, freedoms and interests.
22. Where the processing or retention of your data is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, it will not be possible to object.
23. You have the right to request that your personal data is erased where any of the following apply:
(i) The personal data are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed;
(ii) You withdraw your consent where the basis of processing was based on consent and where there is no other ground for the processing;
(iii) Where your fundamental rights, freedoms and interests override the legitimate interests of processing in paragraph 14;
(iv) The personal data has been unlawfully processed; or
(v) The personal data have to be erased to comply with a legal obligation.
24. You have the right to request that your personal data is restricted from processing, so that it is simply stored, for the following reasons: as an alternative to deletion; so that it can be corrected; for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims; to verify if a legitimate ground exists (paragraph 14).
25. Where it is necessary to correct your personal data, or you have requested the restriction or erasure of your personal data, I shall endeavour to contact the recipients of the personal data, unless this involves disproportionate effort.
Security
26. I take appropriate physical and technical procedures to safeguard your personal data to prevent it from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorised way. The I.T. systems used by Clerksroom are ISO27001 compliant.
Complaints or Queries
27. If you have any questions regarding this privacy notice, or how I use your personal data please email me: Mariam.El-Sobky@Clerksroom.com, or my clerks: mail@clerksroom telephone 01823 247 247.
28. I shall aim to respond as soon as possible, and within 30 days.
29. You have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe I have not handled your request in an appropriate manner. For information on contacting the ICO please go to: https://ico.org.uk/global/contact-us/
