Leathes Prior welcomes Kate Smith to the firm
Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome Kate Smith to the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team, specialising in Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence.


Leathes Prior is delighted to welcome Kate Smith to the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team, specialising in Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence.
Kate qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2016 and joins us with over 10 years’ experience working in Litigation and Dispute Resolution with specialist knowledge and experience dealing with severe personal injury matters and property disputes. Kate has a reputation for being committed and compassionate to her clients, whilst having a strong eye for detail and providing a high level of client service.
Kate will be working closely with Partners, Mike Barlow and Polly Langford to enable Leathes Prior to continue to provide support and legal assistance to clients when most needed.
Partner and Head of the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team, Mike Barlow said: “We are delighted to welcome Kate to the team. I am sure that Kate’s wealth of experience and assured manner will be valued by clients and colleagues alike, enhancing the exceptional service provided by our specialist Personal Injury & Clinical Negligence lawyers. I very much look forward to working with Kate.”
Leathes Prior is thrilled to welcome Kate to the firm.

Autumn Budget 2025: Agricultural Property Relief & Business Property Relief Changes
It was announced in the 2025 Budget that from 6 April 2026, changes will be made to agricultural property relief and business property relief. These changes bring APR and BPR in line with the nil-rate band rules, meaning unused allowances can be transferred to a surviving spouse or civil partner. This is a significant step towards making estate planning easier for families who own farms or businesses.



The Employment Rights Act 2025 is expected to come into force tomorrow (18 December 2025)
After an extended period of back-and-forth amendments between Parliament and the House of Lords, on 16 December 2025, the ERB finally received approval from the House of Lords, with the formality of Royal Assent due to take place tomorrow (18 December 2025). Head of LP Employment, Dan Chapman, explains...
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Charity of the Month: The Matthew Project
Leathes Prior is delighted to be supporting The Matthew Project as our Charity of the Month for December 2025. The Matthew Project supports young people and adults across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex to overcome issues around drugs, alcohol, and mental health, empowering them to rebuild confidence and lead fulfilling lives.































