“Jo brought exceptional intelligence, conscientiousness, and good judgment to the cases we’ve worked on together.”
Adam King – Barrister – QBE Hollis Whiteman
“She is razor sharp, her client care is excellent and she is monumentally efficient.”
Clare Wade KC – 25 Bedford Row
“I have worked with Jo as instructed counsel on a number of occasions. The cases have all had their own challenges. Jo has always been a first-class support. She has been resourceful and proactive in ensuring the smooth progress of the case and the best possible outcome for the client.”
Peter de Feu – Barrister – 36 Crime
“Put simply Jo is excellent. She is legally astute; her work ethic is extremely impressive. Jo is always available to assist, she provides excellent insight and her judgment is superb. Jo’s client care is outstanding, she manages to navigate the demands of the client, demonstrating a high degree of professionalism whilst remaining sensitive to their needs. She is a star in the making.”
Beth O’Reilly KC – 25 Bedford Row
“Jo is an exceptional Trainee Solicitor. Skilled, tactically astute, confident and hugely reassuring to clients. I am extremely fortunate to have her on my team.”
Stuart Matthews – Senior Partner & Founder – Reeds Solicitors LLP
Jo Souch is a Trainee Solicitor in the Private Crime Department in Oxford, with experience assisting on complex Crown Court trials. Her work includes case preparation, drafting witness statements and legal arguments, attending court hearings, and taking instructions from clients. She has particular experience in cases involving serious sexual offences, demonstrating strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively on sensitive and complex matters.
Prior to joining Reeds, Jo enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 12 years in the Financial Services sector, where she held a variety of management and senior management roles within Risk functions. This experience provided her with a strong foundation in complex problem-solving, regulatory compliance, strategic decision-making and stakeholder management. Alongside her professional career, she has completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PGDL), a Master of Laws (LLM), and both stages of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2), demonstrating her commitment to developing a legal career and broadening her professional expertise.
Jo is recognised for her empathetic and client-focused approach, enabling her to build strong relationships and engage effectively with clients, particularly in sensitive and challenging circumstances. She is proactive and highly organised, with strong forensic analytical skills and a keen eye for detail. Her ability to assimilate complex information quickly and accurately allows her to identify key issues and provide practical support on demanding cases. Confident in her communication and advocacy skills, she is adept at representing clients’ interests, working collaboratively with colleagues, and maintaining a calm and professional approach under pressure.
Jo is in the process of obtaining Police Station Accreditation.
Qualifications and Accreditations:
- Solicitor Qualification Examinations – completed at first attempt
- Master of Laws (LLM) with Legal Practice – University of Law
- Postgraduate Certificate in Law (PgDL) – University of Law
- BA (Hons) Sociology and Gender Studies – University of Warwick
- Undertaking Police Station Representative Accreditation Scheme qualification
Jo has received training on understanding Autism and Neurodiversity from the National Autistic Society.
This means that they have a greater awareness of how to communicate clearly, reduce unnecessary stress and adapt their approach to better support individual needs for our clients, making reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Recent and notable cases
R v K – retrial of 5 counts of rape and sexual assault
Defendant was vulnerable with co-morbid ADHD & high functioning autism, already remanded for convictions at original trial. Privately appointed intermediary. Consideration of s.41 previous sexual history and s.101 bad character. Clade Wade KC of 25 Bedford Row instructed.
R v W – proceedings before Croydon Crown Court on counts of historical rape and sexual assault
1 count submitted no case to answer, and 3 counts acquitted at trial. Beth O’Reilly KC of 25 Bedford Row instructed.
U of M v S – Allegation of rape
Disciplinary panel hearing with possible expulsion as final sanction. Eloise Emanuel of QEB Hollis-Whiteman instructed. Successful mitigation ensuring client was able to graduate successfully following hearing.
U of D v F – Allegations of antisemitic comments
Review and appeal of sanctions.
U of W v D, S, L & P – 4 x students accused of sexual harassment
Instructed Reeds ahead of Disciplinary Panel Hearing. Aisling Byrnes of 25 Bedford Row instructed.
U of L v H – allegations of violent and sexual misconduct
Review and appeal of Panel Hearing. Full re-hearing request upheld. Aisling Byrnes of 25 Bedford Row instructed.
U v D – allegation of sexual misconduct
Review and appeal of Panel Hearing. Full re-hearing request upheld. Adam King of QEB Hollis-Whiteman instructed.
R v L – Proceedings in Oxford Magistrates Court under section 7 of The Fraud Act 2006
Following review of material and requests for disclosure in relation to the matter, all charges were withdrawn and proceedings were vacated. Kerrie-Ann Rowan of 25 Bedford Row instructed.
R v G – Proceedings in Winchester Crown Court under section 1A of The Road Traffic Act 1988
Private instruction of expert to review vehicle technical data to dispute driving was dangerous. Crown accepted alternate plea to lesser charge under section 2C. Peter de Feu of 36 Crime instructed.
Investigation concluded with ‘no further action’ against client following allegations of sexual assault.
Community resolution secured for client following successful pre-charge engagement with Officer.
Intensive pre-charge engagement with Investigating Officer resulting in NFA.
Testimonials
“I feel that very capable is quite the understatement with regard to Jo’s legal acumen. Jo has been excellent - providing a level of legal advice that I would expect from an accomplished senior associate, or, dare I say, a junior partner. I cannot praise her enough.”
Client