Mariam El-Sobky

"A beacon in my sea of darkness."

About

I work in high-conflict, high-stakes areas of law - family disputes and criminal allegations. My job is to speak plainly, advocate fearlessly, and protect my clients' best interests.

All Clients Love Me?

Of course not.

I work in high-conflict, high-stakes areas of law. My job is to speak plainly, advocate fearlessly, and protect my clients' best interests. That doesn't always come with warm hugs and thank-you cards.

I've been sacked before - more than once. I've faced professional complaints. Some fair, others tactical. I've learned from the former and defended myself robustly against the latter. I don't hide from criticism. I confront it, learn from it, and carry on.

Why? Because I live by a simple rule: Fac recte, neminem timeas: Do right, fear no one.

It's not just a motto. It's how I practise law. With integrity. Without flattery. And always in your corner, even when the truth is hard to hear.

If you're after a barrister who will tell you exactly what you want to hear, I may not be the right fit.

But if you're looking for someone who will treat your case with care, think deeply, and speak the truth - even when it's uncomfortable - then I just might be.

Barrister

Family Law Bar Association

Juriosity Member

What Clients Say

Testimonials:

Return order requiring me to leave the country has been stayed by Court of Appeal. Mariam did a really incredible job. She put in a great deal of effort and hard work while drafting Skeleton Argument and grounds of appeal. It was loaded with references to relevant authorities and torn apart the basis for judgement of the high court's judge.

Saif Immigration/Family Law

5 stars. Mariam is the best Barrister who has ever dealt with my case. She is always on time giving updates and will always help and give right info.

Shagufta Family Law Client

You've been a beacon in my sea of darkness. I really appreciate your service.

Justin Criminal Law Client

I can't believe how you have got such a grasp on the case and my feelings. You are too good to be true. You have given me and my family hope that there is still good within the system. I thank you for your dedication, your knowledge, your common-sense and the assurance you have given us.

Paul Family Law Client

Bail has been removed with immediate effect. I would like to say a huge thank you! You worked your magic.

Romy Criminal Law Client

Mariam has been a fantastic advocate at my hour of need. She has analyzed information from my case study of 4 years and methodically interrogated the complex history and when supporting me at my FDR, she was sensitive when needed, but also direct and very challenging to achieve the ultimate result. You have been my light at the end of a very dark tunnel for the last 4 years.

Mark Financial Dispute Resolution

I think you are fantastic. So you keep being you. You would be AMAZING - you are so empathetic.

Lauren Former Client

You are an exceptional human being and a very special lady who will go far in life.

Karen Client

Areas of Practice

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Criminal Law

Criminal allegations, bail applications, and robust defense representation in high-stakes criminal matters.

Criminal Defense
Bail Applications
Court Representation
Appeals

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Family Law

Divorce, financial remedies, children matters, domestic abuse, and complex family disputes requiring clear-headed advocacy.

Divorce & Separation
Financial Remedies
Children Matters
Domestic Abuse

person

Public Access Work

Direct access to barristers without needing a solicitor. Available for consultations and representation.

Direct Client Access
Consultations
Court Representation
Legal Advice

Public Access Guidance for Lay Clients (PDF)

Experience & Notable Cases

Over 24 years of practice across criminal, civil, and family law

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Years at the Bar

Called to Lincoln's Inn, 2001

work

£5m-£80m

HNW Cases

Specialist in high-value financial remedies

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Multi-Jurisdictional

International Practice

UK, Europe, Gulf, MENA regions

language

Languages

English (native), Arabic (fluent), French (conversational)

Selected High-Value Mandates

£52m

Ancillary Relief Case - Acted for wife involving concealed UK/overseas assets. Strategic applications for receivership, freezing orders, and retrospective disclosure.

£80m

Russian Oligarch Divorce - Advised on divorce and child maintenance with property across UK and Kazakhstan. Multi-jurisdictional complexity.

High Court

IVF/Surrogacy Dispute - Represented British couple in Ukraine international surrogacy case. RCJ High Court proceedings with local authority involvement.

ICSID/LCIA

International Arbitration - Strategic advisor in Middle East-based arbitration team focusing on PEP asset protection and reputational strategy (Cairo).

Career Highlights

2021-Present

Founder & Head of Chambers, Crown Legal

Boutique family law chambers with £150k+ turnover. HNW client base across UK, Europe, and Gulf regions.

2018-2021

Barrister, Clerksroom Chambers

Focus on domestic and international family law, including Hague Convention and cross-border disputes.

2002-2016

Senior Crown Prosecutor, CPS London

13 years prosecution experience including Counter-Terrorism Unit secondment. Complex case management in Crown Court.

2000-2001

Legal Protection Intern, UNHCR

Human rights law focusing on refugee law, asylum matters, and international humanitarian response.

1998-1999

Assistant Attorney, Kamel Law Office, Cairo

International commercial law practice in leading Cairo firm. Arbitration, finance, and banking matters.

Professional Qualifications & Memberships

LLM (Commendation) University of Kingston, 2007

Bar Vocational Course Bristol, 2000

LLB (Hons) Newcastle University, 1997

Lincoln's Inn Called to the Bar, 2001

Family Law Bar Association Member

Criminal Bar Association Member

CiArb Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (pending)

Public Access Qualified Direct client access