Meet our People

Sophie McNamara is a Partner and Head of Sustainability and Social Impact. With a wealth of experience and a diverse legal background, Sophie brings a strong commitment to creating positive change through her work. Sophie has experience in administrative law and litigation across all jurisdictions as well as a proven track record of leading organisational change.

Sophie specialises in various areas of law, including refugee law, mental health matters, administrative law, corporate governance and litigation.  Her expertise in refugee law has enabled her to provide crucial assistance and advocacy for individuals seeking asylum, ensuring fair outcomes for those facing complex legal challenges.

Sophie leads the firm’s Pro Bono practice which assists hundreds of vulnerable and marginalised members of the community every year.

Sophie’s passion for sustainability and social impact is further evident in her contributions in the firm’s Reconciliation journey and her work leading the Melbourne and Sydney offices to become certified carbon neutral by Climate Active in 2022.

In 2023 Sophie was named Alumni of the Year by Deakin University. In 2015 Sophie was named in the Westpac and the Australian Financial Review 100 Women of Influence Awards (Young Leader Category) Sophie was also listed as one of Australasian Lawyer’s ‘Hot 40’ Lawyers in 2015. In 2014 Sophie accepted the National Children’s Law Award for Outstanding Advocacy as Chair of the Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minor Consortium and in 2013 the Law Institute of Victoria recognised Sophie in the ‘Rising Star’ category of the President’s Awards.