Soto Chambers provides a new, innovative and flexible workplace whereby its members can choose what working environment suits their legal practice and their personal circumstances.

Its members can work from a virtual office or a traditional office. The option of sharing rooms is available.

We pride ourselves in providing an inclusive workplace for its members from a myriad of cultural backgrounds.

 We welcome members of all sexes and identities. 

About the Founder

Soto Chambers was created to provide a new, innovative and flexible workplace for Counsel who balance thriving practices and their family/children/caretaker responsibilities.

The primary focus of the floor is based on the first hand experience of Carolina in the lead up to being called to the Bar. After a decade of representing thousands of clients as a lawyer at Legal Aid NSW, Carolina sat the Bar exams when she was 8 months pregnant with her second child. She completed the Bar Practice Course when her children were aged 5 and 1.

Following her formative years at the Bar and adjusting to working with two young children, she was driven to design a new way of working at the Bar that was geared towards flexibility and affordability.

In addition to its flexible focus, Carolina understands and experienced the barriers sometimes faced by persons from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in her formative, secondary, tertiary and post graduate studies. Having migrated from Santiago, Chile to Australia as a young child, Soto Chambers is committed to driving a floor that embraces law students and readers from similar backgrounds.

Areas of Practice

Criminal Law

Representation in Local, Children’s, District, Supreme and Bail Courts

Predominantly private practice with the ability to appear under Legal Aid grants

Criminal hearings and trials
Sentencing
Traffic and Licence offences
EAGP matters
Children’s Criminal matters
Conviction and Severity Appeals
Proceeds of Crime
Dangerous Driving occasioning Death/Grievous Bodily Harm
Commissions of Inquiry
Mental Illness and Fitness matters
Disciplinary Hearings
Specialisation in Apprehended Domestic/Personal Violence matters
Corporate/WhiteCollar criminal matters

Mental Health Law

Civil Law – Review applications

Guardianship

Experience as Separate Representative at the Guardianship Division of NCAT

Care and Protection Law

Advocate for parents and IRC – private representation and Legal Aid

Our Reputation

“I have instructed Carolina in a number of matters recently. I have found her to be a diligent and meticulous barrister with great attention to detail. Her eagerness to obtain just results for clients is unmatched and her passion for social justice is inspirational. Her pragmatic approach to matters is also quite refreshing. I look forward to instructing her many more times over in the near future.”

"It has helpful and efficient staff, modern facilities and inviting spaces to take a break when you need it. With a young family, Carolina understands the pressures of practice and encourages those around her to maintain a healthy work-life balance. I couldn’t think of a better place to locate your practice!"

"Carolina is a fabulous and encouraging mentor who will encourage you to grow your practice and cheer you on as it thrives. With over a decade of experience behind her, Carolina nurtures her former law students, giving them opportunities and watching them grow into lawyers and beyond."

"The setting up of an inclusive chambers such as these, which has regards to the balance of Counsel with children and/or caregiver responsibilities is revolutionary. This development should be applauded"

“A new set of chambers that have been built from a vision to modernise the traditional way the Bar works - this is awe inspiring”

“Women supporting women - what a phenomenal set up”

“Parental responsibilities and the Bar can mutually co-exist. We are committed to providing unprecedented flexibility within a cost effective model for new and upcoming members of the Bar. We are particularly committed to retaining more women at the Bar”

Want to join us?

If you are interested in joining us at Soto Chambers as a member, please contact Carolina via carolina@sotochambers.com.au
All enquiries will be treated with the utmost confidence.