Sonia Larbi Aïssa

  • Year of Call 2021

Introduction

Sonia is a junior barrister with a busy practice appearing in the Crown Court, Youth Court and Magistrates Court for criminal and regulatory matters. 

She regularly prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court on matters such as robbery, burglary, assault, fraud, drug possession and supply, perverting the course of justice, blackmail and driving offences. 

Sonia also routinely advises on and appears in court for regulatory matters such as quasi-civil POCA applications, taxi license appeals, private prosecutions under the Environmental Protection Act and Home Office Clandestine Entry Penalty appeals. Sonia is always open to considering new regulatory areas and is comfortable handling cases in both civil and criminal contexts. 

Sonia is often praised for her sensitive client handling, attention to detail and persuasive advocacy. 

 

Crime

R v FF - 35-day Crown Court trial concerning a conspiracy to evade duty on tobacco products. Sonia was led by senior counsel for the third defendant who was facing a cut-throat defence from the fourth defendant in the eight-handed trial. 

R v AB Crown Court trial with a client charged with PWITS Class A and B. Client found not guilty after an hour of jury deliberation. 

R v GC - Crown Court trial concerning three alleged breaches of a Non-Molestation Order. Client found not guilty after 13 minutes of jury deliberation.

R v RN - Crown Court trial concerning possession of a bladed article in a public place (5.5 foot longsword): https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/news/courts/man-sparked-major-armed-police-response-after-he-took-huge-sword-to-play-with-in-rushden-park-5001055

R v MA - Crown Court trial concerning an allegation of ABH and common assault against a 16-year-old and his mother, found NG of ABH

R v EA - Crown Court trial concerning two allegations of robbery, client vulnerable due to psychosis 

R v RC - Crown Court trial concerning an allegation of coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking, client found NG of coercive and controlling behaviour 

MM v R - contested cash forfeiture appeal in the Crown Court concerning £190,000 of seized cash

R v ZM - Youth Court trial concerning multiple counts of ABH, GBH, robbery and fraud 

R v HK  - Magistrates' Court proceedings with a youth client charged alongside adult brother, prosecution offered no evidence after serious disclosure failures and delay 

R v AB - Magistrates' Court trial dismissed after successful abuse of process application concerning a charge of careless driving

Education

BPTC with LLM – BPP Law School: 2019-2020 (Very Competent)

Senior Status LLB – SOAS, University of London: 2017-2019 

Bachelor of Arts, Economics and International Development – McGill University, Canada: 2013-2017

Advocacy and the Vulnerable Training - Gray's Inn: 2024

Trauma-Informed Advocacy - ICCA: 2025

Awards & Prizes

Ann Goddard Pupillage Scholarship, Gray’s Inn 2023

BPP Advocacy Scholarship 2019

Languages

French (native)

Memberships

The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn

CPS Advocate Panel - Grade 2

Criminal Bar Association 

Women in Criminal Law

Unite