Katharine is a highly respected family law practitioner, with particular expertise in complex, high value financial cases, often with international, corporate and / or trust elements. She also undertakes private law children disputes, in particular, applications for permission to remove children permanently from the jurisdiction.

After gaining an MA in Jurisprudence from Oxford University and a Certified Diploma in Accountancy, Katharine spent two successful years as an investment banker in Chicago and London before training to become a barrister. She was called to the Bar in 1987, becoming a QC in 2011.

She regularly appears in the Cayman Islands, including the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal, as well as in the UK Courts.

Chambers and Partners praises Katharine as “a seasoned practitioner who has a strong presence… [her] background in accountancy and investment banking makes her an excellent choice for complex ancillary relief cases”. Commentators also note that “she cares deeply about each and every client so they all get a fantastic service.”

When asked what she finds most satisfying about her job, she says: “The human side of it. My motivation is wanting to be part of the process of extricating people from an unhappy period in their lives. Knowing what’s at stake, I’m fairly obsessive about my preparation for a case.”

When not working, Katharine enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, in Devon and Switzerland. She is also an avid admirer and collector of contemporary art.

Notable cases

Grey v Grey [2009] EWCA Civ 1424

S v S [2008] EWHC 519 (Fam)

T v T (Financial Relief: Pensions) [1998] 1 FLR 1072

Baker v Baker (No. 2)(CA) [1997] 1 FLR 148

Re K (Abduction: Child’s Objections) [1995] 1 FLR 997

Re B (Minors) (Wardship: Power to Detain) (CA) [1994] 2 FCR 1142

Re D (Minors) (Conciliation: Privilege) (CA) [1993] 1 FLR 932

Publications

“The Future of Stack v Dowden” (2011) 127 LQR 13 (quoted by the Supreme Court in Jones v Kernott [2011] UKSC 53)