Kathryn accepts instructions in cases involving children, domestic violence and financial remedies at all levels of the Family Court. Kathryn also accepts DA instructions.
Public Law
Kathryn has recent experience representing local authorities, parents and children, in cases involving the following issues:
- Death of a child / parent
- Fabricated and Induced Illness
- Severe and life changing injury (head, brain, fractures)
- Witchcraft / ritual abuse
- Terrorism
- Child Sex Exploitation
- International child abduction and movement of children.
Private Law
Kathryn is instructed in a wide variety of private law proceedings with issues including:
- Child Arrangements Orders
- Relocation of a child (international and domestic)
Financial Remedies
Kathryn is pleased to accept instructions in financial remedies proceedings.
Professional Experience
Kathryn was called to the bar in 2005 and after her pupillage in 2006 commenced tenancy in 2007. From 2010 – 2012 Kathryn was a visiting lecturer at Birmingham University; from 2012 Kathryn was appointed a senior lecturer and an ATC qualified Advocacy Assessor at Nottingham Trent University where she taught on the Bar Professional Training Course. Kathryn regularly speaks at chambers seminars, where recent talks have included a Private Law Update and round up of the law and procedure in cases with a suspected terrorism element.
“Her attention to detail is excellent and she is a very strong performer. Kathryn is always calm when dealing with matters/ She is a very able advocate and can be relied upon to provide advice and alternative considerations within cases. Kathryn is a tenacious advocate. She does not shy away from a difficult matter, approaching it head on with sophistication and determination.”
Chambers & Partners 2023
“Kathryn has excellent advocacy skills, client communication skills, and prepares exceptional paperwork.”
Legal 500 2023 (Tier 1)
"Exceptionally well-prepared, a fascinating advocate to watch, very calm and persuasive, fearless in court and amongst peers, very approachable."
Legal 500 2022
"She's very effective and engaging." "She has admirable technical expertise."
Chambers UK 2022
"A very polished performer with a very engaging courtroom manner." "Very hard-working. Exceptional."
Chambers UK 2021
"Her knowledge of children law is extensive, her advocacy excellent, and her preparation always outstanding."
Legal 500 2021
“An undoubted star of the future, she is an accomplished children lawyer who has built herself a very strong following.” “She’s an excellent and experienced advocate who is kind and understanding to clients.” “She is extremely well prepared and effective in her cross-examination.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Combines superb courtroom manner with wide-ranging and detailed legal knowledge.”
Legal 500 2020
Notable Cases
Re K (Children) [2021] EWHC 1409 (Fam)
President of the Family Division considering the welfare of three children following lengthy proceedings and appeal. Kathryn was led by Richard Hadley.
Re A B and C (Children: Adoption) [2020] EWHC Fam 2335
A Local Authority v AB, CD, EF, GH and IJ, and KL, MN, OP [2019] EWFC 75
Re B-T (Children), [2017] EWCA Civ 265
Court of Appeal setting aside findings of inflicted injury on the basis of, inter alia, procedural irregularity.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council v M and Ors [2016] EWHC 2660 (Fam)
High Court CSE / RRO – Kathryn acted for the child during the preliminary hearing.
Re N (Children) [2016] EWCA Civ 656
Kathryn represented the Local Authority in the Court of Appeal considering the right of a sibling to make a s.34 application.
Slade v Slade [2009] EWCA Civ 748; [2009] WLR (D) 248
Court of Appeal considering the appropriate procedure for sentencing for contempt, where there has been a previous criminal conviction for the same event giving rise to a contempt. Court of Appeal considering the appropriate length of sentence on the facts of the contemnor’s first breach.
Re M-A (Care Threshold) [2009] ECWA Civ 853, [2010] 1 FLR 431
Court of Appeal giving consideration as to the meaning of “significant harm” in s.31 CA 1989. Kathryn acted as junior to Lorna Meyer QC.
Qualifications
2001 Kenrick Scholar, University of Birmingham
2004 Hardwicke Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn
2005 Denning Scholar, Lincoln’s Inn
2012 ATC accreditation
