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Kate Hammond

Kate Hammond

Joint Managing Partner
Joint Head of the Family Department

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Languages:

English

Recent and notable cases

Expertise and experience

Kate is a recognised specialist in child care law, and she represents clients in court without the need for a barrister.

The majority of her work is in advising people involved in local authority care proceedings. This includes parents, children, guardians and anyone else who needs to become involved to defend themselves (known as intervenors).

In addition, she has a wealth of experience in representing children where there is disagreement between parents over decisions following a divorce or separation.

The types of cases that Kate has been involved in include:

  • representing and advocating for children in interim or long-term care proceedings initiated by the local authority;
  • representing children where there is an intractable dispute about child arrangement orders regarding where children will live or whether they are allowed to see a parent;
  • advising and representing children when their views differ to that of their parents or guardians, including making assessments of competence and understanding;
  • situations involving children who struggle to open up to others, building up trust and communication to ensure that their voice is heard in court;
  • non-accidental injury cases and cases of alleged sexual abuse; and
  • applications or orders for the deprivation of liberty for a child.

In her role as managing partner of Miles & Partners Solicitors, Kate works with the executive team to deliver the goals of the firm. She also oversees the professional development of all members of staff, in particular the trainee solicitors.

Kate is recognised as a ‘recommended lawyer’ in the 2023 Legal 500 with the following testimonials:

She has ‘the rare ability to explain complex legal information to children in a manner that is clear yet not patronising’.

‘Kate Hammond is an excellent lawyer – she delivers for her clients, is well-liked by colleagues and is a mentor for juniors. She has worked on a number of reported and high-profile cases in recent years but takes this in her stride and treats every case in the same way.’

She won the 2020 Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award, praised as ‘a brilliant role model who is inspiring the next generation of legal aid lawyers to continue this incredibly important work’ by Juliet Harvey, Resolution national chair. She is also recognised in the 2021 Legal 500 as a ‘recommended lawyer’.

2000
Joined Miles & Partners
2002
Qualified as a solicitor
2006
Appointed a member of the Law Society’s Children Panel
2010
Became partner
2012
Became managing partner
2020
Won the 2020 Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Award
2021 - 2022
Recognised in the Legal 500 as a ‘recommended lawyer’

Approach and ethos

I work hard to ensure my client is fully involved in the process and understands what is happening at each stage. I always try to remain professional but approachable.

What clients say

Accolades, accreditations and memberships