Sophie Parsons is a Partner, In-House Counsel, and Accredited Criminal Law Specialist at Doogue + George, with more than 14 years’ experience as a criminal defence lawyer in Victoria and the Northern Territory. Sophie is known for her dedication to justice and ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Sophie provides expert legal advice and representation across a broad range of criminal law matters. Based in Melbourne, she regularly appears in Victorian courts and before investigative bodies, such as Royal Commissions, the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC), the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Sophie’s extensive experience spans state, territory, and Commonwealth criminal law matters, both in the adult and youth jurisdictions. Sophie is particularly skilled in dealing with complex criminal defence cases, providing advice and representation at the charge and pre-charge stages. Sophie’s expertise also extends to regulatory investigations, and disciplinary proceedings related to criminal allegations, where she plays a key role in drafting persuasive written submissions for clients in matters involving Working with Children Checks, Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration, and Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) registrations.
Sophie engages in matters with a sound knowledge of the law, effectively advancing her clients rights and interests. Her ability to communicate effectively with clients from all walks of life, and empathetic approach, ensure sensitive matters are handled with a high level of compassion.
In the role of In-House Counsel, Sophie collaborates as part of a team with other lawyers from our firm, and barristers including Senior Counsel (KC), and is involved with examining and cross-examining witnesses and making legal submissions before Magistrates and Judges. Sophie’s long held interest in advocacy was enhanced by attending the National Criminal Defence College in the United States of America and completing a jury trial practice course, solidifying her skills in courtroom advocacy.
As an advocate, Sophie has appeared in jury trials, bail applications, contested hearings, contested committals, pleas, and appeals, cases involving the Serious Sex Offenders (Detention and Supervision) Act 2009 and the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997, and applications involving the Firearms Act 1996 and the Sex Offender Registration Act 2004 (SORA) in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Notably, Sophie appeared in the first Supreme Court application for suspension of SORA reporting obligations succeeding in having the applicant’s reporting obligations suspended for the remainder of their life.
Sophie has an interest in First Nations justice matters. She spent several years working as a criminal defence advocate and manager at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) in Darwin. In 2017, Sophie received numerous direct referrals from witness and legal authorities involved in the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. She represented multiple witnesses, including a justice group from a remote community, children, and family groups, in formal hearings, demonstrating her commitment to advocating for the rights of vulnerable people.
Sophie is not only an advocate but also a mentor and educator. Sophie facilitates the lawyer training program at Doogue + George and enjoys external presentations with legal organisations such as the Law Institute of Victoria and the Leo Cussens Centre for Law. Additionally, Sophie is actively involved in mentorship programs, including Women in Crime, where she provides support and guidance to aspiring legal professionals.
Sophie’s contribution to the legal profession extends to published articles including ‘Bugmy 10 years on: Principles and practice’ (Law Institute Journal), ‘A Criminal Lawyer on Prosecutorial Discretion’ (Advocare, Deakin University), and ‘An unprecedented inquiry: The Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory’ (Precedent magazine, Australian Lawyers Alliance).
Sophie Parsons’ blend of expertise, passion for justice, and commitment to her clients’ well-being makes her a standout advocate in the criminal law field. Sophie’s work, including her involvement and advocacy in complex legal matters, and contributions to legal education and mentorship, make her an invaluable asset to Doogue + George and the broader legal profession.
