Mariya Gocheva

Mariya Gocheva is a Solicitor within our Child Care Proceedings department, based in the Bristol office.

Professional Biography

Mariya graduated from the University of Oxford in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Law with French Law, achieving an Upper Second Class Honours. As part of her degree, she spent a year studying at the Paris-Panthéon-Assas University, where she was awarded a Certificate in French Law in recognition of her academic achievements during her time abroad. She then went on to complete the Accelerated Legal Practice Course at BPP University in London, graduating with Distinction in 2020. Mariya was admitted as a Solicitor in March 2023.

Before qualifying, Mariya gained extensive experience through a range of legal and voluntary roles. She completed her training contract at a magic circle law firm in London, where she was actively involved in several pro bono initiatives. This included providing legal family law advice to survivors of domestic abuse through a pro bono clinic (University House Legal Advice Centre), assisting at a refugee law clinic, and undertaking a secondment at Liberty, the human rights charity, where she contributed to legal campaigns defending civil liberties.

Earlier in her career, Mariya spent three months volunteering with the Capital Appeals Project in New Orleans, a non-profit law office that supports individuals sentenced to death in Louisiana. These formative experiences shaped her commitment to helping vulnerable clients, and following her Solicitor qualification, she transitioned from City practice to specialise in family law.

Before joining Simpson Millar, Mariya worked at a private family law firm where she advised clients on legal matters following the breakdown of relationships, including domestic abuse and arrangements for children.

At Simpson Millar, Mariya represents parents and family members in public and private family law matters. She works on a variety of cases, including Care Proceedings, discharge of care orders, and matters under the Public Law Outline (PLO). She regularly advises parents where there is involvement from Local Authorities through Child Protection Plans or Child in Need Plans. Mariya also acts for clients seeking protection from domestic abuse, including applications for Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders. Her work also includes advising on and applying for Special Guardianship Orders, and representing clients in private law disputes concerning child arrangements, contact, and relocation.