Sophie Stevens

Expertise

Sophie is a Managing Associate in the contentious construction and engineering team at Addleshaw Goddard LLP. She trained and qualified with the firm and has now practised as a qualified solicitor for five years, during which time she has been based in the Manchester office. Throughout her career so far, she has acted exclusively in complex construction, engineering, and infrastructure disputes, and has developed a particular specialism in fire-safety matters and both PFI/PPP and high-value TCC litigation.

Sophie possesses extensive experience in managing High Court disputes from pre-action phase through to trial. Her work includes formulating pre-action strategy, navigating complex disclosure exercises, drafting and coordinating both factual and expert witness evidence, preparing and responding to applications, advising on security for costs issues and managing costs and trial preparation in accordance with the CPR, TCC Guide and court timetabling requirements. She has experience working closely with leading and junior counsel to shape coherent and effective litigation strategies, and demonstrates a clear understanding of both procedural and tactical considerations. Most recently, Sophie led a cross-office team in a multi-million-pound claim (circa £42 million) in the Technology and Construction Court concerning extensive defects in a student accommodation building in London. The matter included claims brought under the Defective Premises Act, as amended by the Building Safety Act 2022, and required management of complex expert evidence on fire-safety and building standards compliance.

Sophie has also gained significant specialist experience advising on PFI/PPP disputes, particularly within the health sector. A notable career highlight includes her central role supporting Sarah Wilson in advising Tameside NHS Foundation Trust in restructuring plan proceedings brought by the Trust’s private-sector PFI partner in relation to the Tameside Hospital project, after a successful adjudication award to the Trust in the value of circa £8m. Her work in this area has strengthened her expertise in the intersection between construction, finance and public-sector governance frameworks.