Kate has extensive experience in both Family and Criminal Law but in the last few years has moved towards a predominantly public law family practice, acting regularly for local authorities, parents, and children. Her knowledge of both areas of law enables her to provide an excellent service to clients, whether they be individuals against whom allegations have been made or local authorities bringing proceedings.   For many years she has built a practice based on her ability to represent clients accused of causing injuries to children, or being involved in sexual abuse, in concurrent sets of criminal and family proceedings. Although no longer accepting instructions in criminal proceedings, Kate’s wealth of previous experience in both disciplines continues to offer those from whom she accepts instructions an invaluable ability to consider the cross-jurisdictional issues and advise accordingly. She has completed the vulnerable witness training and serious sexual offences training which recently became compulsory for all criminal practitioners but is only beginning to cross over in to the family courts, and has considerable experience in calling and cross-examining children and vulnerable witnesses in a sensitive and effective way to allow them to present their evidence to the court. Closely linked with her expertise in care proceedings concerning clients who lack capacity or are experiencing other mental health issues, Kate has wide-ranging experience of Court of Protection work, accepting instructions on behalf of local authorities, CCGs and individuals. She also regularly conducts cases in which she accepts instructions from the official solicitor.