Kate joined Shoosmiths in March 2025 as a Partner in People and Reward after 17 years at Pinsent Masons enhancing the firm's capability to service living and education sector clients on a national scale.  Kate now leads both the Leeds and Birmingham Employment Teams at Shoosmiths. As a highly experienced employment lawyer with a track record of excellent client service Kate has developed an impressive network of clients.

Kate advises clients on the full spectrum of employment law matters but has a particular focus on supporting through periods of change and re-structures, managing workforce strategy, resolving disputes and maintaining compliance.  Kate is well versed in leading on high-value litigation and also advising clients through complex senior exits.  Kate has an understanding of the sensitivities around these issues and is able to guide clients through them acting as an invaluable sounding board to in-house legal and senior leaders.

Kate provides employers with clear, commercial and pragmatic guidance, acting as an extension to their teams and becoming familiar with their vision, strategic approach and attitude towards risk. Known for her calm, solutions-focused approach, she delivers timely advice that balances legal risk with operational priorities. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of a client's needs, enabling them to make confident decisions and build resilient high-performing and legally robust workplaces for success.

Recent experience examples:

• Successfully defending a multifaceted discrimination claim totalling 134 allegations over a 5 week hearing for a leading University;
• Leading the employment aspects of a large M&A transaction for a well known housebuilder following their recent acquisition of another house builder. This involved advising on complex TUPE issues, reorganisation and integration matters, advice in respect of the collective consultation/redundancy process required with the closure of a number of divisions and advising on the harmonisation of terms and conditions following integration;
• Conducting a judicial mediation of a high value discrimination claim leading to a successful and satisfactory outcome for the client; and
• Counselling clients on the requirements of the new Worker Protection Act and Employment Rights Bill.

Kate is recognised by clients as providing excellent client service, mixing technical excellence with strategic and pragmatic advice. She is recognised for her versatility, her commercial and robust advice and keeping abreast of topical issues.