Sophy Raza founded her new firm, Raza & Jones, in January with fellow family law attorney Stephanie Jones. Both attorneys kicked off their careers at St. Louis firms in the early 2000s, faced one another a few times in court, and then became fast friends. Raza, who previously practiced collaborative family law at a larger firm, which had legal practice groups in many areas, has found it rewarding to work for herself and to be at a firm focused exclusively on resolving family law issues.
“You either hate family law or you love it—and if you hate it you probably shouldn’t be doing it! People who gravitate toward family law tend to be natural listeners and natural problem solvers. I like to listen to people’s issues and create solutions for them, and it’s always rewarding when they work.”
Raza began her career practicing traditional family law with a litigation component and had some rewarding courtroom victories, but she found her calling in the practice of collaborative family law—which does not involve litigation—after attending an informational session held by the local collaborative family law association.
“I went and listened and thought it was fantastic. It required some training, so I joined the association and was fortunate to get cases. It’s a nice and very different change of pace from court and it’s a better way to get divorced, if you’re suited for the process,” she says. “Collaborative divorce usually draws people who are committed to figuring things out for themselves and committed to keeping their relationship intact down the road for co-parenting reasons. You create your own agreement and get 100-percent input into what life is going to look like for you financially and for your kids, whereas, if you’re in court and you can’t settle things, a judge will decide what is best for your family and your kids. It’s much better than court in my opinion.”
In addition to winning St. Louis’ collaborative law: family law “Lawyer of the Year” award for 2017, Raza has been listed with Best Lawyers in this practice area since 2014, is a certified mediator through the Washington University School of Social Work, and a graduate of the ABA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.
Insight
Sophya Qureshi Raza, St. Louis “Lawyer of the Year” for Collaborative Law: Family Law 2017
Sophy Raza on the benefits of collaborative divorce—and co-founding her own law firm.
Trending Articles
The 2024 Best Lawyers in Spain™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Spain™ and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Spain™ for 2024.
Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.
Best Lawyers Expands Chilean 2024 Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is pleased to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Chile™ and the inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Chile™, honoring the top lawyers and firms conferred on by their Chilean peers.
Best Lawyers Expands 2024 Brazilian Awards
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Brazil™ and the first edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Brazil™.
Announcing The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ for 2024, including the exclusive "Law Firm of the Year" awards.
The Best Lawyers in Mexico Celebrates a Milestone Year
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ and the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Mexico™ for 2024.
How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power
by Gregory Sirico
Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.
The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 awards for Portugal include the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Portugal™ and 2nd edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Portugal™.
The Best Lawyers in Peru™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is excited to announce the landmark 10th edition of The Best Lawyers in Peru, the prestigious award recognizing the country's lop legal talent.
How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.
Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide
by Best Lawyers
The 2024 Best Lawyers Family Law Legal Guide is now live and includes recognitions for all Best Lawyers family law awards. Read below and explore the legal guide.
The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ 2024
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is honored to announce the 14th edition of The Best Lawyers in Colombia™ for 2024, which honors Colombia's most esteemed lawyers and law firms.
Announcing the 2024 Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™
by Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers is proud to announce the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Puerto Rico™, honoring the top lawyers and firms across the country for 2024.
Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2025
by Best Lawyers
For a milestone 15th edition, Best Lawyers is proud to announce The Best Lawyers in Japan.
