Kate Round

Kate leads a specialist Court of Protection team in chambers. She welcomes instructions in welfare cases and property and finance matters. She is also experienced in cases where the Court of Protection’s remit crosses with the High Court’s inherent jurisdiction and with mental health regimes. She has experience in the family courts, and particularly in cases where the family law jurisdiction interacts with the Court of Protection. 

Kate frequently trains solicitors on Court of Protection issues, and in December 2021 published an article in Family Law entitled 'Protecting liberty 'in practice': principles and mechanisms for child care lawyers' covering issues which arise in respect of deprivation of liberty of children. 

Kate has also developed a specialist interest in mental health and community care cases, and in the high court’s jurisdiction for vulnerable adults. Prior to coming to the Bar, Kate worked for a specialist mental health and community care law firm and she has a long standing interest in cases of this nature.

Kate has a thriving practice in public children cases, and is frequently chosen by clients because of her extensive knowledge of the law in the area, her attention to detail and her robust advocacy. Kate acts in complex cases, particularly where there are detailed factual and legal issues to consider and where there are large amounts of documentary evidence or witnesses who need to be carefully cross-examined. Kate's background in criminal law means that she is particularly well suited to questioning witnesses. 

Kate acts for local authorities, parents and other parties involved in care proceedings and accepts instructions for any hearing in the proceedings from an ICO up to a final hearing. She is able to deal with long running cases and lengthy hearings of several weeks or more.

Recent feedback from a client highlighted many of Kate's strengths:

"The Social Worker attended the hearing with Kate, and she was extremely impressed with Kate’s representation and professionalism, Kate picked this case up relatively quickly and very well. Social Worker said that she felt Kate represented as if she knew the case for a long time, and picked up the contentious issues brilliantly.  She found Kate's advocacy approach strong and professional, and straight to the point. She complimented Kate’s competency and knowledge. She managed to  challenge the other parties’ argument, very robustly and critically. The Social Worker felt very relieved that she had a barrister who really fought for the LA addressing the issues on this case, which is very complex in nature.  Kate truly respected the Social Worker and gave her time and attention, even after the hearing."

Kate has a specialist practice in credit hire cases (a subset of contract law) both with and without associated personal injury proceedings. She is chosen by insurers to deal with the higher value cases especially if there are more unusual contract points to be explored.

Kate has a huge amount of experience in these cases and has acted in many cases where there are arguments of proportionality, impecuniosity and fundamental dishonesty.

Kate accepts instructions for written work or representation in court for a range of civil matters including contractual disputes, guarantees, indemnities and land mortgages. She is very good at advising in cases which are technical and detail-oriented, and accepts instructions for cases in the Land Tribunal.

Kate is experienced at dealing with HMO cases, and is very familiar with the civil and criminal regulations and procedures in this area. Her experience in criminal proceedings makes her a particularly good choice for these types of cases. 

Kate’s background and experience in civil and criminal work make her a natural choice for regulatory crime cases.

Kate is experienced in cases alleging housing benefit fraud, planning enforcement and HMO enforcement.  

Kate accepts instructions in personal injury cases in the fast track and multi-track. She is experienced in cases involving allegations of fraud and dishonesty and represents some of the country's largest insurers.

Kate's criminal practice means that she has exceptionally good skills of cross examination, and she is often instructed in cases where there are issues of witness credibility.

Kate has an active defence practice across traditional crown court matters, including multi-handed cases, conspiracy, cases involving firearms, cases depending on analysis of cell site evidence, fingerprint, DNA or other expert evidence. 

Kate has a specialism in cases involving mental health, and has a compassionate and knowledgeable approach. Her familiarity with mental health law, and how this intersects with the criminal jurisdiction, is particularly valuable. She is also very good at dealing with witnesses with mental health issues, ensuring that her cross examination is effective but not overbearing.

To instruct Kate in children or Court of Protection cases please contact Jay Dorton.

To instruct Kate in civil cases please contact Rob Johnstone.

To instruct Kate in criminal cases please contact Stephen Bush.