Sophie Gibson

Call: 2022

Sophie specialises in all aspects of residential and commercial property law, with a particular interest in land registration, trusts, real property and Chancery issues. Recently the Court of Appeal commended her advocacy for its “notable clarity and skill”.

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Sophie Gibson

Practice summary

Property

Planning

Public and Administrative

Practice Summary

Sophie specialises in all aspects of residential and commercial property law, with a particular interest in land registration, trusts, real property and Chancery issues. Recently the Court of Appeal commended her advocacy for its “notable clarity and skill”.

She acts in cases beyond her year of call. In the last year, she has been instructed as junior counsel in two significant Court of Appeal cases on the Right to Manage, delivering oral submissions both times, with another case listed for April 2026.

In recognition of her success in the residential property field, only eighteen months into practice, Sophie was a finalist for the award of Barrister of the Year – Junior Counsel (Under 10 Years’ Call) at the Apartment Adviser Awards (formerly the ERMAs).

Sophie is teaching Land Law at the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College) during Michaelmas 2025 alongside her barrister practice.

Sophie is on the editorial team of the Encyclopaedia of Housing Law and Practice and is currently drafting the entries on the new Renters’ Rights Act.

Sophie is very comfortable on her feet and enjoys the challenge of advocacy while under pressure, especially that posed by complex legal submissions and cross-examination of witnesses. She also acts in an advisory capacity alongside her court practice.

Her notable recent work includes:

  • Junior counsel (led by Justin Bates KC) for the successful Appellant in Avon Freeholds Ltd v Cresta Court E RTM Co Ltd in both the Court of Appeal ([2025] EWCA Civ 1016) and the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) ([2024] UKUT 335 (LC); [2025] 1 WLR 1262) concerning the effect of the registration gap on the Right to Manage provisions in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and the service of notices inviting participation under that Act. On both occasions, Sophie delivered the oral submissions on the land registration issue with which the Tribunal and the Court agreed.
  • Junior counsel (led by Justin Bates KC) for the Respondent in the Court of Appeal in 159-167 Prince of Wales Road RTM Co Ltd v Assethold Ltd [2024] EWCA Civ 1544 concerning estoppel and the effect of the registration gap on the Right to Manage provisions in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. The Court’s judgment records that Sophie delivered oral submissions with “notable clarity and skill” ([8]).
  • Sole counsel for a commercial landlord, advising on terminating a business tenancy in accordance with Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and the merits of grounds of opposition within s.30(1)
  • Sole counsel for the successful executor in a two-day trial in the Land Registration Division of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) on a case involving complex matters at the interface of traditional chancery and land registration, including setting aside a deed of trust for mistake and undue influence. The judgment is available here.
  • Sole counsel for the Respondent freeholder resisting a claim for collective enfranchisement under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, involving issues of adverse possession and the consequences of failing to comply with procedural requirements in a post-A1 Properties world.
  • Sole counsel in a two-day multi-track trial representing the successful Claimant in a complex and hotly contested Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 matter, winning on every single issue and securing an order for sale, account of profits, and an interim costs award of 75%.
  • Sole counsel for the successful Respondent in a two-day trial in the Land Registration Division of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) addressing joint ownership, proprietary estoppel, and common intention constructive trusts in the domestic consumer context against a controversial factual background. The judgment is available here, in which Sophie is praised for her “vehement” and “succinct” submissions.
  • Junior counsel (led by Jon Wills) in Atkinson v Browne [2025] EWHC 1448 (Ch), representing in the High Court trial the successful residents of a private housing estate in a case concerning restrictive covenants, trusts, the interpretation of conveyances, and adverse possession. This is the first decision in this jurisdiction confirming that an unincorporated association can acquire title to land by adverse possession, despite having no distinct legal personality of its own.
  • Sole counsel for the successful long leaseholder and upstairs neighbour whose downstairs neighbour brought claims in nuisance and negligence following instances of water egress into her flat. The claims for damages and injunctions were dismissed after a 2.5 day trial in the County Court involving extensive expert evidence, with Sophie’s client being awarded 83% of his costs.
  • Representing landlords, tenants and executors in complex residential and commercial possession proceedings regarding tenancies under the Housing Acts 1980, Housing Act 1988 and both Parts I and II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

Sophie is on the editorial team of the Encyclopedia of Housing Law and Practice (Sweet & Maxwell) and has previously assisted with editing Snell’s Equity (Sweet & Maxwell) and Land Law: Text, Cases and Materials(OUP). She has written articles for the Estates Gazette and LexisNexis on land registration issues and the Right to Manage.

Before joining Landmark, Sophie graduated from the University of Oxford with first-class undergraduate and postgraduate Law degrees receiving numerous academic scholarships and prizes. As a student, she won the Landmark Chambers Property Law Mooting Competition 2018.

After graduation, Sophie worked in academia as a Property Law Research Assistant and Admissions Tutor at the University of Oxford. She undertook complex research into all areas of property law, landlord and tenant, equity and trusts, and the overlap between property law and human rights. She assisted with the new editions of the practitioners’ text Snell’s Equity (Sweet & Maxwell) and textbook Land Law: Text, Cases and Materials (OUP). Sophie specialised in ‘post-Grenfell’ fire safety issues, service charges and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as an editor of and contributor to the University’s Housing After Grenfell Blog, a forum for discussion about housing and law-related matters with a particular emphasis on fire safety. She edited and managed the University’s Property Law Blog, a platform for debating property theory, land law, trusts, equity, personal property, charities, landlord and tenant and housing.

Property

Sophie’s practice encompasses the full spectrum of property law, including landlord and tenant (commercial and residential) and real property matters involving equity and trusts. Sophie acts in cases beyond her year of call. She has a growing Court of Appeal and Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) practice, particularly cases concerning land registration and the Right to Manage.

In recognition of her success in the residential property field, only eighteen months into practice Sophie was a finalist for the award of Barrister of the Year – Junior Counsel (Under 10 Years’ Call) at the Apartment Adviser Awards (formerly the ERMAs).

Sophie is teaching Land Law at the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College) during Michaelmas 2025 alongside her barrister practice.

Sophie is on the editorial team of the Encyclopaedia of Housing Law and Practice and is currently drafting the entries on the new Renters’ Rights Act.

In the last year, she has been instructed as junior counsel in two significant Court of Appeal cases on the Right to Manage, delivering oral submissions both times, with another case listed for April 2026.

Most recently, she was involved in Avon Freeholds Ltd v Cresta Court E RTM Co Ltd [2025] EWCA 1016. This case is essential reading for property practitioners as it has an impact far beyond the Right to Manage. Sophie has written an article addressing the practical implications of the case which can be read here.

Sophie is very comfortable on her feet and enjoys the challenge of advocacy while under pressure, especially that posed by complex legal submissions on appeal and cross-examination of witnesses. She also acts in an advisory capacity alongside her court practice.

Sophie’s notable recent work includes:

  • Junior counsel (led by Justin Bates KC) for the successful Appellant in Avon Freeholds Ltd v Cresta Court E RTM Co Ltd in both the Court of Appeal ([2025] EWCA Civ 1016) and the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber) ([2024] UKUT 335 (LC); [2025] 1 WLR 1262) concerning the effect of the registration gap on the Right to Manage provisions in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002 and the service of notices inviting participation under that Act. On both occasions Sophie delivered the oral submissions on the land registration issue with which the Tribunal and the Court agreed.
  • Junior counsel (led by Justin Bates KC) for the Respondent in the Court of Appeal in 159-167 Prince of Wales Road RTM Co Ltd v Assethold Ltd [2024] EWCA Civ 1544 concerning estoppel and the effect of the registration gap on the Right to Manage provisions in the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002. The Court’s judgment records that Sophie delivered oral submissions with “notable clarity and skill” ([8]).
  • Sole counsel for a commercial landlord, advising on terminating a business tenancy in accordance with Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 and the merits of grounds of opposition within s.30(1)
  • Sole counsel for the successful executor in a two-day trial in the Land Registration Division of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) on a case involving complex matters at the interface of traditional chancery and land registration, including setting aside a deed of trust for mistake and undue influence. The judgment is available here.
  • Sole counsel for the Respondent freeholder resisting a claim for collective enfranchisement under the Leasehold Reform, Housing and Urban Development Act 1993, involving issues of adverse possession and the consequences of failing to comply with procedural requirements in a post-A1 Properties world.
  • Sole counsel in a two-day multi-track trial representing the successful Claimant in a complex and hotly contested Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996 matter, winning on every single issue and securing an order for sale, account of profits, and an interim costs award of 75%.
  • Sole counsel for the successful Respondent in a two-day trial in the Land Registration Division of the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) addressing joint ownership, proprietary estoppel, and common intention constructive trusts in the domestic consumer context against a controversial factual background. The judgment is available here, in which Sophie is praised for her “vehement” and “succinct” submissions.
  • Junior counsel (led by Jon Wills) in Atkinson v Browne [2025] EWHC 1448 (Ch), representing in the High Court trial the successful residents of a private housing estate in a case concerning restrictive covenants, trusts, the interpretation of conveyances, and adverse possession. This is the first decision in this jurisdiction confirming that an unincorporated association can acquire title to land by adverse possession, despite having no distinct legal personality of its own.
  • Sole counsel for the successful long leaseholder and upstairs neighbour whose downstairs neighbour brought claims in nuisance and negligence following instances of water egress into her flat. The claims for damages and injunctions were dismissed after a 2.5 day trial in the County Court involving extensive expert evidence, with Sophie’s client being awarded 83% of his costs.

She has experience in a wide range of property matters, such as:

  • Possession proceedings (commercial, residential, mortgage and trespassers)
  • Land registration
  • Business lease renewals under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954
  • TOLATA claims
  • Enfranchisement, right to manage, and rights of first refusal under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967, Landlord and Tenant Act 1987, Leasehold Reform Housing and Urban Development Act 1993 and Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002.
  • Housing disrepair and unfitness claims
  • Rights of light
  • Equity and trusts of land, particularly in the context of family homes
  • Restrictive covenants and their enforceability
  • Building Safety Act 2022
  • Service charge disputes and fire safety matters under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
  • Easements
  • Proprietary estoppel
  • Wills, trusts and estates especially in the property context
  • The Human Rights Act 1998, Article 8 ECHR and A1P1
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency
  • Statutory and charitable trusts
  • The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020

Sophie is on the editorial team of the Encyclopedia of Housing Law and Practice (Sweet & Maxwell) and has previously assisted with editing Snell’s Equity (Sweet & Maxwell) and Land Law: Text, Cases and Materials (OUP). She has written articles for the Estates Gazette and LexisNexis on land registration issues and the Right to Manage.

Sophie’s academic background complements her practical experience, allowing her to think creatively to find solutions for clients. Before joining Landmark, Sophie worked as a Research Assistant and Admissions Tutor at the University of Oxford. She undertook complex research into all areas of property law and theory, landlord and tenant, equity and trusts, personal property, charities, housing, and the overlap between property law and human rights.

Planning

Sophie has an interest in the issues which overlap planning and property. For instance, she regularly advises upon restrictive covenants and applications under section 84 of the Law of Property Act 1925 for modification or discharge. Her combined planning and property background make her well-placed to advise on property matters like this which have a planning element too.

Public and Administrative

Sophie’s cross-practice expertise means she is well-placed to receive instructions addressing property law matters in the public and planning contexts, including planning obligations and the ownership and disposition of land by local authorities.

Her notable recent work includes advising a residential landlord and creditor on the merits of challenging by way of judicial review the imposition of a Breathing Space Moratorium under The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space Moratorium and Mental Health Crisis Moratorium) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020. Sophie had previously successfully acted for the landlord in possession proceedings relating to the same tenant.

Specialisms

Boundary and Ownership Disputes

Commercial Landlord and Tenant

Conveyancing Disputes

Easements and Profits a Prendre

Housing

Insolvency

Land Registration and Adverse Possession

Leasehold Enfranchisement and Right to Manage

Mortgages, Charges, Charging Orders and Securitisation

Protestor Injunctions

Public Sector and Local Government Property issues

Residential Leasehold Management and Disputes

Residential Tenancies

Restrictive Covenants

Riparian Rights, Watercourses and Harbours

Squatters and other Trespass

Trusts of Land and other Equitable Claims

Village Greens, Commons and Manorial Rights

Specialisms

Commercial/Retail

Compulsory Purchase and Compensation

Development Consent Orders

Development Contribution: Section 106 and CIL

Development Plans and other planning policy

Green Belt

Infrastructure

Heritage

Highways, Footpaths and Rights of Way

Minerals and Waste

Neighbourhood Planning

Planning Appeals, Inquiries and Hearings

Planning Enforcement and Injunctions

Planning Judicial and Statutory Reviews

Residential

Specialisms

High Court Planning

Highways and Public Rights of Access

Housing and homelessness

Judicial Review

Local Government including Local Government Finance

Property Judicial Review

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Personal Highlights

Qualifications and achievements

Qualifications

  • University of Law – Bar Practice Course (Outstanding)
  • University of Oxford, University College – Bachelor of Civil Law (Distinction)
  • University of Oxford, University College – BA Law (First Class).

Awards

  • John and Ruth Deech Prize – awarded for highest performing University College, University of Oxford student in Land Law
  • Winner of Landmark Chambers Property Law Mooting Competition 2018
  • Winner of Allen & Overy Roman Law Mooting Competition 2016.

Scholarships

  • Lord Justice Holker Award, Gray’s Inn – a merit-based award covering all fees and costs of the Bar Practice Course
  • Residential Scholarship, Gray’s Inn – a merit-based award pursuant to which Sophie lived in the Inn free of charge during her Bar Practice Course
  • Advocacy Scholarship, University of Law – awarded in recognition of exceptional oral and written advocacy skills leading to Sophie’s appointment as the Master of Moots
  • Scholar and Exhibitioner, University College, University of Oxford – awarded in recognition of First Class performance across all three years of undergraduate study.

Memberships

  • Honorary member of ALEP
  • Property Bar Association
  • Chancery Bar Association 

Publications

Practice Managers

Contact our friendly and helpful Practice Managers for more information about our barristers and services or to make an enquiry.

Zoe Bluck

Practice Manager

Mia Goodwin

Assistant Practice Manager
Zoe Bluck new

Zoe Bluck

Practice Manager

020 7421 1301

Mia Goodwin

Mia Goodwin

Assistant Practice Manager

020 7421 1344

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