Kate Spence > Chambers of Frances Heaton KC and Richard Norton > Sheffield, England > Barrister Profile

Kate Spence

0114 273 8951 sheffield.clerk@stjohnsbuildings.co.uk View profile

Position

Kate practices in all areas of children law.

Kate is regularly instructed on behalf of local authorities, parents and children at all stages of public law proceedings, including final hearings, fact-finding hearings and appeals.

Kate has experience of drafting case summaries, detailed threshold documents, skeleton arguments and schedules of findings.

Kate is frequently instructed to represent local authorities, parents and children at urgent interim care order applications or emergency protection order applications at short notice in cases involving serious neglect, non-accidental injuries and domestic violence.

Kate has experience of providing detailed written advice in relation to remedies under the inherent jurisdiction, designation arguments between local authorities and prospects of success.

Kate has a particular interest in cases involving non-accidental injuries and international elements.

Kate regularly acts for parents in disputes over contact and residence. Kate has experience of acting in applications for child arrangements orders, specific issue orders (e.g. to change a child’s surname) and prohibited steps orders.

Kate has represented applicants and respondents in cases involving allegations of serious domestic violence, child abuse and sexual violence.

Kate is also regularly instructed to represent children in private law proceedings.

Career

Kate read law at the University of Manchester and was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in October 2013.

Memberships

• Bar Council – representative for self-employed counsel under seven years’ practice
• Family Law Bar Association
• Association of Lawyers for Children
• North Eastern Circuit