Sophie Upperton accepts briefs in all areas of criminal and quasi-criminal law, with a particular interest in indictable crime and trial work.
Before coming to the Bar, Sophie developed substantial advocacy experience across Victoria and the Northern Territory. She has appeared unled in complex sexual offence trials in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory and as junior counsel in multiple homicide trials. Her experience also includes contested committals, voir dire proceedings and the pre-recording of evidence from vulnerable witnesses.
Sophie regularly appears in the Supreme, County and Magistrates’ Courts of Victoria and has extensive experience appearing in the courts of the Northern Territory. She has acted in matters including appeals, bail applications, pleas, contested hearings and breach proceedings.
Sophie began her legal career in private criminal practice in Victoria before moving to the Northern Territory, where she worked in criminal defence and developed significant courtroom and trial experience. She subsequently returned to Victoria and practised as Managing Criminal Lawyer with the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
Her experience in private practice, Aboriginal legal services and as an advocate has exposed Sophie to clients from a wide range of backgrounds and to criminal matters at every stage of proceedings. She understands the importance of working closely with instructing solicitors, communicating clearly with clients and being thoroughly prepared for court.
Sophie is available to accept briefs in:
- indictable and summary crime
- trials and contested hearings
- appeals
- committal proceedings
- bail applications
- pleas and sentencing
- mental impairment matters
- confiscation proceedings
- human rights matters
- coronial and other quasi-criminal proceedings
Sophie is reading with Daniel Sala. Her senior mentor is David Hallowes SC.
Subject to signing the bar roll on 24 September 2026
