EXPERTISE
Family
Kate practises exclusively in the field of family law and Court of Protection. Having previously been a tenant at a leading family law Chambers on the Western Circuit, Kate has gained extensive exposure to all aspects of children work, including private and public law cases.
Kate regularly conducts multi-day hearings and recognises the importance of strong client care along with a pragmatic approach to solving problems.
Public Law Children
Kate routinely represents Local Authorities, parents, extended family members and Children’s Guardians at all stages of proceedings and in all tiers of the Family Court. She has acted on behalf of clients with difficulty in giving and receiving instructions.
Kate is regularly instructed to deal with cases involving non-accidental injuries, rape/sexual abuse, violence, mental health issues and chronic neglect. Kate is a sought-after advocate for cases involving allegations of sexual abuse.
Kate also has a strong jurisdictional practice and has been instructed in cases involving both EU and non-EU countries. In addition, Kate has particular expertise in cases involving the inter-play between deprivation of liberty and the Scottish jurisdiction.
Private Law Children
Kate is regularly instructed on behalf of parents and other family members. She also has experience in representing the child as a separate party in the proceedings. Kate is experienced in dealing with cases involving sexual abuse/rape, mental health, violence and implacably hostile parties.
Similar to her expertise in the sphere of Public Law, Kate has a strong practice in relation to allegations of sexual abuse made within Private Law proceedings, both for the complainant and the alleged perpetrator.
Kate is also well versed in cases concerning removal from the jurisdiction. She has acted both for those seeking to remove and those seeking to resist a removal with equal success.
Court of Protection & Vulnerable Adults
Kate has a growing Court of Protection practice and has experience of acting for both the Local Authority and family members in disputes over the welfare and property of adults lacking capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Kate has experience of inter-jurisdictional cases having been instructed to act on behalf of a Local Authority in a case involving a contested jurisdiction argument with Australia and issues around competing LPAs purportedly executed in both jurisdictions.
Financial Remedy
Kate also deals with matrimonial finance cases, accepting instructions from first appointments through to final hearings. In addition, Kate is instructed in proceedings relating to co-ownership of property under TOLATA 1996 and financial provision for children under Schedule 1 CA 1989.
MEMBERSHIPS
- North Eastern Circuit
- Family Law Bar Association
- The Honourable Society of Inner Temple
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION
- Public Access Qualified
- ADR Group Accredited Civil & Commercial Mediator
- Bar Professional Training Course, Bristol Institute of Legal Practice
- LLB (Hons), University of Exeter
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Kate is available to deliver CPD training to solicitors and clients across her specialist areas.
Outside of Chambers, Kate is a keen lacrosse player, having previously played for Bristol and Southampton in the South West League. Also keeping Kate busy are her two miniature dachshunds who require regular walks along the beaches in Tynemouth.
