Knutsford lawyer named 'horse lady' celebrates success of going solo

Sophie Murgatroyd plucked up the courage to leave a big corporate law firm and go it alone.

The 33-year-old became a consultant four years ago, specialising in corporate and commercial equine and agricultural law.

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In May, she launched her own company, Law by Sophie.

Sophie with her horse, Poppy (Image: Supplied)

Now known as the ‘horse lady’, she loves every minute of her new venture.

Sophie, who has lived in Knutsford for seven years, said: “I am utterly overwhelmed with everyone’s support and generosity.

“My heart could burst.

Sophie studied law at Manchester University and qualified as a solicitor in 2016 (Image: Supplied)

“I’ve hit the ground running. I’m so grateful to the local community who have been so supportive.

“I’m lucky to have very loyal existing clients follow me.”

Sophie grew up in the Yorkshire Dales where parents Keith and Madeline run a farm.

Sophie on the farm with dad Keith (Image: Supplied)

The keen rider remembers cherishing her first pony, Polo, when she was six and is now devoted to her three horses.

Sophie with her first pony, Polo (Image: Supplied)

After qualifying as a solicitor in 2016, she yearned to break free.

“I spent many years in large corporate firms surrounded by a sea of black suits,” said Sophie.

Sophie loves her horses (Image: Supplied)

“It was always clear to me I simply didn’t fit the corporate mould.

“I thought to myself, why don’t I just go it alone and create my own firm.

“And that’s exactly what I did.”

Sophie with her horse Soda (Image: Supplied)

Sophie’s bravery paid off as her fresh approach has attracted many new clients.

“I took a massive risk,” she said. “It was a very brave step.

“My whole ethos is that there are no black suits.

“You’ll find me in wellies and jodhpurs.

Animals play a massive part in Sophie's life (Image: Supplied)

“I don’t ever want anyone to be scared to having to approach a solicitor because of worrying about the cost.

“I prefer to sit down with a cup of tea and piece of cake and get people to tell me what the problem is.

“If I can help, I will.

“I have no silly overheads. In my office there’s just me, my secretary Nona Greenwood and my little Shih Tzu, Kipper.”

Sophie's Shih Tzu, Kipper (Image: Supplied)

Sophie has clients all over the world.

“Nothing is too far or too complicated that I won’t get stuck into,” she said.

“Many horses are bred in Ireland and Spain. I have clients in Canada and Australia.”

Sophie specialises in corporate and commercial equine and agricultural law (Image: Supplied)

Utterly committed to her goal, Sophie works long hours and rarely takes time off.

“I’m up at the crack of dawn dealing with my horses and walking the dog,” she said.

“It’s past midnight when I log off.

Sophie at Bolesworth International Horse Show (Image: Supplied)

“Clients have my mobile. It doesn’t matter what time of day, if they’re going through a hard time or have a problem, I want them to ring me.

“My secretary keeps pestering me to have a day off saying I’ve 493 days without a break.

“I just like to keep busy.

“In time, we will grow and take on more staff.”

Sophie is also a qualified make-up artist and beautician (Image: Supplied)

Sophie strives to do all she can to prevent problems reaching the courtroom.

“Cases very rarely get to trial with me,” said Sophie. “I try and settle things before they get to court, 90 per cent of the time this works.

“Trials are few and far between. If we can avoid it, I will.”

When she isn’t looking after clients or grooming her horses, Sophie works as a qualified make-up artist and beautician.

She has even developed her own suntan brand, Mophie by Sophie.

Sophie said: “When I’m not being a lawyer, I’m making someone look beautiful, glamming them up, making them very bronzed.

“It’s all very diverse.

“I am lucky to combine my love of animals with the career I have.

“Animals are such a big part of my life.”